Customs Hold Recovery: How to Free a Stuck Package
Customs has your package. Here's what happens next — the documents that free it, country-specific paths, and the moment to escalate vs. abandon.
Why packages get held
- Suspected under-valuation (most common). Customs randomly verifies declared value against retail.
- Missing import permit (cosmetics, supplements, electronics in some countries)
- Restricted goods classification (lithium batteries, liquids, controlled ingredients)
- Recipient information mismatch (name, ID number, address)
- Random inspection queue — no actual problem, just bureaucratic delay
What to provide customs
- Original purchase invoice — not a screenshot. Actual PDF or email receipt with merchant header.
- Proof of payment — bank statement or credit card receipt
- Recipient ID — local national ID number, passport, or tax ID
- Description in local language if requested
Country-specific paths
| Country | Common cause | Recovery path |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Receita Federal randomly holds | Pay 60% duty via Correios link, package released in 3–7 days |
| India | Customs verification | Provide invoice + ID via customs portal, often released in 5–10 days |
| UAE | SASO/regulatory check on electronics | Usually clears in 2–4 days once paperwork provided |
| EU/UK | VAT not paid or low-value confusion | Pay VAT via carrier's portal, released in 1–3 days |
| Saudi Arabia | SASO conformity for electronics, cosmetics | Selectido or shipper provides SASO-compliant invoice |
| Mexico | SAT inspection | Pay duty + IVA via customs broker, 5–10 days |
When to give up
If customs has determined the item is restricted (prohibited substance, embargoed goods, controlled tech) — no recovery is possible. Item is destroyed or returned to sender at your cost. Selectido's pre-flight screening catches these before shipping, but customs interpretations vary.
Frequently asked
How long can customs hold a package?
EU/UK: typically 14 days max for VAT/duty payment. Brazil: 30 days. India: 60–90 days. After expiry, package returns to sender or is destroyed.
Will Selectido help with customs paperwork?
Yes. We pull the original invoice, weight, dimensions, and shipping declaration. We coordinate with the carrier's customs broker and provide additional declarations if needed.
Can I just abandon a held package?
Yes, but you may still owe duty/storage. Some countries (Brazil) issue tax obligations on declared imports even if abandoned. Always communicate with customs before walking away.