Customs & International Shipping
Understand customs holds, clearance events, and international shipping delays for all carriers.
USPS (1)
FedEx (2)
FedEx "International Shipment Release – Import" — What It Means & What to Do
FedEx tracking shows 'International Shipment Release – Import'? Learn what this customs clearance status means, how long it takes, and what to do next.
FedEx Clearance Delay — International Customs Holds
FedEx Clearance Delay means your international package is held at customs. Learn why this happens, typical timeframes, and how to resolve it.
UPS (2)
UPS "Import Scan" — What It Means & What Happens Next
UPS tracking shows 'Import Scan'? Your package has cleared into the destination country. Learn what this status means and when to expect delivery.
UPS Customs Clearance — International Shipment Processing
UPS Customs Clearance means your international package is being processed by customs. Learn typical timeframes and how to resolve delays.
DHL (4)
DHL "Customs Status Updated" — What It Means
DHL tracking shows 'Customs Status Updated'? Your package is in customs and the status has changed. Here's what this means, how long it takes, and what to do.
DHL "Shipment is Undergoing Security Inspection" — What It Means
DHL tracking says your shipment is undergoing security inspection? Your package is being screened by customs or security authorities. Here's what to expect.
DHL "Clearance Processing Complete" — What It Means
DHL tracking shows 'Clearance Processing Complete'? Your package has passed customs and is cleared for delivery. Here's what to expect next and how long it takes.
DHL Customs Clearance — International Shipment Processing
DHL Customs Clearance means your international package is being processed by customs. Learn typical timeframes and how to resolve delays.
All Carriers (20)
Can You Ship Gift Cards?
Yes — you can ship gift cards (unlike cash). Learn how to ship physical and digital gift cards safely, insurance tips, and international customs rules.
Shipping Restrictions: What You Can't Ship
Every carrier restricts certain items — batteries, alcohol, medication, cash, and more. Learn the common shipping restrictions and how to ship restricted items legally.
Can You Ship Batteries?
Yes — but batteries are restricted hazmat. Learn the rules for lithium, alkaline, and other batteries by carrier, plus packaging and labeling requirements.
Can You Ship Perfume?
Perfume contains alcohol and is flammable, so it's restricted hazmat. Learn the rules for shipping perfume domestically and internationally by carrier.
Can You Ship Alcohol?
Shipping alcohol is heavily regulated — carriers require licenses, special labeling, and adult signature. Learn the rules for shipping wine, beer, and spirits.
Can You Ship Medication?
You can ship medication, but prescription drugs are heavily regulated. Learn the rules for shipping prescription and OTC medication domestically and internationally.
Can You Ship Cash?
Shipping cash is prohibited by most carriers and risky. Learn why cash is banned, what to ship instead (checks, money orders), and what happens if you try.
How Long Does International Shipping Usually Take?
International shipping takes 3–21 days depending on service and customs. Learn the time ranges by service, what slows it down, and when to report a delay.
Can Customs Return a Package to Sender?
Wondering if customs can send your package back to the seller instead of delivering it? Here's when returns happen and what to expect.
How Long Can Customs Hold a Package?
Wondering how long customs can legally hold your international package? Here's the typical timeline and what affects it.
How Are Customs Duties Calculated?
Wondering how customs calculates the duty you owe on an international package? Here's exactly how the math works, step by step.
Can Customs Destroy a Package?
Worried customs might destroy your package instead of returning it? Here's exactly when destruction happens and how it differs from seizure.
What Items Are Commonly Stopped by Customs?
Wondering what kinds of items customs flags most often? Here's a full list of commonly stopped, restricted, and prohibited categories.
Can Customs Seize a Package?
Worried customs might seize your international package? Here's when seizure actually happens, why, and what your options are afterward.
Why Did Customs Open My Package?
Tracking shows your package was opened by customs? Here's exactly why customs inspects packages and what happens after.
Do I Have to Pay Customs Fees?
Wondering if you owe customs fees on an incoming package? Here's when customs charges apply and how to find out how much you owe.
Who Pays Customs Charges?
Confused about who's responsible for customs charges on an international shipment? Here's how responsibility is determined and how to check yours.
What Happens If Customs Fees Are Not Paid?
Haven't paid a customs bill on your package yet? Here's exactly what happens if customs fees go unpaid, and how much time you have.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Usually Take?
How long does customs clearance take for international packages? From 1 day to 4 weeks depending on country, carrier, and goods type. Full breakdown here.
Package Stuck in Customs for Weeks — What Happens?
Your package has been stuck in customs for days or weeks? Here's why it happens, how long it should take, and what you can do to get your shipment released.