If your DHL tracking shows "Shipment is Undergoing Security Inspection," your package is being physically or electronically screened by customs authorities, airport security, or a government regulatory body. This is a mandatory part of international shipping for a certain percentage of packages — not a sign that something is wrong with your specific shipment.
While this status can be alarming to see, most security inspections are routine and resolve within a few days without any action required on your part. In some cases, however, additional documentation may be requested.
Here's what this status means, how long inspections typically take, and what you should do while your package is being screened.
What It Means
"Shipment is Undergoing Security Inspection" means your package has been selected for screening by one of the following:
- Customs authorities in the origin or destination country
- Airport security for air cargo screening (required for all air shipments under various international regulations)
- Government regulatory agencies with authority over specific goods (e.g., food safety, agricultural, pharmaceutical)
- DHL's internal security team for packages flagged by automated systems
Key facts:
- This is a normal part of international and some domestic shipping
- Selection is often random — it doesn't mean you or the sender has done anything wrong
- The inspection is conducted by authorities, not just DHL
- DHL cannot speed up or bypass a government security inspection
How this fits into the DHL tracking sequence:
| Status | What it means | |---|---| | Customs Status Updated | Customs processing in progress | | Undergoing Security Inspection | Package selected for screening | | Clearance Processing Complete | Inspection passed, cleared for delivery | | Shipment is on Hold | Held if issue found during inspection | | With Delivery Courier | Out for delivery |
Most packages pass inspection and proceed to "Clearance Processing Complete" without any issues.
Why It Happens
1. Random customs selection Customs agencies in every country randomly select a percentage of all international shipments for physical inspection. This is a standard security measure — being selected doesn't imply suspicion of your specific package.
2. Air cargo security screening All packages transported by air cargo (which includes most DHL international shipments) are subject to security screening regulations. Depending on the route and carrier relationship, this may trigger a visible tracking event.
3. Country-specific import controls Some countries apply higher scrutiny to certain types of goods — electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or high-value items. If your shipment falls into a higher-scrutiny category, inspection is more likely.
4. Discrepancy in declared contents or value If the declared contents or declared value on the customs form doesn't match what X-ray or scanning suggests is inside the package, customs will open it for physical inspection.
5. Origin country flags Certain origin countries are subject to heightened security review in the destination country, resulting in higher inspection rates for packages from those regions.
For context on what happens if the inspection results in a hold, see DHL Shipment is on Hold and DHL Further Detail.
How Long It Lasts
Security inspection timelines vary based on the type of inspection and the authority conducting it:
- Automated/X-ray screening: Often completed within hours and the tracking event may barely register before the next update appears
- Physical customs inspection: Typically 1–3 business days
- Specialist inspection (food, pharma, agricultural): 2–5 business days
- Complex regulatory review: Can extend to 1–2 weeks in rare cases
What to watch for: If the inspection passes without issues, you'll see "Clearance Processing Complete" or "Customs Status Updated" within a few days.
If the inspection reveals a problem — contraband, misdeclared goods, restricted items — the shipment may be seized by customs, placed on hold, or returned to sender. DHL will notify you if this occurs.
For most routine inspections, no action is required from you while the inspection is ongoing.
Should You Be Concerned?
Generally no — most security inspections are routine and resolve without incident. However, the situation merits monitoring.
Routine and expected:
- The status appearing for 1–3 days before progressing
- Being unable to get specific details about why your package was selected (authorities don't typically disclose this)
- DHL being unable to intervene or expedite the inspection on your behalf
Pay attention if:
- The status has been "Undergoing Security Inspection" for more than 5 business days
- You receive a notice from DHL or customs requesting documentation
- Your shipment contains regulated goods (food, supplements, electronics with batteries, etc.)
- The shipment contains high-value items that may attract additional scrutiny
If documentation is requested: Respond as quickly as possible. Customs agencies set deadlines for documentation responses, and failure to respond can result in the shipment being returned or seized. Contact the shipper immediately if the required documents must come from them.
What You Can Do
1. Wait and monitor — most inspections resolve on their own For the first 3 business days, the best action is to monitor your tracking at DHL's tracking page for the next status update.
2. Check for DHL or customs communication DHL will contact you if action is required. Check your email (including spam) and phone messages. If customs is requesting documentation or duties, you'll receive a formal notice.
3. Contact DHL after 5 business days If the status hasn't changed after 5 business days:
- DHL Express: 1-800-225-5345
- DHL eCommerce: 1-800-805-9306
- Online: dhl.com/contact
Ask: "My shipment has been undergoing security inspection for X days — what is the current status and is any action required from me?"
4. Contact the shipper if documentation is needed If customs requires a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, import license, or other documentation, the shipper may need to provide it. Contact them immediately.
5. Review DHL's customs information For details on what's required for your shipment type, visit DHL's customs services page or DHL MyGTS.
When to Contact the Carrier
Contact DHL if the status hasn't changed after 5 business days, or if you receive a documentation/payment request.
DHL Contact Options:
- DHL Express: 1-800-225-5345
- DHL eCommerce: 1-800-805-9306
- Track online: dhl.com/tracking
- Customer service: dhl.com/contact
- DHL Customs/Brokerage: dhl.com/customs
- DHL MyGTS: mygts.dhl.com
Related guides: