What does "In Customs" mean on Alibaba tracking?

By Yaurapulse

When your Alibaba tracking shows "In Customs," it means your shipment has arrived in your country and is being processed by the customs authority. This is a normal step in international shipping, but it can cause anxiety if you do not understand what is happening.

"In Customs" is not necessarily a problem. It simply means the package is going through the standard import clearance process. Customs checks the shipment's documentation, verifies the declared value and product description, and determines whether any duties or taxes are owed. Most shipments pass through customs without issues. But some get held for inspection, additional documentation, or payment of duties.

Here is what "In Customs" means, how long it takes, and what to do if your package gets stuck.

What customs does when your shipment arrives

When your shipment reaches the destination country, it goes through customs clearance. This is the process where the customs authority reviews the shipment before allowing it into the country.

Customs checks several things. First, they verify the documentation, including the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. These documents should accurately describe the product, quantity, value, and country of origin.

Second, they determine the correct HS code for your product. The HS code, or Harmonized System code, is a standardized classification used by customs authorities worldwide to determine the duty rate. Even though both are plastic products, plastic tableware and plastic toys fall under different HS codes and therefore have different duty rates.

Third, they calculate the duties and taxes owed. The amount depends on the product type, declared value, and your country's tariff schedule. In some cases, a free trade agreement certificate can reduce or eliminate the duty.

If everything is in order, customs releases the shipment for delivery. This usually happens within a few days. If customs has questions or finds issues, the shipment gets held.

How long does "In Customs" usually take

The time a shipment spends in customs varies by country, shipping method, and whether the documentation is complete.

For express shipments like DHL, UPS, and FedEx, customs clearance is usually fast, often within 24 to 48 hours. Express carriers have dedicated customs brokerage teams that handle the paperwork efficiently.

For air freight, customs clearance usually takes 2 to 5 business days. The process is slightly slower because air freight shipments are larger and require more documentation.

For sea freight, customs clearance can take 3 to 7 business days or longer. Sea freight shipments are bigger and more complex, and customs may inspect a larger percentage of them.

If a shipment is inspected by customs or delayed at the port, extra costs occur, such as inspection fees and demurrage charges. Demurrage is the fee charged by the port or shipping line for keeping the container beyond the allowed free time.

If your shipment has been in customs for more than a week, it may be held for a reason. You should contact your freight forwarder or the carrier to find out why.

Common reasons shipments get held in customs

There are several common reasons a shipment gets held in customs.

Incomplete or incorrect documentation. If the commercial invoice is missing, the declared value is wrong, or the product description is vague, customs will hold the shipment until the correct documents are provided.

Unpaid duties and taxes. If duties or taxes are owed, customs will hold the shipment until payment is received. This is the most common reason for delays.

Prohibited or restricted items. Some products are banned or require special permits to import. Examples include certain chemicals, weapons, endangered species products, and counterfeit goods. If your product falls into this category, customs may seize it.

Undervalued shipments. If the declared value seems too low compared to the actual product, customs may suspect the shipper is trying to avoid paying duties. They may inspect the shipment and impose penalties.

Missing certificates. Some products require specific certificates, such as a certificate of origin to qualify for free trade agreement benefits, or safety certifications like CE or FCC. Without these, customs may hold the shipment.

If you are unsure about your product's HS code, contact your customs broker or freight forwarder directly. Based on product details, such as usage, material, how it is used, and whether it is for children, they can help confirm the HS code, calculate duties, and handle customs clearance and tax payment once the shipment arrives.

Who is responsible for customs clearance

Who handles customs clearance depends on the shipping terms you agreed with the supplier.

Under DDP, or Delivered Duty Paid, the supplier is responsible for the entire shipping process, including freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and delivery to your door. The supplier's freight forwarder handles all the paperwork and pays the duties. You just wait for the shipment to arrive.

Under FOB, or Free On Board, the supplier is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of shipment and clearing them for export. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility and risk transfer to you. You are responsible for arranging the freight from the port of shipment to your destination, including customs clearance and duties.

If you are shipping under DDP terms, your Chinese supplier will handle customs clearance and pay all duties and taxes on your behalf. You just wait for the shipment to arrive at your door. The DDP price already includes everything, product cost, shipping fees, duties and taxes.

If you are shipping under FOB terms, you need to arrange your own customs broker or freight forwarder to handle clearance. They will submit the documentation, calculate the duties, and pay them on your behalf. You then reimburse them.

For new importers with relatively small shipments, using DDP shipping is often the simplest option. The DDP price includes the product cost, freight, duties, and taxes. The supplier takes care of shipping, customs clearance, and import taxes.

If you choose FOB and handle your own customs, make sure to hire a licensed customs broker in your country. They know the local regulations, can classify your products correctly, and will handle all the paperwork with customs. The broker's fee is usually a small percentage of the shipment value, well worth the cost to avoid clearance delays and penalties.

What to do if your shipment is stuck in customs

If your shipment has been in customs for more than a few days, here is what to do.

First, contact your freight forwarder or supplier. They have the tracking number and can contact the carrier or customs broker to find out why the shipment is held. This is the fastest way to get information.

Second, check if duties or taxes need to be paid. If you are using DDP, the supplier should handle this. If you are using FOB, your freight forwarder will send you an invoice for the duties and taxes. Pay it promptly to avoid further delays.

Third, provide any additional documentation requested. Customs may ask for a more detailed invoice, product specifications, safety certificates, or proof of payment. Provide these as quickly as possible.

Fourth, be patient. Customs clearance can take time, especially during peak season or if customs is backed up. Most shipments are eventually released.

If the shipment is held because the product is prohibited or requires a permit, you may need to work with a customs broker to resolve the issue. In some cases, the product may be seized or destroyed.

If the shipment is held because of unpaid duties, the carrier or freight forwarder will usually contact you with an invoice. Pay it promptly, as delays can result in storage fees or even auction of the goods.

How to avoid customs problems

The best way to avoid customs problems is to be prepared before you ship.

First, make sure your documentation is accurate. The commercial invoice should include the correct product description, quantity, value, and HS code. Do not undervalue the goods to save on duties, as this can lead to penalties and delays.

Second, check if your product is restricted or prohibited in your country. Some products require special permits or cannot be imported at all. Research your country's import regulations before ordering.

Third, use DDP shipping for the first few orders. DDP shifts the customs responsibility to the supplier, who is more experienced with the process. Once you understand how customs works, you can switch to FOB for more control and potentially lower costs.

Fourth, work with a reliable freight forwarder. A good forwarder can handle all the paperwork, communicate with customs, and resolve issues quickly. They can also advise you on the correct HS code and duty rates.

Fifth, keep copies of all your shipping documents. If customs asks for additional information, you can provide it immediately.

Duties and taxes: what you need to know

Duties and taxes are the most common reason shipments get held in customs. Understanding how they work can help you avoid surprises.

Customs duty, also called a tariff, is a tax imposed on imported goods. The rate depends on the product type and the country of origin. Customs duty equals the import duty rate multiplied by the customs value.

Some products can enjoy reduced or zero tariffs if a free trade agreement certificate of origin is provided. For example, products from China imported into Australia under ChAFTA may have tariffs reduced to 0% for many products. However, some sensitive sectors face higher tariffs due to trade protection or anti-dumping measures.

In addition to customs duty, many countries impose a sales tax or value-added tax on imported goods. For example, Australia charges 10% GST on all imports. The GST is calculated as 10% of the customs value plus duty plus shipping costs plus shipping insurance.

If a shipment is inspected by customs or delayed at the port, extra costs occur, such as inspection fees and demurrage charges.

The duty-free threshold: what changed

Many buyers used to think that shipments under a certain value were duty-free. This is no longer always true, especially for U.S. buyers.

The old advice was easy: keep the package under $800 and it usually enters duty-free. That sentence is still sitting in articles published in 2026. It is wrong under the current rule.

The United States first suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value goods from China and Hong Kong in May 2025. A later order extended the suspension to covered shipments from all countries. On February 20, 2026, Executive Order 14388 continued that suspension.

The order says the exemption does not apply to covered shipments regardless of value, country of origin, transport mode, or entry method. Some statutory exceptions remain, but a normal buyer should not treat "$799 or less" as a safe rule.

This means that even small shipments from China to the U.S. may now require formal customs declaration and duty payment. If your tracking shows "In Customs" and the value is under $800, do not assume it will be released automatically. You may still need to pay duties.

For other countries, the duty-free threshold varies. Some countries still have de minimis exemptions for low-value shipments. Check your country's current regulations to know the threshold.

Bottom Line

When your Alibaba tracking shows "In Customs," it means your shipment is being processed by the customs authority in your country. This is normal and usually takes a few days.

If the shipment is held longer than a week, contact your freight forwarder or supplier to find out why. The most common reasons are unpaid duties, incorrect documentation, or restricted products.

Who handles customs depends on your shipping terms. Under DDP, the supplier handles everything. Under FOB, you need to arrange your own customs broker.

To avoid problems, make sure your documentation is accurate, check if your product is restricted, consider using DDP for first orders, and work with a reliable freight forwarder. Customs clearance is a standard part of international shipping, and most shipments pass through without issues.