Can I contact customs about my package?

You can submit your question, compliment, complaint, or tip online or by calling 1-877-CBP-5511 (877-227-5511). If you are outside the U.S. you must call +1-202-325-8000. (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired please call 7-1-1).

Who do I contact if my package is stuck in customs?

Contact your carrier

Contacting the shipper will help you to identify if there is anything you can do to speed up your shipment's time in customs. Make sure you have your tracking number on hand, as it will help your shipper locate your package.

How long should a package be in customs?

Typically, customs clearance takes less than 24 hours, however, there are times where it can take several days or weeks for goods to be inspected. When is customs clearance needed? Customs clearance is necessary for all packages entering the U.S. from other countries.

What to do if a package is stuck in US customs?

If your package is held at customs, you should contact the courier company in charge of your shipment. Normally, they should be able to help you with the customs clearing process, or even, just identifying the problem. Before contact, make sure you have the tracking number to give it to the courier to check its status.

Can you check customs about a package?

Track the package via the courier service through which you are receiving it or sent it, as U.S. Customs has no way to track packages. Most couriers provide a tracking option on their websites to track your package. Use the tracking code you received when you shipped your package.

Why is Your Parcel Delayed - and How to Avoid It

How do I speak to someone at US Customs?

How do I know if customs took my package?

Why is my package taking so long in customs?

Shipments are held to ensure they satisfy export or import customs regulations. This may be due to missing or incomplete paperwork, waiting for clearance instructions or because the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.

Do you get in trouble if your package is seized?

You may be subject to penalties up to the value of the genuine merchandise based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). These can be quite high and would require a separate petition filing to mitigate these fines down. Note you may not receive a penalty notice until way after the seizure case was closed.

How long can US Customs hold you?

If Immigration has not picked you up within this 48 hours, then they must release you. If the police don't file criminal charges AND if immigration does not file a detainer, call an attorney or community organization to help you get released from police custody.

How do I expedite US Customs?

How long does it take to go through US customs?

Based on historic clearance times, 1 hour should be enough time to get through Immigration and Customs. Most airports in the U.S. will get passengers through in less than 30 minutes, while others (such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport) will take longer.

Why won't customs release my package?

Why do some packages get stuck in customs? Missing or incorrect paperwork, outstanding duties and taxes, or dangerous or prohibited items are the main reasons why packages get stuck in customs.

Will customs return to sender?

NOTE: Any item bearing a handwritten customs form should not be accepted as mail. If that occurs, it will be returned to sender. Click "Where do I Deposit Mail that Requires Customs Declaration?" for additional information.

Why is my USPS international tracking not updating?

If tracking is not updated, make sure you have entered the exact same tracking number. USPS has a tracking number for each shipment, so you must use the correct number. If the problem persists, there may be a problem on the carrier's end.

How long does customs take to release a package?

It normally takes a matter of minutes or hours for a package to clear customs, but it can take days or even weeks if there is a problem.

Will I be notified if my package is seized by customs?

If CBP has detained your package for some reason (for example, lack of a proper invoice, bill of sale, or other documentation, a possible trademark violation, or if the package requires a formal entry) the CBP International Mail Branch holding it will notify you of the reason for detention (in writing) and how you can ...

What happens if a package is confiscated by customs?

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that seized the property should have forwarded the case to the appropriate supervisor for approval within 24 hours. The case is then referred to the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office within three working days.

How do packages get flagged?

Mail may be flagged if the letter or package is stained or is leaking. According to a USPS brochure, reused packaging and boxes are only acceptable when all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out.

How long does customs clearance take 2022?

As long as your documentation is accurate, it usually only takes one to two days to clear customs. If you are importing products that are food or drug related, customs clearance will take longer.

What happens if a shipment does not clear customs?

It will be seized by customs if the goods in the cargo are legal. It will then be auctioned off to compensate for its charges. The cargo custodian will resell the goods to compensate for the fees incurred.

Does US customs open every package?

Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.

At what point do you go through customs?

In most cases, you'll go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country, but there are exceptions. For example, some countries have mutual agreements intended to help speed travelers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board.

How can I clear U.S. Customs faster?

Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

Is there an app to get through U.S. Customs faster?

What you may not know is that it is completely free and easy to hop in the shorter line using a U.S. Customs and Border Protection phone app called Mobile Passport Control (MPC). The app is available on iOS and Android, is free of charge, and requires no application or membership fees.