If a courier tells you your box is on hold, your heart probably skips a beat. Don't panic – most seizures are paperwork issues that you can sort out with the right moves.
Customs agents look for things like illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, or items without proper paperwork. Even something as simple as a missing invoice can trigger a hold. Sometimes a random scan flags your parcel because of its weight, size, or the country it’s coming from.
Another common trigger is a mismatch between what the sender declared and what’s actually inside. If the description says “clothing” but the package contains supplements, the system raises an alarm. Knowing these red flags helps you avoid them in future shipments.
First, contact the carrier’s customer service line. Ask for the tracking number and the exact reason for the hold. Most carriers will give you a reference code you can use when talking to customs.
Next, gather any missing documents: commercial invoices, proof of purchase, or lab certificates if it’s a health product. Upload them through the carrier’s portal or email them directly to the customs office. A clear, complete file often speeds up release.If you’re dealing with an international shipment, consider hiring a customs broker. They know the local rules and can speak the language of paperwork faster than anyone else.
When you’ve submitted everything, keep an eye on the tracking updates. If nothing moves in 48 hours, call back and ask for escalation. Polite persistence usually gets a supervisor’s attention and speeds up the process.
Finally, learn from this experience. Double‑check product descriptions, add accurate HS codes, and include all receipts next time you ship. Small tweaks can prevent future seizures and keep your deliveries on schedule.
