Why is my package held at customs in the US?
A held scan means customs or the carrier needs something before the parcel can move on: information, documents or payment. Most holds clear once that is provided. Below: what the common statuses mean, which deadlines are real, and what the carriers charge.
Last reviewed 2026-11-09 · built from the sourced knowledge base · Not legal, tax or customs advice.
Quick answer: My parcel says 'Held in Customs'. What happens next?
CBP decides to release or detain within 5 business days; if no decision within 30 days it is treated as excluded. Unentered goods move to a general order warehouse after 15 days.
Hold: customs needs something
- 'Held in customs', 'clearance delay', 'clearance event': documents, data or payment are missing, or the parcel is being inspected. Sources: fedex.com, dhl.de
- In the US, CBP decides to release or detain within 5 business days, and a detention not decided within 30 days counts as an exclusion you can protest. Sources: ecfr.gov
- In the EU, from 1 Nov 2026, a low-value distance-sales declaration without the mandatory product identifiers (merchant ID, manufacturer ID, standard barcode ID where one exists) is a likely hold reason. There was no delay. Sources: douane.nl, sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es
Pay: charges assessed
- 'Import fees due', 'fee to pay', 'awaiting duty payment': pay only through the carrier's official site or card. In the UK you have 21 days. Sources: ups.com, personal.help.royalmail.com
United States
- 15 days after arrival, unentered goods can go to a general order warehouse; the carrier notifies by day 20. Sources: ecfr.gov
- 6 months in general order and goods become unclaimed and can be sold. Sources: ecfr.gov
- Detention: decision within 5 business days; no decision within 30 days means deemed excluded. Sources: ecfr.gov
- Seizure petition: generally within 30 days of the notice. Protest: within 180 days of liquidation. Sources: ecfr.gov, cbp.gov
Fees
- USPS: $9.35 per dutiable item (from 18 Jan 2026); not charged on inbound letters/flats since 12 Jul 2026; not refundable. Sources: about.usps.com, about.usps.com, pe.usps.com
- UPS: 2.5% of duties/taxes, min $17.50 (from 7 Sep 2026), plus $12 if paid at the door. FedEx: greater of $17.50 or 2.5%. DHL Express: greater of $17.50 or 2%. Sources: ups.com, ups.com, fedex.com, dhl.com