If your UPS tracking shows "Import Scan," it means your international package has arrived in the destination country and has been scanned into UPS's domestic network there. This is a major milestone — it signals that your package has crossed the border and is now moving through the local UPS system toward final delivery.
For many international shipments, the Import Scan appears after customs clearance, though in some cases it may appear before formal clearance is complete. Either way, it means your package is physically in the destination country and the end of its journey is near.
Here's exactly what the Import Scan means, what happens next, and when you can expect delivery.
What It Means
"Import Scan" is a UPS tracking event recorded when an international shipment is unloaded and scanned at a UPS import facility in the destination country. It marks the transition from the international shipping network to the domestic UPS network.
What this status tells you:
- Your package has physically arrived in the destination country
- It has been scanned into the UPS import facility (typically at a major airport or border crossing hub)
- It is either clearing customs or has already cleared customs
- It will next move to a regional hub or local delivery facility
Typical sequence around the Import Scan:
| Event | What it means | |---|---| | Departed Origin Country | Package left the sending country | | Arrived at Destination Country | Package physically landed in destination country | | Import Scan | Scanned into UPS's domestic network in destination country | | Customs Clearance | Package cleared by customs authorities | | In Transit | Moving through domestic UPS network | | Destination Scan | Arrived at local delivery facility | | Delivered | Package delivered |
Note on customs: Depending on the shipment, customs clearance may appear before or after the Import Scan, or may not show as a separate event at all. UPS handles customs clearance as part of its international services for many shipments.
Why It Happens
An Import Scan occurs when UPS workers at an international gateway facility unload and process incoming international packages. The scan records the package entering the domestic network.
1. Package arrived via air freight Most international UPS shipments travel by air. When the aircraft lands and cargo is unloaded at a UPS air hub (e.g., Louisville, KY for US-bound shipments), packages are scanned as they're processed — this generates the Import Scan.
2. Package crossed a land border For shipments between neighboring countries (e.g., US-Canada, US-Mexico), the Import Scan occurs at a border crossing UPS facility when the truck crosses and packages are scanned in.
3. Customs processing is underway or complete The Import Scan often coincides with customs processing. UPS's brokerage services handle customs clearance for many shipments, and the Import Scan may be logged simultaneously with or just before/after the customs release.
4. UPS's international network handoff UPS operates separate international and domestic networks. The Import Scan is the formal handoff point — once scanned, your package is treated as a domestic shipment moving toward your address.
How Long It Lasts
After the Import Scan, delivery typically takes 1–5 business days, depending on:
- The destination country's UPS network coverage
- Distance from the import facility to your delivery address
- Whether any customs holds apply
- The UPS service level paid for (Worldwide Express vs. Worldwide Expedited vs. Standard)
Typical timelines after Import Scan (US as destination):
| Remaining distance | Typical time to delivery | |---|---| | Near the import hub (e.g., Louisville area) | 1–2 business days | | Mid-country | 2–3 business days | | Far from the hub | 3–5 business days |
If customs clearance is pending: Additional time may be required. For routine shipments with complete documentation, clearance is often same-day. Complex shipments, missing paperwork, or flagged packages can add 1–5+ days.
What comes after: You'll see In Transit scans, then a Destination Scan when the package reaches your local facility, followed by Loaded on Delivery Vehicle and Delivered.
Should You Be Concerned?
No — Import Scan is a positive, expected status for international shipments. It means your package made it to the destination country successfully.
Completely normal:
- Seeing Import Scan and then no update for 24–48 hours (customs processing takes time)
- The Import Scan location being a different city from your delivery address (it's an import hub, not your local facility)
- Multiple days passing between Import Scan and Destination Scan for cross-country destinations
Worth monitoring if:
- No update appears for 5+ business days after the Import Scan
- A "Customs Delay" or "Held by Customs" event appears after the Import Scan
- Your estimated delivery date has passed and tracking is still showing Import Scan
- You receive a request from UPS or customs for additional documentation or duties payment
Customs duties notice: For some shipments, after the Import Scan you may receive a request to pay import duties or taxes before the package can be released. Monitor your email and the UPS tracking page for any such requests.
What You Can Do
In most cases, just wait — Import Scan means your package is progressing normally.
1. Monitor tracking for the next update Expect the next scan within 24–48 hours as your package clears customs and moves to a regional hub. Sign up for UPS tracking notifications at ups.com/track.
2. Check for customs duty notices For international shipments, check your email for any UPS Brokerage notices requesting payment of import duties, taxes, or fees. Unpaid duties will hold your package until resolved. You can also check ups.com/clearance for duty status.
3. Ensure your contact information is current Customs authorities or UPS may contact you for additional documentation. Make sure the phone number and email associated with the shipment are reachable.
4. Contact UPS if stalled for 5+ business days If no update appears after 5 business days post-Import Scan, call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 and ask about the customs clearance status of your shipment. Provide your tracking number and the sender's country.
5. Contact the sender if needed Customs clearance issues sometimes stem from incomplete or incorrect documentation from the shipper. If UPS indicates a documentation issue, notify the sender so they can provide corrections.
When to Contact the Carrier
Contact UPS if:
- No tracking update for 5+ business days after the Import Scan
- A customs hold or delay event appears and you need guidance
- You receive a duty/tax notice and need help understanding the amount
- Your estimated delivery date has passed with no further movement
How to contact UPS:
- Track online: ups.com/track
- Phone: 1-800-742-5877
- Customs/brokerage: ups.com/us/en/support/customs-clearance.page
- UPS My Choice: ups.com/mychoice
Related guides: UPS Destination Scan, UPS On the Way, UPS Warehouse Scan.