包裹被海关扣了怎么办？5 步教你解决清关问题
Your package has traveled across the ocean to the destination country but is stuck at customs—this is probably one of the most anxious moments for overseas Chinese. Don't panic. Customs detention (also called "customs hold") doesn't mean your package is lost. This article teaches you 5 steps to solve customs clearance issues and get your package back safely.
Why Is Your Package Held by Customs?
Common reasons for customs detention include:
Reason for Detention
Frequency
Difficulty to Resolve
Description
Random Inspection
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy
Most common. Customs randomly selects packages to verify contents. Usually released automatically after 2-5 days.
Declaration Discrepancy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medium
The declared item name/quantity/value does not match the actual contents. Supplementary materials are required.
Exceeds Duty-Free Allowance
⭐⭐⭐
Easy
Additional payment requiredCustoms DutiesRelease after payment
Restricted items / License required
⭐⭐
Difficult
Some items require import license (e.g.Food,medications, electronics)
Suspected commercial use
⭐⭐
Medium
Too many identical items, considered commercial import
Prohibited items
⭐
Difficult
Contains prohibited ingredients or items, may be confiscated
5 Steps to Resolve Customs Detention
Step 1: Confirm Detention Status
Don't panic yet. Check the latest status viaImagineShipoftracking. If it shows ”In Customs Inspection” or ”Awaiting Customs Clearance”, it may just be normal queuing. It is normal for international packages to stay in customs for 3-5 business days.
Step 2: Check Customs Notice
If the package is officially detained, you will usually receive a notice (email, SMS, or courier notification). The notice will specify:
Reason for detention
Documents required
Response deadline
Contact department and phone number
No notice received? Contact the courier in the destination country (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post) to inquire.
Step 3: Prepare Supplementary Materials
Prepare corresponding documents based on the reason for detention:
Declaration Discrepancy: Screenshot of shopping order (Taobao/JD order details), payment proof, product description
Exceeds duty-free allowance: Prepare to pay tax (amount usually stated in customs notice)
Personal use proof: Declaration letter stating personal use, attach shopping receipt
Food/Medicine: Ingredient list (in English), original packaging photos
Step 4: Respond to Customs Promptly
Customs notices usually have a response deadline (7-30 days). Failure to respond may result in the package being returned or destroyed. Response methods:
Submit online (most countries' customs have online systems)
Reply via email (attach scanned documents)
Handle through a customs broker (ImagineShip's DDP lines include this service)
Step 5: Pay Duties for Release or Appeal
After submitting documents, results usually come within 3-7 business days. If tax is due, pay online and customs will release the package for delivery. If you believe the detention is unreasonable, you can file an appeal.
Customs Detention Handling by Country
Country
Customs system
Inquiry method
Average processing time
🇺🇸 USA
CBP (Customs and Border Protection)
Track via USPS/UPS/FedEx
3-10 days
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
HMRC
Royal Mail online tracking
3-7 days
🇨🇦 Canada
CBSA
Canada Post Tracking
3-14 Days
🇦🇺 Australia
ABF
Australia Post Tracking
3-10 days
🇩🇪 Germany
Zoll
DHL/Hermes Tracking
5-14 Days
🇸🇬 Singapore
Singapore Customs
SingPost Tracking
2-5 Days
🇯🇵 Japan
Customs
Japan Post Tracking
3-7 days
How to Prevent Customs Detention?
Declare Truthfully — Name, quantity, and amount must be accurate. Under-declaring value is one of the most common reasons for seizure.
Control Value Per Box — Try to keep each box's value below the duty-free threshold (Duty-Free Allowances by Country).
Avoid Sensitive Product Names — Names like “medicine”, “cosmetics”, “health supplements” can easily trigger inspections. If the item is compliant, specify the exact name rather than a general category.
Ship Personal Items Separately — Too many identical items may be suspected as commercial imports. It is recommended to ship in batches.
Choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Lines — ImagineShip's DDP service is handled by a professional customs clearance team, greatly reducing the risk of seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get My Package Back If It's Held by Customs?
In most cases, yes. Random inspections and additional duties are the most common reasons. Once you submit the required documents or pay the tax, the package will be released. Only genuine prohibited items (e.g., counterfeits, controlled substances) may be confiscated.
Do I Need to Pick Up the Package Myself If It's Held by Customs?
No. All procedures can be handled online or by phone/email. Once the documents are approved or the tax is paid, the package will continue to be delivered to the original address.
If I Choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), Can It Still Be Detained?
The seizure rate for DDP lines is very low (<5%) because the professional customs team prepares all documents in advance. Even if inspected, the team will handle it on your behalf, so you basically don't need to worry.
Having trouble with customs clearance?Contact ImagineShip Customer Service, our professional customs team is here to help!