Record item reason for retention by customs (Otb)

What this status means

Cyprus Post has recorded that your parcel is being held by customs, together with the reason for holding it. The parcel is at a customs office in the country it is leaving, not yet on its way to the destination. "Otb" is a code in the postal system for this customs-office step. The entry only logs that the parcel was stopped for a check.

Is my package delayed?

This message by itself is an exception rather than a routine scan. Many parcels are checked briefly and released, but being held means the parcel is not moving for now. If the next update takes longer than the previous steps, the check is probably still under way. It does not on its own mean the parcel is lost or refused.

What happens next

• If customs clears the parcel, it is handed back to Cyprus Post and continues to the international sorting and dispatch stage.
• If customs needs more information, for example about the contents or value, the hold continues until that is sorted out.
• In some cases the parcel is returned to the sender or not allowed to leave.

What you can do

• Wait and keep checking the tracking history for a new scan.
• If nothing changes for longer than usual, contact the seller first. They can confirm the contents and any export paperwork they filled in.
• If you are the sender, contact Cyprus Post, as they can ask customs about the reason for the hold.
• Have the tracking number, the order details and a description of the contents ready.