I've been expecting a shipment from a international reseller and the tracking DHL express number says "shipment closed, please contact dhl" if customs is holding it shouldn't it say "held by customs" instead so they can investigate? Does this mean that they are not ever releasing it to me even if i submit proof of purchase or authenticity records??? Im so confused at this point i hope they don't plan to never give it back. According to the dhl representatives they said customs has confiscated it but why does it say closed and not just held for clearance and they just need more documentation to release??? If anyone has any insight please help a girl out. Im desperate at this point and can't sleep.
Dhl express package held by customs for international shipment.
- Thread starter Phanlee91
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I'm not quite sure I have had the same experience, but I once got a hold on a package and recall that it took some doing to find out that I had to pay $30 for something, possibly a duty, to release it and DHL hadn't conveyed that info to me, duh. Part of me kinda remembers that I paid the duty but that the payment wasn't recorded, double duh, so the package was still on hold. I got livid over that.
I would check the tracking repeatedly. I would also call DHL and if it's not clear what they're saying ask for a supervisor, "Could I talk to a supervisor to get greater clarification?"
Your package may have required a duty.
IMO DHL ships fast, moves stuff quickly, but then puts a "hold" on the process for reasons that are not obvious. Yesterday I found out there was a hold b/c the package missed the connecting flight. (Now, was the package in the bar getting snockered so it missed the flight?). This does not make sense.
Call DHL again until you get an answer that makes sense to you. My package is basically at a depot that's 45 min away from where I live. Sitting there.
As far as i know now the status says
"Further Detail
Pending completion of Customs physical inspection of the shipment.
Next Step
The status will be updated following Customs physical inspection. A DHL representative will attempt to contact the consignee/importer if there are additional requirements necessary to complete clearance processing."
I've called DHL and they said they have a new tracking # and that it was being delivered the a Customs warehouse to be physically examined, and to wait and see if they need anything else. Im literally stressing to the point thats its effecting my physical being. I cannot stop thinking about it and i hope it clears asap. so i can finally move on from this horrible nightmare.
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Deleted member 626500
Don't stress-although I know it's stressful.
Last month I had a package stuck in customs for two weeks. It turns out, the shipper failed to provide all the necessary information on the forms required for customs clearance. Once the package stopped moving, it really stopped. I called and emailed the shipper and I probably called UPS about a thousand times. Every time I spoke to someone I got a different story. I was frustrated. A full week after the information was provided, it finally got back on track.
All international shipments need to clear customs. Period. This is part of the process. It is possible, like my shipment, customs may need additional information. The point is, however, you don't know. Tomorrow, call DHL and ask to speak to their customs department. A regular representative will not be able to help you. Once you get the right department, find out 1) why your shipment stopped; 2) is any information missing and if so; 3) what do they need to get this parcel moving forward 4) where should the information (if required) be sent (get an email); 5) whether they can accept it from you or the shipper and 6) a case ID number, if there is one.
Finally, get the name of the person you speak to and get a phone number and/or email to find out how you can directly reach that department again should you need to.
Unless this has been labeled an explosive (I joke not, this happened to me years ago with work-related documents I sent via FedEx), it should move forward.
Please keep us updated, and finally, sleep well---it will all work out.
I’ve gotten a hold for customs before. I assumed it just means a delay while they figure out what duty. Eventually, the item was delivered and I paid whatever customs was. IMO there are international delays everywhere Right now
Good luck and sit tight!
Good luck and sit tight!
Okay i will keep trying and try to do what you said, thanks for all of your girls replies. Its literally the only thing that is giving me the hope to literally get through this right now. I will keep you guys posted tysm.
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Good advice. I had something shipped to me from Europe and there was some customs info missing. This shipment was via Fed Ex. I think the shipment fell into a black hole. There was no tracking for several hours which horrified me. I think the package was considered lost for that time. Fortunately the company I purchased from had a contact at the airport that was able to work on the process internally, so to speak.
I hadn't used Amazon for much of anything until recently, some books. Was thrilled that I could get the books the next day. I don't know if Amazon does foreign shipping. If they do they probably have as many problems as other carriers.
I had that experience last year. It took me a good couple of months before i got it. The seller was really nice and helped to track it on her end as well. It sat in customs in both countries for extended periods of time. It’s stressful but as long as it’s showing pending completion of inspection, it should be fine. Unfortunately customs is really busy with all kinds of products coming in.
Okay thank you.
I got this update this morning, and i hope it will be out for delivery some time soon. I don't want to get too excited just yet, until i know for a fact its on the way to me with a new valid tracking #. Just praying nothing got damaged or lost during inspections.
Further Detail
Shipment has been given a release status by Customs.
Next Step
Unless there is an adhoc physical examination or a stop by another regulatory authority the shipment will proceed to DHL delivery facility. Please continue to monitor the progress online.
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I recently got an international package from DHL. They asked more info from me (receiver) I emailed them twice. They released the bag (Chanel 19) but 2 weeks later I got an invoice from DHL that I had to pay custom duty 9% of the value declared (US$5700) I was a little bit bummed but I am glad they released the bag - not holding it hostage until I pay the duty. I ended up paying the same price as boutique ($5700+Tax) but the stress was not worth it. I would say this is the last time I bought luxury bag from overseas..
I hope your issue resolves soon!
I hope your issue resolves soon!
What was your last status update on tracking before it was released and delivered to you?
Do you by chance still have the email how you contacted them directly?
The email was received 12/6 at 5AM and I was delivered that day. I captured the 12/5 status for your reference. Hope this helps.