Customs retention or investigation

What this status means

Asendia USA has recorded that your parcel is being held by customs for a closer look. The parcel is at a customs facility, not with a driver. Customs officers may check the contents, the paperwork or the declared value before they let it continue. The message usually follows "Your item is being cleared through customs", so it is a deeper step within the same stage.

Is my package delayed?

This message is an exception, but not necessarily a problem. Holds of this kind are a normal part of customs control, though they do take longer than a routine clearance. Your parcel may be slower than the previous steps. In the cases we see, the next update was that the formalities were completed and the item was on its way.

What happens next

Once customs finishes its check, the status should change to "The import/export formalities are completed and your item is on its way". The parcel then leaves customs and moves on towards delivery. If customs needs more information or a payment, the delay can be longer than usual.

What you can do

• Wait and keep checking the tracking history. No action is needed unless you are asked for something.
• Check your email and phone for messages about customs duties, taxes or document requests, and respond promptly.
• If the status stays the same for longer than usual, contact the seller first, then Asendia USA.
• Have your tracking number, order details and the item's value and description ready.