Deadlines that actually apply
Statutory and carrier clocks, not delivery predictions.
Last reviewed 9 Nov 2026 · knowledge base v2026.11.12-r3 · Not legal, tax or customs advice.
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
United Kingdom
- Royal Mail and Parcelforce keep a parcel 21 days after the Fee-to-Pay card (pay online by day 19), then return it. Sources: personal.help.royalmail.com, parcelforce.com
Elsewhere
- Netherlands: reclaim import charges within 90 days after returning goods. Sources: douane.nl
- Canada: reviews of surtax decisions are referred to a 90-day window in CN 26-23; check the trigger date on your notice. Unconfirmed Sources: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- No EU-wide or Australian consumer hold period was found; ask the carrier. Unconfirmed Sources: taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu