Package Stuck in Customs? Step-by-Step Fixes for 2026 Delays
If your international package is held in customs, begin by checking the tracking status on your carrier's website for any customs hold notice. Reach out to the carrier right away through their support portal or phone line, and provide your tracking number along with shipment details. Have key documents ready, including a commercial invoice with the correct HS code, declared value, item descriptions, and country of origin. For shipments into the EU, include an EORI number if needed. Pay any duties or taxes shown through the carrier's payment link.
These steps tackle regulatory issues like the EU's phaseout of the €150 duty exemption starting July 2026 and the US de minimis elimination. They require precise paperwork for packages to Colombia, from the US, or into the EU. Online shoppers and small importers in Colombia dealing with US or EU import delays can often clear holds by submitting missing details within days, sidestepping extra storage fees.
Common Reasons Your Package Is Stuck in Customs
Packages often get held when customs lacks enough information to check compliance. Incorrect or missing paperwork, like the CN22 form or commercial invoice, causes most delays, according to ShipBob. Undervaluation draws extra scrutiny, as do missing HS codes or vague item descriptions, following DHL guidelines.
Shipments to Colombia commonly face problems with inaccurate values, incomplete contents lists, unclear shipment purpose, or wrong addresses, as noted by Zion Shipping. In the US and EU, mismatched HS codes or absent origin certificates frequently lead to holds. Review your tracking notes to self-diagnose: phrases like "awaiting documentation" or "value verification" point to paperwork needs.
Immediate Steps to Get Your Package Moving
Use this workflow to clear holds on your own:
- Track and confirm the issue: Check the carrier's portal for the customs location and specific hold reason, like "missing invoice."
- Contact the carrier: Respond to any hold email or call support with your tracking number. Request a list of needed documents.
- Gather and submit documents: Create an invoice with HS code, transaction value, origin country, and detailed per-item descriptions. For EU entries, add the recipient's EORI number.
- Pay duties and fees: Settle any duties, VAT, or processing fees via the carrier's secure link.
- Follow up: Ask for a clearance timeline after submitting, and check tracking daily.
Flex Logistics advises contacting the carrier first for EU holds, with precise EORI and HS code details on invoices. ShipBob emphasizes settling duties with accurate paperwork. Customs typically releases packages after verifying compliance.
2026 Regulatory Changes Causing More Customs Holds
New rules are leading to more holds on low-value imports. The EU phases out its €150 duty de minimis exemption from July 2026, adding a flat €3 customs duty per unique low-value e-commerce item under €150 (Passport Global), or per product category in parcels (Natashia Redfern on LinkedIn; note scope conflict on "item" vs. "category"). Previously exempt items now need duties and declarations, which slows clearance.
The US has eliminated de minimis, requiring HTS classification, origin details, and duties for every package. Carriers clear over 90% on the first day, but more shipments require additional review (Supply Chain Dive). USPS updated international M-bag rules under 2025 Universal Postal Union changes, with postal operators possibly restricting content in these services (Federal Register).
Colombia importers should note the heightened documentation demands amid these global changes.
Documentation Checklist: Prevent or Fix Customs Delays
Run through this yes/no checklist to check paperwork before shipping or during a hold. Submit fixes through your carrier.
- HS code: Does every item have a 6-10 digit Harmonized System code? [Yes/No]
- Declared value: Is the transaction value (invoice amount) accurate, without undervaluation? [Yes/No]
- Country of origin: Is the origin certificate or statement included? [Yes/No]
- Item descriptions: Are descriptions detailed (e.g., "cotton T-shirt, 100% polyester" not "clothing")? [Yes/No]
- Commercial invoice: Does it list quantity, value per item, total, and shipper/recipient details? [Yes/No]
- CN22/CN23 form: Is the customs declaration completed for postal shipments? [Yes/No]
- EORI number (EU only): Is the recipient's Economic Operators Registration and Identification number provided? [Yes/No]
DHL and ShipBob recommend these for avoiding delays, while Flex Logistics points to their importance in EU resolutions.
US vs EU vs Colombia: Choosing Your Clearance Strategy
Tailor your approach by region. This table compares key aspects for shipment origin or destination.
| Aspect | US | EU | Colombia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Causes | De minimis elimination requires HTS and duties; >90% first-day clearance but review holdups (Supply Chain Dive) | Missing EORI/HS code; €3 duty per low-value item/category under €150 from 2026 (Passport Global/LinkedIn, scope conflict) | Inaccurate value/addresses/docs (Zion Shipping) |
| Required Docs | HTS code, origin, invoice value | EORI, HS code, detailed invoice (Flex Logistics) | Accurate value, contents, address, purpose |
| Resolution Steps | Contact carrier, submit HTS/invoice, pay duties | Provide EORI/invoice to carrier, pay €3+ duties | Correct docs/address via carrier |
| 2026 Changes | Full de minimis gone; more classifications | €150 exemption ends July; flat €3 duty | Documentation emphasis amid global shifts |
For US-bound packages, focus on HTS submission. EU shipments require EORI upfront. Colombia fixes center on address and value accuracy.
FAQ
What documents do I need if my package is stuck in EU customs?
Provide a commercial invoice with HS code, value, descriptions, and recipient EORI number to the carrier (Flex Logistics).
How does the 2026 EU €3 duty affect my low-value import?
From July 2026, imports under €150 face a flat €3 duty per unique item or product category, ending the prior exemption and requiring declarations (Passport Global/LinkedIn; note "item" vs. "category" scope conflict).
Why are US packages facing more customs delays after de minimis changes?
Elimination mandates HTS, origin, and duties for all; while >90% clear first day, others need extra documentation review (Supply Chain Dive, 2025).
What common mistakes cause packages to get stuck shipping to Colombia?
Underestimating docs, inaccurate values/contents/purpose, or wrong addresses lead to holds (Zion Shipping).
How do I contact my carrier about a customs hold?
Use the tracking portal's support link, reply to hold emails, or call with your tracking number.
Can undervaluing my package lead to customs rejection?
Yes, it prompts verification and potential charges or delays (DHL, undated).
Track your shipment daily and keep digital copies of all documents for quick resubmission.