Is your package stuck at customs? Here’s how to fix it – without paying extra
You’ve ordered something from AliExpress, Temu, or SHEIN. Shipping seems to be going fine, the product looks great—and suddenly… your package is stuck at customs! You see the update in the tracking or get a message from the carrier. And now the questions start: Do I need to pay more? Will it still arrive? Is it lost?
This blog explains why your package may be held at customs, what you should (and shouldn’t) do, and how to avoid this in the future.
Why is your package at customs?
Any parcel shipped from outside the European Union is automatically checked by customs. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. Customs simply checks:
- The contents of the package (legal or not)
- The declared value (for VAT calculation)
- Whether import duties or other charges apply
Sometimes, the package clears customs immediately. Other times, it may be held for a few days for inspection. This doesn’t always cause major delays—many times it’s delivered shortly after.
How to tell if your package is stuck at customs?
You can usually see this in the tracking information from PostNL, DHL, or the international carrier. Common status updates include:
- “In customs clearance”
- “Awaiting customs processing”
- “Held by customs for inspection”
Sometimes, you’ll receive an email or letter from PostNL or DHL asking for VAT or import fees. But more and more often, these costs are already paid in advance.
Good news: with AliExpress, SHEIN, and Temu there are usually no extra charges
Thanks to new EU regulations, large platforms like AliExpress, SHEIN, and Temu are required to charge VAT at the time of purchase. That means:
- No surprise customs fees
- No administrative charges
- No import duties if your order is under €150
Only if you order from unknown sellers or sites that don’t include VAT will you risk unexpected fees.
Want to be 100% sure you won’t pay extra? Order through this link:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okarZL3
What to do if your package is held at customs?
- Stay calm—it’s usually temporary.
- Check your tracking daily.
- If the carrier requests payment, pay quickly to avoid returns.
- If it takes longer than 7 business days, contact PostNL or DHL.
- If your AliExpress package hasn’t arrived in 60 days, open a dispute and request a refund.
Prevention is better than cure
Want to avoid these surprises? Always order from trusted stores that include VAT upfront, like AliExpress through this official link:
This way, you won’t pay anything extra upon delivery.
VraagAlex is here to help
The VraagAlex site was created because thousands of people had trouble with international deliveries. We’re not AliExpress customer service, but we’re happy to help.
Have a question or need help? Contact us via https://alexandervandijl.nl/doneer. If we helped you, you can also make a donation to support our free service.
Share your experience
Has your package ever been stuck at customs? Leave a comment and help others by sharing your story!
Want to order without hidden charges? Use this link:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okarZL3
What you see is what you pay. No surprises.
