Package Held In Customs? Common Reasons And How To Avoid It

You may have experienced getting all excited while waiting for your US package to arrive, only to find out that your package is held in customs. While situations like this may not always happen, they are still possible.

It’s important that you know the reasons for customs-related delays in your shipment and how to avoid them. Let's first understand why your package is being held.

Why Is My Package Being Held In Customs Canada?

Here are some of the reasons why this can happen:

Mandatory Customs Inspections

When packages from the US arrive at the Canadian border, one mandatory process they must undergo is customs clearance. During this stage, Canadian customs checks the packages that enter the country.

You can think of it like a security check for your parcels. Conducting a physical inspection of packages is a standard operating procedure to verify if the contents match the information provided on the shipping documents.

Keep in mind that while this can sometimes cause delays in getting your package, it's a necessary step to maintain safety and adhere to Canadian import laws.

Errors In Customs Paperwork

Aside from physical inspection, customs paperwork issues can also cause US packages to be held up at customs. This occurs when your package has missing or incorrect paperwork.

Shipping from the US to Canada requires the necessary paperwork, such as shipping labels, invoices, and item declarations. You need to provide correct and complete details for them to give a proper and accurate assessment of taxes and duties. Always double-check the information on your commercial invoice from the seller and contact them if you find any errors in the form.

Prohibited Items

As we know, some items are not allowed entry due to Canadian regulations. Some prohibited items include firearms, hazardous materials, and illegal substances.

Canadian customs take this matter seriously. If they find any of these items during an inspection, they may hold or dispose of your parcels. You could also face penalties for non-compliance with Canadian import regulations for US items.

How Long Can A Package Be Held In Customs Canada?

The customs process can take anywhere from 12-48 hours, and it can even go longer during high-traffic periods. Also, note that customs release is not always guaranteed. Shipment rejections are common for several reasons, such as:

• Temporary Rejects - This happens when the package information does not match the paperwork submitted. In this case, the customs officers will contact the broker for a change to the entry. To avoid this, always ensure that you provide accurate item information, value, and other necessary details.
• Permanent Rejects - This happens for misdeclared package details (for example, declaring artificial plants when shipping live plants), undervalued items, or prohibited items. In such cases, you must either return your items to the retailer or have the customs authorities dispose of the goods.

What To Do If My Parcel Is Stuck In Customs

If your parcels are held at customs, the first thing you should do is contact your shipping service provider. Inform them immediately of the issue, and don’t forget to ask what proper steps are needed to proceed with the movement of your shipment. This varies from case to case but is often caused by improper documentation or pending payments for applicable duties and taxes.

If you are expecting multiple shipments, it is best to ensure that you provide the correct tracking number of the package stuck in customs.

Unfortunately, sometimes the only step you can take is to wait, as customs clearance can be a time-consuming process.

How Can I Avoid Customs Delays?

Every online shopper wants their package to arrive on time (or early, if possible!). So, while you cannot do anything more than wait when your package is stuck in customs, there are several ways to prevent delays.

Understand How Customs Regulations Work

Customs regulations are rules set by the Canadian government to monitor the shipments that go in and out of the country. Knowing how it works can be a real game-changer when shipping packages from the US.

By understanding the regulations, you can quickly go through the procedures without missing or failing to follow a step. This, in turn, eliminates the chances of your package getting stuck in customs.

So, as you browse your preferred US shopping sites for the latest products, also take some time to research the customs regulations. This way, you can also find the latest news and updates on shipping packages from the US.

Provide Accurate Package Information

Always ensure that all the details you provide in the forms match the actual details of your package. This information is vital, as customs officers use it to assess the value of the goods.

Any discrepancies can raise red flags. To avoid this, ensure that you enter the correct package description when requesting your shipments. Include your contact information, the item's value, and any other necessary details.

Double-Check The List Of Prohibited Or Restricted Items

Here’s a friendly tip to dodge those customs delays: always double-check the list of prohibited items!

The Canadian customs' list of prohibited goods is a mandatory guide for online shoppers who plan to import products into the country. Restricted items include live plants and animals, firearms, alcoholic beverages, and more.

Thus, reviewing the list before shopping and shipping your items is vital. Doing so can avoid accidentally ordering something that’s not allowed to get in.

Use A Reliable Shipping Provider

Want to know how to make your cross-border shipping hassle-free? Go for a dependable cross-border shipping provider with proven expertise in US-to-Canada shipping. Entrusting your shipments to a reliable shipping carrier can help prevent them from getting stuck in customs.

How Can Shippsy Help?

Make Shippsy your ultimate choice in shipping your US packages across the border. Experience simple yet high-quality cross-border shipping like never before. Leave the hassle of documentation and customs clearance to us. Here’s how Shippsy can create the best shipping experience for you:

Expertise In Cross-Border Shipping

Shippsy continues to satisfy its valued customers by providing exceptional shipping services. With extensive experience in customs regulations and US-to-Canada shipping, Shippsy guarantees that your packages arrive safely, quickly, and hassle-free in Canada.

We Handle Customs On Your Behalf

Dealing with customs can be a hefty task, so let Shippsy handle it for you. All you have to do is shop online and pay for your shipment, and Shippsy will handle all necessary customs forms and procedures on your behalf.

Please note that Shippsy fully complies with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations for packages entering Canada. Thus, you can ensure your shipment’s movement is on the right track as Shippsy carefully follows Canadian laws and regulations.

Final Thoughts

Knowing that your US packages are held in customs can be very frustrating. You can avoid this and ensure your package clears customs by entrusting it with a reliable shipping provider like Shippsy. Contact us today and let us handle your shipping needs!

Aman Chopra

Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.

Read all posts written by  Aman Chopra

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