What to do
- Check the tracking details for a stated reason or required action.
- Supply any requested documents (invoice, ID, tax number) quickly.
- Pay any duties or taxes requested through the carrier's official channels.
- For postal items, contact the customs authority if the post office cannot help; Canada Post says carriers cannot intervene during customs review.
How long it usually takes
For mail entering the US, USPS says U.S. Customs and Border Protection has up to 45 business days to process an item and to notify the recipient if it is seized or detained.
When to contact the sender or carrier
Contact the carrier if it has requested information you have not received, or if the hold goes on far beyond normal clearance times. FedEx says it will contact you if more information is needed.
How carriers word it
| Wording on the tracking page | Carrier |
|---|---|
| “Item held by customs” | Canada Post |
| “In customs” | Royal Mail |
| “Held in Customs” | USPS (international) |
| “Delivery exception (customs delay)” | FedEx |
Check your package
Paste your tracking number to open the latest status on the official carrier website.