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Customs delays can be frustrating, especially if you’re sending or receiving parcels internationally. They can cause late deliveries, unexpected fees, or even returned shipments. Understanding why customs delays happen and how to prevent them can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
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4 Reasons Why Customs Delays Happen
Customs authorities are responsible for ensuring that all shipments comply with import and export regulations, pay the correct duties and taxes, and do not contain prohibited or restricted items. While their inspections are important for safety and legal compliance, they can sometimes cause delays in delivery.
Understanding the main reasons behind customs delays helps you plan ahead and prevent unnecessary issues.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Parcels with missing forms, incorrect addresses, or inaccurate descriptions of items can be flagged by customs for review. Even small mistakes, such as wrong product values or missing signatures, may cause shipments to be held for clarification.
2. Prohibited or Restricted Items
Certain goods, like flammable products, chemicals, weapons, or specific electronics, are either restricted or prohibited in some countries. Customs officers may hold, inspect, or return these parcels until proper documentation or permits are provided.
3. High-Value or Commercial Shipments
Parcels with higher declared values or commercial purposes often require extra verification. Customs may check invoices, purchase orders, or business permits to ensure duties and taxes are calculated correctly, which can extend clearance times.
4. Random Inspections by Customs
Even fully compliant parcels can be selected for random inspections as part of standard security and quality checks. These inspections are unpredictable but necessary to maintain safety standards, which may occasionally delay delivery.
6 Ways to Avoid Customs Delays
Preventing customs delays starts with proper preparation and accurate documentation. By following best practices such as declaring items correctly, using reliable couriers, and paying duties in advance, businesses and individuals can ensure their parcels clear customs quickly and arrive on time.
These steps help reduce stress, avoid extra fees, and improve the overall shipping experience.
1. Complete and Accurate Documentation
Always provide full and correct customs forms, invoices, and shipping documents. Missing details, wrong descriptions, or incorrect values can trigger inspections and delays.
2. Declare Items Properly
Be honest about your shipment’s contents, value, and purpose. Misdeclaring items or undervaluing goods may result in fines, confiscation, or prolonged customs clearance.
3. Avoid Restricted or Prohibited Goods
Check your destination country’s restricted and prohibited items list before shipping. Items like flammable goods, chemicals, or certain electronics may be delayed or rejected at customs.
4. Use Reliable Courier Services
Trusted couriers like DHL, J&T, or Lalamove via EasyParcel have experience handling customs procedures and can provide guidance to ensure smooth clearance.
5. Include Harmonized System (HS) Codes
HS codes help customs classify products quickly. Using the correct HS codes reduces the chance of delays or additional verification.
6. Pay Duties and Taxes in Advance (If Possible)
Pre-paying applicable duties and taxes speeds up clearance and prevents shipments from being held at customs for payment verification.
Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance
Double-check all forms and invoices before submission
Keep tracking numbers and shipment records handy
Contact your courier for advice on country-specific customs requirements
Consider commercial invoice templates for business shipments
How to Ship Items with EasyParcel
- Place the items in the small box.
- Wrap with bubble wrap so it doesn’t get scratched.
- If it’s a branded item, keep the original box inside.
- Seal the package with strong tape and fragile adhesive.
Check the weight with a scale- Measure the length, width and height
- Log in to your EasyParcel account.
- Enter the pickup and delivery address.
- Enter the weight and size of the package.
- Choose your courier service (J&T, DHL, Pos Laju).
- Add insurance if the item is expensive.
Avoiding customs delays is all about preparation, accuracy, and using the right courier services. By providing complete documentation, declaring items correctly, and choosing experienced shipping partners, you can ensure your parcels arrive on time and hassle-free.
With EasyParcel, you can make delivery simple, affordable, and efficient — helping your business grow smoothly. EasyParcel welcomes you with a FREE RM10 credit for your first shipment. Sign up today and start shipping smarter with EasyParcel!
FAQ: How to Avoid Customs Delays
1. How long does customs clearance usually take?
It depends on the country and shipment type. Small personal parcels may clear in 1–5 days, while commercial shipments can take longer.
2. Can I speed up customs clearance?
Yes. Providing accurate documentation, declaring items properly, and pre-paying duties can reduce clearance time.
3. What happens if my parcel is held at customs?
The courier or customs will usually contact you for additional information or payment. Respond promptly to avoid further delays.
4. Does EasyParcel help with customs documentation?
Yes! Using EasyParcel simplifies international shipping and helps ensure all customs paperwork is complete and accurate.
