If you’ve ever ordered a package from outside the country, you may have seen the tracking status say “inbound into customs.” This phrase can be confusing if you don’t know what it means. Customs is an important step in the process of international shipping and it’s helpful to understand what’s going on when your package enters inbound into customs. This guide will explain what inbound into customs means, why it happens, and what you can expect for your package.
When a package is inbound into customs, it means that the package has arrived in the destination country and is now being processed through that country’s customs clearance procedures. Every package coming into the United States from another country must go through customs to be legally imported. Customs gives the government an opportunity to verify the contents, collect any applicable duties or taxes, and ensure the shipment follows regulations.
Going through customs is a routine process for international mail and there’s no need to worry just because your package says “inbound into customs.” It simply means your package has arrived in the US and will now go through the standard customs process before continuing to you. The timing varies, but most packages clear customs within 24 hours.
Why Does My Package Go Through Customs?
Any package arriving from outside the US must be cleared by customs before it can be delivered to you. Here are some of the main reasons why customs clearance is required:
- To verify the contents of the package and make sure they are legal to import. Customs inspectors will check for banned or prohibited items.
- To assess and collect any duties, taxes, or fees that are owed on the items. Some international shipments are subject to import taxes.
- To screen for security risks like dangerous materials or contraband. Customs helps enforce import restrictions.
- To gather data on what is being imported. Detailed records are kept on trade volumes and types.
- To facilitate collection of owed import payments from the recipient. Customs documents help ensure payment of taxes.
- To enforce trade laws and regulations. Customs entry gives a chance to identify any violation.
So in short, inbound into customs means your package is now being processed through this standard clearance procedure to legally enter the country.
What Does Inbound Into Customs Mean for My Package’s Status?
When you see the tracking status “inbound into customs,” it simply indicates that your package has arrived at the port of entry and is now going through customs before being released for delivery. Here is what you can expect to happen during this process:
- The package will undergo necessary customs inspection, screening, and assessment of any duties owed. This may involve opening the package for physical inspection.
- The customs agency will determine if the shipment meets all requirements or if any issues need to be resolved before release.
- Any taxes or fees that are owed will need to be paid by the importer before customs will release the package. The recipient may get a bill.
- Once cleared, the package will depart the customs facility and resume transportation to the delivery address. The status will update when it departs customs.
- Certain high-risk shipments may undergo additional scrutiny and be held longer in customs before release. Most packages are processed within 24 hours.
- Delays can happen but customs rarely holds a package for more than 2-3 days unless an issue is identified. The carrier can help resolve any extended delays.
So in most cases, inbound into customs is just a temporary status and your package will be back on the move once it finishes this customs processing.
What Does the ISC Facility Do with My Package?
When a package is inbound into customs, it will arrive at one of the main postal International Service Centers (ISCs) that handle customs clearance for USPS international mail. There are five major ISC locations:
- ISC New York – Processes mail entering the Northeast from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
- ISC Miami – Handles mail from Latin America and the Caribbean
- ISC Chicago – Covers packages from Asia and Oceania
- ISC Los Angeles – For mail coming from Asia and Oceania
- ISC San Francisco – Also processes packages from Asia/Oceania region
These facilities act as the centralized point of entry where mail coming from abroad is inspected and cleared by Customs and Border Protection. The ISC serves an important role making sure only legal mail enters the US.
When your package says it’s inbound into customs, it means it has arrived at the ISC serving the region your item is coming from. Customs officers will validate all required documents, assess any import taxes, screen for prohibited items, and make sure the shipment meets all regulations before releasing your package to continue to you. This vital ISC processing ensures secure international mail.
Reasons Your Package May Be Delayed at Customs
While most packages breeze through customs in under a day, sometimes shipments get held up longer during the inbound customs process. Here are some common reasons your package may hit delays at customs:
- Missing or incorrect customs paperwork – All required forms and invoices must be complete.
- Selected for additional customs exam – A physical inspection may be performed.
- Questions about product legality – Unusual items may raise flags.
- Suspicion of customs rule violation – Fraud, illegal contents, or under-valuation.
- Failure to pay import fees or taxes owed – The recipient must pay any assessed duties.
- Package contents require other agency review – Some products trigger extra oversight.
- Backlogs or volume spikes at customs office – More packages than usual to process.
- Shipment violated import bans – Products prohibited by customs laws.
- Security concerns are identified – Customs inspection reveals risks.
- Unable to verify ingredients or product origin – Customs needs to confirm details.
- Language barriers slow communication – Translation needs delay response.
If your package seems stuck or is delayed past the typical 1-3 days at customs, the carrier can help investigate by contacting customs to understand the reason. But customs delays are often resolved once any paperwork issues, owed payments, or questions are addressed and cleared up.
What Should I Do If My Package is Stuck in Customs?
Don’t worry if you see no updates after your package enters inbound into customs. It can sit for a day or two with no tracking changes during the clearance process. But if your package is stuck in customs for more than 3 days with no update, here are some things you can do:
- Contact the carrier (USPS, FedEx etc) – They can look into it and reach out to customs on your behalf.
- Confirm all customs paperwork is complete – The ISC may be waiting if any forms are missing.
- Pay any duties or taxes owed – Customs won’t release until fees are paid. The ISC can invoice you.
- Provide any additional details requested by customs – Answer any questions to help clear the package.
- Ask the shipper to contact customs – The sender may have more influence to move it along.
- Wait it out – Most common delays last 1-3 days then are resolved.
- Submit missing mail request if status is still stuck after a week – Carrier can formally investigate.
- Arrange for customs broker assistance – Brokers have expertise helping goods clear customs.
With some patience and checking in with the carrier, most packages delayed in customs will get moving again shortly. If issues can’t be resolved, customs may return the package to sender. But diligent follow-up usually gets the package cleared and on its way.
Key Takeaways on Inbound Into Customs:
- Inbound into customs means your package has arrived in the destination country and will now go through standard customs clearance procedures before delivery.
- All international packages must pass through customs before entering the country to verify contents, assess duties, and ensure legal import.
- Packages typically clear customs within 24 hours, but delays can occur if there are questions or issues to resolve.
- Contact the carrier if your package is stuck in customs for more than 3 days to see if they can assist with resolution.
- Customs rarely holds packages for more than 1-3 days unless prohibited items, unpaid taxes, or legal violations are found.
- Inbound into customs” is a routine stage of international shipping and most packages quickly resume tracking once customs processes the shipment.
Understanding what’s happening when your package enters inbound into customs can help set expectations. While it may add a short holdup, customs is an important process to securely receive items from abroad. With attentive tracking and a little patience, your package will exit customs before arriving safely at your door.
