## How to Resolve and Avoid Customs Delays for Your Packages

No one likes seeing the dreaded message about their package being detained by customs. Whether you’re the sender or the recipient, a customs detainment can be a major headache. It’s also one of the main reasons international logistics is so complicated.

When this happens, you’ll need to follow up and try to get it released by completing the necessary paperwork or paying the required fees. Additionally, understanding the cause can help you prevent it from happening again.

That’s what this post aims to address. In this guide, we help you understand why packages get stuck in customs, how you can get them out, and how you can prevent it from happening again. Let’s dig in.

### How to Resolve Packages Stuck in Customs

Now it’s time to address the most important concern–how you can resolve a customs delay and ensure that the package gets released for final delivery. Here are a few actionable steps you can take to get your shipment released by customs. 

#### Understand That the Customs Process Takes Time

First, it’s important to understand that not all customs holds are due to an issue with the shipment. Customs processes often take time, often requiring several days to complete. This is particularly true when using slower shipping methods such as airmail.

Shipments are typically inspected by customs to ensure that the contents match what is declared and that the value of the goods is correctly stated. There’s not much you can do to speed up these inspections, so it’s often best to wait. To help you understand a typical customs process, here’s a breakdown of the usual steps involved:

1. **Validation of Shipment Paperwork**: A customs officer will validate your shipment paperwork to ensure everything is in order. Any missing, incomplete, or incorrect paperwork is identified and flagged. Sometimes, the package contents are also examined to ensure they match the declaration.

2. **Determination of Import Duties and Taxes**: The correct import duties and taxes are determined based on the content and paperwork. These fees depend on factors like the type of goods and the shipment's value. 

3. **Payment of Fees**: If duties and taxes are required, customs will request the necessary payments. For delivery duty paid (DDP) shipping, the process moves quickly, and packages often get cleared immediately. For delivery duty unpaid (DDU) shipping, customs will forward the package to a customs broker to collect the applicable fees. The package remains with customs until these fees are paid.

4. **Final Clearance and Delivery**: Once all duties and taxes are paid, the package is cleared by customs and handed over to the courier service for final delivery.

#### Reach Out to Your 3PL Provider or Shipping Carrier to Confirm the Delay

If your shipment is taking too long to clear customs, reach out to your third-party logistics (3PL) provider or shipping carrier to confirm if it’s actually on customs hold. Sometimes, it may just be a delay due to bottlenecks on the customs end, which is common during peak shipping seasons.

In cases where there’s an issue causing the hold, your 3PL or carrier may provide context or help speed up the process.

#### Double-Check Your Copy of Paperwork

If your carrier cannot provide a reason for the hold, check your copy of the paperwork to ensure all necessary information is included and correct. In case of any missing or incorrect paperwork, contact customs authorities to provide the necessary documents. Double-check with the customer to ensure their information is correct.

#### Wait for Updates and Fulfill Any Missing Duties (If Applicable)

Once you’ve ensured that everything is in order or provided the necessary documents, wait for updates from customs. You will be notified about any additional fees that need to be paid. Ensure these are paid in full so the customs hold can be lifted, allowing the package to proceed to the next delivery stage.

### Why Is My Package Stuck in Customs?

Having a package stuck in customs is frustrating. To resolve the issue, you need to figure out why it’s being detained. Here are the most common reasons for customs detainment:

#### Poorly Completed Paperwork

Missing or incorrect paperwork is a leading cause of customs detainment. International shipments typically require documentation detailing the package's contents and value. Ensure all necessary paperwork is complete and correct.

#### Outstanding Fees & Taxes

If there are outstanding taxes and fees, customs will hold the package until these are paid. This can be prevented with delivery duty paid (DDP) shipping, where duties and taxes are settled beforehand.

#### Dangerous or Prohibited Goods

Customs may detain shipments containing prohibited, hazardous, or dangerous items. Ensure you comply with applicable laws and regulations when shipping such items.

### How to Prevent Customs Delays

Customs delays can result from oversights and errors from all involved parties. Here’s a breakdown of responsibilities and fees for both senders and receivers to prevent these delays:

#### Sender Responsibilities & Fees

- Pack shipments according to regulations.

- Generate shipping labels with all necessary information.

- Include a commercial invoice with all required details.

- Ensure details like tariff codes and addresses are correct.

- Generate a packing list indicating the number of items in the shipment.

- Include a customs declaration form with accurate item descriptions and values.

- Pay necessary taxes.

#### Receiver Responsibilities & Fees

- Enter names and addresses correctly.

- Pay necessary import duties and shipping charges.

- Provide proof of address and identity documents when applicable.

- Provide other relevant documents for commercial imports.

### Stack the Odds in Your Favor with HSO Network

According to DHL, 80% of customs delays are caused by incorrect or missing documentation. You can mitigate this risk by partnering with a 3PL experienced in international shipping and logistics such as HSO Network.

#### Automate Customs Paperwork with HSO Network

HSO Network’s proprietary software allows you to add customs info and tariff codes to each SKU. The Customs Information panel lets you enter crucial information for each item, which is then automatically included when generating a commercial invoice.

#### Global Fulfillment Solutions to Avoid Customs Delays

HSO Network’s global fulfillment network allows ecommerce brands to place inventory in countries worldwide, avoiding customs by shipping in-country. Leveraging HSO Network’s international fulfillment centers helps bypass duties and taxes, preventing customs holds.

HSO Network has fulfillment centers in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia, all powered by HSO Network’s proprietary technology.

#### Prevent Customs Delays with HSO Network’s Tariff Code Management

HSO Network has an HS code lookup system that aids in accurate tariff code assignment and management, a common source of customs holdups. Using HSO Network’s tools allows you to set up customs and tariffs correctly to avoid delays.

If you’re ready to scale your business internationally, connect with HSO Network for international shipping and global fulfillment.