The world is much smaller than it was 50 years ago. With a simple click of the mouse, you can order alpaca socks from Peru, dark-roasted coffee from Indonesia, or some delicious wine from France. All of which will arrive on your doorstep in a matter of days.
Thanks to the current global supply chain and shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS, the modern consumer has access to more choices than ever at delivery times that our grandparents could never have imagined.
That said, although it may seem like a simple click of the mouse to you, behind that click is a complex system comprising various modes of transportation, hard-working personnel, and intricate laws and regulations that drive and maintain the global supply chain.
Of all these components, it’s the laws and regulations that can, at times, be the most complex and the most difficult to navigate. To enforce these laws and regulations, every country has its own customs agencies responsible for overseeing the flow of goods in and out of the country.
So, when you order your favorite wines from France or buy a jade tea set from China, these products must pass through Customs before they can be delivered. Upon arriving at Customs, agents inspect these shipments to ensure that they do not pose a risk to national security, that the contents are accurately declared, and that all duties, taxes, and fees have been paid.
If you look up the tracking information for your shipment during this time, you may encounter the status “Inbound into Customs.” So, what does that mean exactly, and how will it impact delivery times?
Let’s take a moment right now to demystify the “Inbound into Customs” tracking status and explain the customs process, potential delays you may encounter, and how they can impact delivery times.
Read on to learn more.
What Does “Inbound into Customs” Mean?
Essentially, “Inbound into Customs” means that a package has arrived in the destination country and is undergoing customs inspection. The inspection is a normal part of the customs process that must take place before a shipment is cleared and released to be shipped to its final destination.
During this process, customs authorities review the shipment paperwork to assess the contents for duties and taxes, check for prohibited or restricted items, and ensure all the proper documentation is present.
Typically, this process takes less than 24 hours; however, if the package requires a physical inspection or if there are issues with the paperwork, outstanding duties, or taxes, then the process can stretch out for days or even weeks.
The Role of Customs in International Shipping
So, you may be wondering, what’s the big deal? Why can’t I just get my coffee from Indonesia without delays caused by Customs?
Well, it’s because Customs plays a crucial role in monitoring and controlling goods entering a country. They also ensure packages comply with local laws, safety regulations, and duty/tax requirements. This monitoring and controlling of goods entering the country is necessary to protect the economy, prevent illegal goods from entering, promote fair trade practices, protect the environment, secure the borders, and streamline trade between countries.
But what exactly happens during a customs clearance?
There are several steps that shipments must go through before they clear Customs and are out for local delivery.
- Inspection of the shipment’s contents and documentation (customs declaration, bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, customs bond, arrival notice, certificate of insurance).
- Verification of the declared value for duties and taxes (commercial invoice).
- Checking for restricted or prohibited items (random screenings, X-ray scanners, detector dogs, etc.).
- Applying any necessary taxes or customs fees that have not yet been paid.
Again, this is a pretty streamlined and straightforward process that typically takes less than 24 hours; however, if one minor detail is missed or something is wrong, the shipment can be flagged and held until the issue is resolved. Depending on the issue and how long it takes to be resolved, it could be weeks or months before the package reaches its final destination.
Let’s look at some of the common reasons shipments are delayed during the customs process.
Potential Delays During Customs Processing
The most common reasons shipments are delayed during customs processing are issues with the paperwork and duties or taxes assessed that require payment. That said, there are many reasons customs could hold up your shipment. Let’s look at those now.
Most Common Reasons for Delays in Customs Service
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork: Missing invoices, wrong declared value, or incorrect customs forms are the most common problems people encounter when facing delays. It is important to note that regardless of who prepares the paperwork, the importer of record is legally responsible for ensuring its accuracy.
- Duty and tax assessments: Delays can occur if the shipment requires customs duties or taxes to be paid. “Delivered Duty Paid” (DDP) means the seller pays the duties upfront, while “Delivered Duty Unpaid” (DDU) means the buyer is responsible for paying duties upon delivery. If the shipment is DDU, then the package will be held until all duties and taxes are paid.
- Restricted or prohibited items: Items flagged as restricted may need additional permits, and prohibited items will be prevented from entering the country, causing delays. Prohibited items may include explosives, firearms, certain drugs, animal products, plants and plant products, large quantities of currency, illegal substances, wildlife parts, certain food items, and hazardous materials.
- Increased security checks: High-value items or specific product categories may undergo additional scrutiny, which can cause delays.
How Long Can Customs Clearance Take?
As mentioned, most shipments clear customs within a few hours and are en route to their final destination within 24 hours. However, delays can occur due to many issues, increasing shipping times by weeks or months.
Factors influencing the speed of customs clearance include package contents, destination country, shipping season, and whether or not it is delayed because of issues that need to be resolved. To ensure the quickest delivery of international shipments, always choose a reputable shipping company and make purchases from businesses experienced with shipping internationally.
What to Do if Your Shipment is Stuck in Customs
If you look up the tracking information for your shipment and you see the “Inbound into Customs” status for longer than 24 hours, there are several first steps that you can take.
- First, continue monitoring the tracking information regularly to see any status updates that may occur.
- Second, be patient; customs processing can take time, especially during peak shipping seasons.
- Next, if it’s been a while and you are still waiting for updates, contact your courier for more information on the customs status. In some cases, the post office or your courier can provide additional insights or expedite the process.
- Next, if your shipment has been delayed because of missing documents, make sure you provide any additional documentation that customs may require (invoices, permits, identification, etc.) for the package to be released.
- Last, if your shipment has been delayed because of duties, taxes, or fees owed, you can pay the balance owed through the postal service or shipping company you used or directly to Customs. Once payment is received, the package will be cleared for local delivery.
If your shipment is held or delayed for any other reason, you may need to contact someone at Customs at the port of entry directly to determine what needs to be done to resolve the issue.
Customs Duties, Taxes, and Fees
Although many people don’t enjoy paying duties and taxes on their international shipments, they do serve a purpose. Duty and taxes protect domestic industries from cheaper competition from abroad, generate revenue for the government, and regulate the import of specific goods.
What are Duty and Tax Assessments?
Customs officials assess duties and taxes based on the declared value of the goods and the destination country’s regulations. Duties are a type of tax levied on goods based on what kind of product it is, and taxes are charged on almost any type of purchase, similar to a sales tax. E
Every item has a specific duty rate, which is determined by a number of factors, including where the item was shipped from, where it was made, and what it is made of.
Who Pays?
Typically, the recipient is responsible for paying any applicable duties or taxes before the package can be released. If fees and penalties are added to the amount owed for any reason, the importer of record or recipient is also responsible for paying.
If you are making a purchase that requires international shipping, there are several ways you can pre-pay the duties and taxes to prevent delays.
- Some online stores may offer options to prepay estimated duties and taxes at checkout.
- Many shipping companies such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL allow prepayment of duties and taxes through their online portals, depending on the destination country and the country of origin. Also, if you have an account with one of these couriers, sometimes you can simply ask to be billed for the amount owed and pay it to the courier at a later date.
Again, it all really depends on where the goods are coming from and where they are going as to whether or not you have prepayment options. If prepayment options are unavailable, you will simply have to pay once the shipment arrives at customs.
Handling Payments
If your shipment is held in customs and waiting for duty and tax payment, you can sometimes pay through the postal service over the phone, online, at a USPS facility, or at your local post office. Otherwise, you can pay through your courier (UPS, FedEx, DHL) or directly to customs authorities. Your estimated delivery date may be extended if payment is delayed.
How to Avoid Common Issues with Customs
Avoiding common issues with Customs is easy if you know what you need to do beforehand. So, make sure you do your research ahead of time and be prepared. Here are some things to remember.
Properly Declaring Your Shipment
Complete customs forms accurately, including correct descriptions and values, and provide all the necessary documentation (e.g., invoices and receipts).
Understanding Restricted and Prohibited Items
Research the destination country’s customs regulations to avoid shipping items that are restricted or prohibited. If you are the recipient, ensure you understand what items are restricted or prohibited for import. Keep in mind purchasing illegal substances or materials online and having them shipped to your house can land you in prison and subject you to heavy fines.
Pre-Paying Duties and Taxes
Some couriers offer options for pre-paying customs duties and taxes, which can speed up the clearance process and avoid unexpected charges for the recipient. Again, this depends on the shipment’s origin and destination, so do your research ahead of time, and if you have prepay options, take advantage.
What Happens After Customs Clearance?
Once customs clearance is completed, the courier or USPS tracking status will typically update to “Cleared Customs” or something similar. The package is then handed over to the local postal service or courier for final delivery. If you opted for registered mail, you may need to sign for delivery or pick up your package at your local USPS facility or post office.
Delivery Timeframe
Once your shipment has cleared customs, you can expect the usual delivery timeframe depending on where you are in relation to the port of entry, the courier, and the level of service. For example, UPS Ground service from Baltimore to Minneapolis typically can take 3 to 5 business days. Remember to continue to check the tracking information for updates and an estimated date for delivery.
FAQs Regarding the “Inbound into Customs” Status
How long does a package stay in Customs?
Parcels typically take less than 24 hours to clear Customs if all the paperwork is accurate and if duties, taxes, and fees are prepaid or paid as soon as they arrive at the port. If issues with the shipment cause delays, a parcel could be held in Customs for weeks or months, depending on the issue and your level of proactiveness. Also, parcels held for more extended periods of time may be subject to additional fees.
Can I contact Customs directly to release my package?
Yes, you can contact Customs by phone or submit questions online to determine why the package is being held and what you need to do to have it released.
What happens if my package contains prohibited items?
Parcels containing prohibited items will likely be seized and disposed of by customs agents. If the items are illegal, you could also be subject to fines and legal repercussions.
Will I be notified if I need to pay customs fees?
Yes, typically, the courier or postal service will contact you via email or telephone on behalf of Customs with instructions on how to pay and how much you owe.
Why is my tracking not updating after “Inbound into Customs”?
If your tracking does not update after 24 hours or more after reaching Customs, then an issue with your shipment may need to be resolved. You will need to contact your courier or Customs directly to determine the next course of action to have your package released.
Conclusion
In a world of global commerce, where exotic goods are brought to the doorsteps of the modern consumer, international shipping is part of everyday life. This is why understanding the basic rules and regulations that govern the movement of goods across our borders, whether you are the shipper or the receiver, is essential to ensure that things get where they need to go when they need to get there.
So, the next time you see the status of “Inbound into Customs” and notice it hasn’t been updated in a while, don’t panic—your package is simply being held in Customs, and the issue can quickly be resolved with one quick phone call. That said, after reading this article, you should now have all the information you need to avoid finding yourself in this situation.
By ensuring all shipping documents and invoices are complete and accurate, by not sending or receiving restricted or prohibited items, and, if possible, by prepaying all duties and taxes through your courier, you can help to ensure you experience the quickest and most efficient international shipping possible