Put yourself in this situation for a moment. You’re waiting for an important parcel . It could be a special gift, a purchase you’ve been looking forward to receiving for weeks, or even something urgent you need in your daily routine. Days go by… and nothing. You check the tracking and that dreaded message appears: "parcels held in customs". Now what?
This scenario is more common than it may seem. Although international logistics processes are becoming increasingly optimized, customs controls can still cause delays. In this article, we explain why it happens, how to act, and how to prevent it—especially if you use GLS as your trusted logistics provider.
What does it mean when your parecels is held in customs?
When a parcels is held in customs, it means that the authorities in the destination country have decided to inspect its documentation and/or contents before allowing it to enter. This does not always imply a serious issue: sometimes it’s a random check, while in other cases it may be due to administrative, fiscal, or security reasons—in short, regulatory requirements.
The Union Customs Code (UCC) and its implementing regulations are mandatory across all European Union Member States. This legislation governs the entry and exit of goods and requires companies to submit complete and accurate customs declarations. They must indicate the type of product, its value, origin, and any other relevant information. It also establishes the framework for controls, inspections, and potential border holds, with the aim of ensuring legal, secure, and transparent international trade processes.
This regulation explains how to determine the value of goods for subsequent tax calculation, as well as any other procedures related to introducing products into the customs territory of the European Union.
It also defines who is responsible in the customs process, such as customs agents and exporters or importers. In Spain, customs authorities are responsible for enforcing European customs regulations. Additionally, during the import clearance process in Spain, alongside the relevant customs checks, controls are also carried out on certain products in accordance with applicable safety and quality standards for imported goods.
How can I tell if my parcel is being held in customs?
Most logistics operators, such as GLS, offer real-time tracking services. If you see messages like:
- “Held in customs”
- “Pending inspection”
- “Awaiting additional documentation”
- “Customs clearance in progress”
…it is likely that your parcel is temporarily on hold. You may also receive a notification from the courier company or from customs themselves requesting additional information or documentation.
How long can a parcel be held in customs?
There is no single answer. The length of time a parcel can be held in customs depends on the destination country, the type of goods, the documentation, and the workload of the customs authority.
In general:
- Routine checks: between 1 and 5 business days.
- Reviews involving issues or missing documentation: may extend to 2 weeks or more.
Acting quickly and providing the required documentation can make the difference between a fast process and a long wait.
Most common reasons why a parcel is held
Before getting frustrated, it’s helpful to understand the most common reasons why a parcel may be held in customs. Some of these can be easily avoided with proper planning and accuracy. The most common include:
- Missing importer/buyer details required for customs clearance
- Missing documentation or errors in the commercial invoice
- Verification of the declared value of the goods
- Goods subject to unpaid duties or taxes
- Prohibited items or country-specific restrictions
- Verification of the origin or contents of the parcel
- Random selection for inspection
What to do if I have a parcel held in customs: steps to follow
If you have already received a notification or confirmed that your parcel is on hold, it is important to act quickly. Here’s what to do, step by step:
1. Check the shipment status on the GLS tracking website or another operator’s platform
2. Carefully read any message or notification received
3. Contact customer service, both from the logistics company and, if necessary, the customs office
4. Prepare and send the requested documentation, such as:
- Commercial invoice
- Proof of payment
- Clearance authorization
5. Pay any applicable duties or taxes
6. Continue tracking until the parcel is released
💡 TipGLS: always keep both a digital and physical copy of all documentation related to your shipment.
Tips to prevent a parcel from being held
While it’s not always possible to avoid a hold, you can significantly reduce the risk by following some key recommendations. These best practices also help speed up the process if a customs review occurs.
- Make sure you provide accurate contact details so we can reach you quickly and help manage any customs issue
- Always declare the real value of the product
- Ensure the commercial invoice is completed correctly
- Check whether the product is subject to restrictions or specific duties in the destination country
- Use services that offer a single label and full traceability, such as GLS One Label
- Whenever possible, work with a logistics partner that manages customs procedures on your behalf. Prevention is the best way to ensure your parcel arrives on time
GLS as a logistics provider: your ally when dealing with customs
At GLS, we do more than just deliver parcels. We offer comprehensive solutions to ensure your international shipments arrive smoothly—even when customs are involved.
- Simplified customs management
- Single label for national and international shipments
- Real-time tracking in the destination country’s language
- Expert advice and personalized support
Whether it’s a one-off shipment or a growing business, at GLS we help you cross borders with security, speed, and confidence.