OrientDeck

Why Some AliExpress Orders Get Stuck in Customs

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If you've ever ordered something from AliExpress, you know the thrill: cheap prices, cool gadgets, and that 'I'm-a-shopping-genius' feeling. But then... radio silence. Your tracking stops at 'Departed from origin country,' and weeks go by. What gives? Chances are, your package is stuck in customs. Let’s break down why this happens, how long it might take, and what you can do about it.

Why Do Packages Get Held Up?

Customs isn’t just bureaucracy for fun — it’s about rules, taxes, and safety. Here’s the real tea:

  • Random Inspections: Even if your item is perfectly legal, some packages get pulled randomly. It’s like airport security for parcels.
  • Duties & Taxes: If your order exceeds your country’s duty-free threshold (e.g., $800 in the U.S., €150 in the EU), customs may hold it until fees are paid.
  • Suspicious Items: Things like lithium batteries, skincare with active ingredients, or branded 'replicas' raise red flags.
  • Incomplete Documentation: Sellers sometimes skip proper paperwork, especially with small ePacket shipments.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

Not all delays are equal. Here’s a realistic timeline based on region:

Country Avg. Customs Delay Duty-Free Threshold Notes
United States 3–7 days $800 Rarely taxed under threshold
Germany 7–14 days €150 VAT + duties apply above limit
Australia 10–21 days AUD 1,000 Often inspected by ABF
Brazil 21+ days R$ 50 Famous for long delays

What Can You Do?

First: don’t panic. Most packages clear eventually. But here’s how to speed things up:

  • Check Tracking Daily: Look for updates like 'Customs Release' or 'Awaiting Payment.'
  • Contact Local Post: Sometimes customs sends a notice to your mailbox or email — check both!
  • Pay Duties Fast: If there's a fee, pay it ASAP. Delays here = longer waits.
  • Reach Out to Seller: A good seller may refund duties or reship if the package gets seized.

Pro Tips to Avoid Future Hassles

  • Split Large Orders: Keep each package under your country’s duty-free limit.
  • Declare Accurately: Ask sellers to mark items as 'gift' or 'sample' with correct value (though not always reliable).
  • Use ePacket or Premium Shipping: These often get faster customs handling.
  • Avoid Restricted Items: No surprise — replicas, weapons, or meds rarely make it through.

Bottom line? Customs delays suck, but they’re part of the AliExpress game. Now that you know the why and how, you can shop smarter — and wait less.