How long does a package stay held in customs?

Routine customs clearance takes between 24 and 72 hours. If a package is flagged for physical inspection, missing commercial invoices, or unpaid import duties, it can remain held for 7 to 30 days.

What is the US $800 Section 321 de minimis rule?

Under US Customs Section 321, articles imported by one person on a single day having an aggregate fair retail value not exceeding $800 USD are exempted from duty and tax.

All Decoders/Customs Statuses & Duties

DHL • FedEx • USPS • UPS International Customs Clearance

Customs Tracking Statuses & Duty Limits

Package tracking stuck on “Held in Customs”? Learn why shipments get delayed, calculate whether your parcel exceeds the $800 US or €150 EU tax threshold, and take immediate action to release your goods.

Duty-Free Threshold Calculator

Will I Have to Pay Customs Duty & Taxes?

Select your destination country and input your package total to check if your parcel falls within duty-free tax exemption limits.

Declared Package Value:$120 USD

Tax Assessment:100% Duty-Free & Tax-Free

Qualifies under Section 321 De Minimis. Clears customs seamlessly.

Exemption Rule: $800 USD per person / day

International Tracking Status Decoder

DHL / FedEx / UPS / USPSAction Required / Delay

Held in Customs / Customs Clearance Delay

The package is undergoing physical or document inspection by government customs officers.

👉 Action Required: Check your email/SMS for customs notification. You may need to provide proof of purchase, National ID/Tax ID, or pay import duty/VAT taxes.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: 2 to 7 business days (can extend up to 30 days during peak holiday volume).

All CarriersNormal Progress

Cleared Customs / Customs Clearance Completed

Customs authorities have reviewed and officially released the package into the domestic postal network.

👉 Action Required: None! Delivery will proceed to your doorstep within 1–3 business days.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: 1 to 3 days until delivery.

USPS (ISC Chicago, New York, Miami, LA)Normal Progress

Inbound Out of Customs / Processed Through Facility (ISC)

The parcel has left the International Service Center (ISC) and entered USPS domestic distribution.

👉 Action Required: None. Watch for domestic tracking updates.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: 2 to 4 business days.

DHL Express, Royal Mail, FedExAction Required / Delay

Customs Duty / Import VAT Payment Required

Import tariffs, processing fees, or VAT taxes must be paid before the package can be released.

👉 Action Required: Click the secure carrier link to pay import fees online using a credit card. Unpaid items are returned to sender after 14–21 days.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: Released within 24 hours of payment.

Border AgencyProblem / Seizure

Item Seized / Prohibited by Customs

The package contains items forbidden by import laws (counterfeit goods, unregulated medications, seeds, or weapons).

👉 Action Required: Contact the carrier or customs agency quoted on the notice. Counterfeit and hazardous items are permanently destroyed.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: Permanent confiscation.

UPS / FedEx InternationalAction Required / Delay

Commercial Invoice Missing / Formal Clearance Required

The sender failed to attach the customs declaration invoice or item descriptions are too vague (e.g. labeled as 'Gift' or 'Parts').

👉 Action Required: Contact the sender/seller immediately to transmit an electronic commercial invoice to the carrier.

⏱️ Typical Resolution Time: Held until sender uploads paperwork.