Parcel Tracking Stuck at Customs: 5 Common Holds and How to Clear Them
包裹追踪 Stuck at Customs usually means one thing: customs needs information, money, or time before they release the shipment. The good news is most holds clear fast when you respond the right way and avoid back-and-forth.
1. Why is Parcel Tracking Stuck at Customs right now?

1.1 Which tracking messages usually mean “customs hold”?
Look for messages like:
- “Held at customs” / “Clearance delay”
- “等待缴纳关税/税款”
- “Need additional information”
- “Receiver action required”
- “Selected for inspection”
Next, check the latest scan time 和 地点. If updates still appear every 24–72 hours, customs may just be processing a backlog.
1.2 What you should do in the first 10 minutes
Do these steps first so you don’t waste time:
- Screenshot the tracking timeline (dates matter).
- Confirm the recipient name, phone, and address match the label.
- Find your order invoice/receipt and product page link.
- Note the 载体 (postal vs express) and the 追踪 format.
- Prepare one clean “proof pack”: invoice + payment proof + item description.
2. Hold #1: Missing or unclear paperwork (invoice/value/description)
2.1 Why customs stops parcels for paperwork
Customs wants to know what it is 和 what it’s worth. Vague descriptions trigger holds, like:
- “Gift”
- “Accessory”
- “Sample”
- “Parts”
- “Toy” (without details)
Also, customs may see a mismatch between the declared value and what similar goods usually cost. That mismatch often triggers a request.
2.2 How to clear it fast
Send a clean, consistent set of documents:
- Commercial invoice (even for personal orders)
- Payment proof (PayPal/Stripe/card receipt)
- Item details: material, brand/model (if relevant), quantity
- HS code if the shipper has it (optional, but helpful)
小贴士 Keep your description specific and simple, such as:
“Stainless steel tumbler, 450ml, 1 piece” or “Car seat cooling pad, 1 set, 12V/24V accessory”.
3. Hold #2: Duties/taxes unpaid or payment link missed

3.1 What this hold looks like in tracking
Common messages include:
- “Awaiting payment”
- “Charges due”
- “Held for payment confirmation”
- “Receiver must pay import fees”
Sometimes customs already released the parcel, but the 载体 blocks 送货 until you pay.
3.2 How to clear it without delays
Do this sequence:
- Check SMS/email from the carrier (spam folder too).
- Call carrier support and ask for the payment reference.
- Pay through the official carrier portal only.
- Save the receipt screenshot and tracking number together.
- Ask support to re-scan 或 re-push clearance after payment.
Also: If you never got a payment message, confirm the recipient phone number is correct. A wrong digit can stall everything.
4. Hold #3: Receiver identity required (KYC, EIN, VAT, ID number)

4.1 Why customs asks for ID details
Many countries require the importer/receiver to provide:
- National ID number, passport, or tax ID
- VAT number (some EU cases)
- EIN (some business imports)
- Proof of address (less common)
Customs uses this to match the shipment to a legal importer, especially for electronics, high-value goods, or repeated imports.
4.2 How to clear it safely
Take a careful approach:
- Provide details only through the 载体’s official process
- Send the minimum required info (no extras)
- Use a clear subject line: “Tracking: XXXX — ID requested”
If you feel unsure, ask the carrier:
“What exact document do you need, and where do I upload it?”
Avoid: sending ID through random WhatsApp numbers or unofficial emails.
5. Hold #4: Restricted item, prohibited content, or wrong category (HS code issues)

5.1 What triggers this hold
Customs pauses parcels when the contents look risky or regulated:
- Batteries, vapes, liquids, cosmetics, medical items
- Branded goods that look suspicious to customs
- Items needing certificates (CE/FCC, safety docs)
- Wrong HS code or category mismatch
Sometimes the problem is simple: the label says “gift”, but the box contains multiple commercial-looking items.
5.2 How to clear it (or stop it from getting worse)
Respond with clarity and consistency:
- Provide a plain description and correct use-case (personal use vs resale).
- Share the product link and invoice.
- Ask customs/carrier what they need: certificate, material statement, or amended invoice.
- If the item is actually restricted, discuss return to sender early. That choice can reduce storage days and extra handling.
Important: Never “invent” a lower value or change the item type to force clearance. Customs systems flag that quickly, and then everything slows down.
6. Hold #5: Random inspection, security screening, or customs backlog
6.1 What this hold means
Sometimes customs holds a parcel even when paperwork looks perfect. Reasons include:
- Random inspection quota
- X-ray anomaly that needs manual check
- Peak season congestion
- Staff shortage or local strikes/holidays
That said, “inspection” does not mean trouble by default. It often just means time.
6.2 What you can do while you wait
You still have leverage:
- Contact the carrier and request a status escalation
- Confirm customs has your documents (if any request exists)
- Ask whether the parcel needs a receiver action or not
- Set a follow-up schedule: every 48 hours (not every hour)
If you track through 邮政包裹, keep an eye on the newest event source. A switch from “customs” to “carrier warehouse” usually signals release.
7. Clearance playbook: the shortest path to release

7.1 Use this 6-step checklist
- Identify the hold type from the tracking wording.
- Gather invoice + payment proof + item description.
- Contact the carrier first (they handle customs communication).
- Respond once with a complete document pack.
- Pay charges immediately if required.
- Follow up every 48 hours with the same reference number.
7.2 A simple message you can send to support
Subject: Tracking XXXX — customs hold assistance
Message:
“Hi, my parcel tracking number is XXXX. 跟踪 shows a customs hold. Please confirm the exact reason and what you need from me. I can provide invoice, payment proof, and item details immediately. Thanks.”
8.结论
Parcel Tracking Stuck at Customs feels stressful, but most holds clear when you match the hold type with the right action: paperwork, payment, ID, content clarification, or patient follow-up. Track the latest scan, respond once with clean documents, then push the carrier for the next update. If you want one place to monitor updates across different couriers, use postalparcel to keep the timeline clear and spot “receiver action required” events early.
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