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OG Track Guide | Published: June 2026 | Reading time: 8 minutes
Package Stuck in Customs? Complete Customs Hold Guide
Seeing "Customs Hold" or "Customs Clearance" in your tracking and not sure what it means? This complete guide explains why packages get held, how long customs clearance takes in Pakistan and other countries, what duties you may owe, and exactly what steps to take to get your package released.
What Does "Customs Hold" Mean?
A customs hold means your international package has arrived at the destination country's border and is being inspected by customs authorities before it is cleared for delivery. Every country controls what enters its borders, and customs officials check packages for:
- Accurate and honest declaration of contents and value
- Payment of applicable import duties and taxes
- Restricted or prohibited items
- Compliance with local import regulations
A customs hold is a routine part of international shipping — it does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with your package. Most held packages are cleared within 2–7 business days.
⚠️ Important: A customs hold is different from a customs seizure. A hold means your package is being processed. A seizure means it has been detained for a specific legal reason.
Common Reasons a Package Gets Held in Customs
1. Duties and Taxes Are Due
This is the most common reason. If the declared value of your package exceeds the duty-free threshold for your country, customs will calculate the applicable import duties and taxes before releasing the package. You will typically be notified by the courier to pay before delivery.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing or inaccurate customs declaration forms, commercial invoices, or certificates of origin can cause delays. The shipper is usually responsible for accurate documentation, but the receiver may be asked to provide supplementary information.
3. Prohibited or Restricted Items
Some items are restricted or banned in certain countries. Common examples include certain electronics, food items, medications, and lithium batteries. Always check import regulations before ordering internationally.
4. Random Inspection
Customs authorities routinely select packages at random for physical inspection. This is standard procedure and does not mean your package has been flagged for any specific reason.
5. Undervalued or Misdeclared Goods
If customs suspects a package has been undervalued to avoid duties (common with some China-to-Pakistan shipments), they may reassess the value and calculate duties accordingly.
Customs Clearance Times by Country
| Country | Standard Clearance | Maximum Wait | Notes |
|---|
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 2–5 business days | 15–30 days | FBR handles clearance; duties common on electronics |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 1–3 business days | 7 days | Generally fast; low duty thresholds |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 2–5 business days | 10 days | Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 1–3 business days | 7 days | Post-Brexit rules apply; VAT on most imports |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1–3 business days | 5 days | CBP clearance; de minimis threshold $800 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany / EU | 1–3 business days | 7 days | VAT + customs duties above €150 |
Pakistan Customs: What You Need to Know
Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) manages customs clearance through Pakistan Customs. Here is what commonly applies to international packages entering Pakistan:
Duty-Free Threshold
Gifts and personal use items valued under PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 35) may qualify for duty-free clearance, though this depends on the nature of goods and frequency of imports. Commercial quantities are always subject to duties regardless of value.
Common Dutiable Items in Pakistan
- Electronics & mobile phones: 10–25% duty + 17% sales tax
- Clothing & textiles: 5–20% depending on material
- Cosmetics & personal care: 10–15%
- Food supplements: 10–20%
- Industrial goods: Varies widely by HS code
How to Pay Customs Duty in Pakistan
- Wait for notification from your courier (TCS, Leopard, Pakistan Post, or DHL) that duties are due
- The courier will provide you with the assessment notice from FBR
- Pay the assessed duty to the courier agent or directly via WeBOC (Pakistan Customs online portal)
- Provide proof of payment to the courier to release your shipment
✅ Tip: If you believe the duty has been incorrectly assessed, you can file an objection through the FBR or consult a licensed customs clearing agent.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Package is in Customs
- Wait 2–3 business days first. Many customs holds resolve automatically within a few days with no action required.
- Track your package on OG Track. Look for status updates such as "Customs Clearance in Progress" or "Awaiting Duty Payment".
- Contact your courier. Call or email the courier handling your package (TCS, DHL, FedEx, etc.) and ask for the status of customs clearance.
- Prepare your documents. Have your order invoice, proof of purchase, and any product descriptions ready. Customs may request these.
- Pay any duties promptly. If duties are assessed, pay them as soon as possible. Delays in payment extend the hold period.
- Follow up if nothing happens after 10 days. If your package hasn't moved after 10 business days, escalate with the courier and request a customs reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can customs legally hold a package? +
There is no universal time limit, but most countries aim to clear packages within 7–10 business days. In Pakistan, if a package is unclaimed or undocumented, it may be held for up to 30 days before being returned or auctioned. Always respond promptly to any customs notifications.
Why does my tracking say "Customs Clearance" for over a week? +
Extended customs holds are usually caused by: pending duty payment, missing documentation, a random inspection backlog, or restricted goods. Contact your courier to get a specific reason and what is needed from your side.
Can a package be seized by customs permanently? +
Yes, if a package contains prohibited or illegal items, it can be seized and not returned. If duties are not paid within the required time, the package may be auctioned. If documentation issues are not resolved, the package may be returned to the sender.
Does customs open packages? +
Yes, customs authorities are legally permitted to open and inspect packages. Physical inspections are common for random checks and for packages flagged due to mismatch between declared contents and package weight or X-ray screening.
What happens if I don't pay customs duty? +
If duties are not paid within the required period (usually 15–30 days), the package may be returned to the sender, auctioned, or destroyed depending on the country's customs regulations. You may also be charged storage fees by the courier.
Courier Support Contacts for Customs Issues
| Courier | Phone | For Customs Issues |
|---|
| TCS Pakistan | 111-888-888 | Ask for customs/international desk |
| Leopard Courier | 111-300-786 | Ask for international shipments |
| Pakistan Post / EMS | 111-111-888 | Ask for parcel customs clearance |
| DHL Pakistan | 021-111-345-678 | Ask for clearance status |
| FedEx Pakistan | 021-111-339-339 | Provide your tracking number |
| UPS Pakistan | 021-111-877-877 | Request customs clearance update |