Why would customs seize a package?
Asked by: Christelle Bailey | Last update: June 6, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)
Customs seizes packages for issues like prohibited/restricted items (drugs, fake goods, certain foods), inaccurate paperwork (wrong descriptions, undervaluation), intellectual property violations (counterfeits), health/safety concerns, or sanctions violations, often detected via x-rays, sniffer dogs, or inconsistencies that trigger further inspection. The package might be returned if the issue is minor (e.g., missing info), but serious violations can lead to fines or legal action.
What happens when customs seizes your package?
Seizure means CBP has formally confiscated your property and started a legal process that could end with you losing everything permanently. If you received a Notice of Seizure, you're not waiting for your package anymore. You're in a federal forfeiture case.
What causes a package to get seized?
A package can be held in customs due to Customs or Clearance delay. Such delays occur due to variety of reasons; the following are some examples: Missing documentation. Incomplete, missing, or inaccurate information on documentation.
Why do customs seize goods?
Shipments are held in customs to ensure they satisfy export or import customs regulations. A held shipment may have missing or incomplete paperwork, be waiting for clearance instructions or the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.
Why would a package be detained by customs?
The most common reason for shipments being held for Customs clearance is missing documentation and information. Documentation and information gaps can often be corrected at the origin location through process improvement, implementation, and training.
If my parcel is seized by Customs what should i do?
How often do packages get seized by customs?
Every day, a lot of shipping packages and merchandise are examined, detained, and seized from the U.S. Customs and other law enforcement officers during checks at the airports, seaports, and other border crossings.
What is the difference between detained and seized?
Detained goods can be released without any formality after customs officer is satisfied that goods are not contraband. The release can be made by Superintendent of Customs also. Seizure means to take possession of goods in pursuance of demand under legal rights.
Why won't customs release my package?
This could mean your shipment is missing paperwork, waiting for clearance instructions or because the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.
Do you get a refund if your package is seized?
Depending on the types of goods and circumstances, the penalty can range from 25% to 80% of the total item value. You will lose your goods permanently: You and your shipping provider will get a notification if the CBSA finds any illegal or restricted items in your box.
Should I ignore a customs seizure letter?
For these reasons, it is better not to ignore the CBP “notice of seizure” letter. If you want to regain your property, you should retain an attorney to file a demand for court action if the property came from a legitimate source and was intended for a legitimate purpose.
Does customs inspect every package?
Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open your package or packages without a good reason. They scan every package with a scanner or x-ray machine to verify that the items match your customs forms.
Does USPS xray all packages?
No, the USPS does not X-ray every single package, but many do go through X-ray screening, especially those in major cities, international mail, or packages flagged as suspicious; while standard scanners read addresses, dedicated X-ray machines detect dangerous items, and even a "Do Not X-Ray" label can make a package more suspicious.
Why would customs detain you?
Reasons for detention include: Undocumented status or suspected visa overstay. Suspicion that a visa is being misused (e.g., entering on a tourist visa to work) Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Why would a package get seized?
Usually, confiscation occurs when goods are deemed counterfeit, prohibited or illegal in the country, or when false declarations are knowingly made.
How long can U.S. Customs hold your package?
US Customs clearance typically takes a few hours to several days, but can stretch to weeks or even months if there are issues like missing or incorrect paperwork, unpaid duties/taxes, trademark violations, or if it's selected for a random inspection or is a complex item, with the carrier often holding it until these issues are resolved. A normal routine check is quick, while documentation problems can cause significant delays, sometimes up to 30-45 business days or longer.
How to get confiscated items back from customs?
Whether it is currency or goods which have been confiscated you may through a petition for remittance or mitigation of the forfeiture seek to recover your lost assets.
What happens if a package is seized by U.S. Customs?
Upon receipt of a seizure notice, Customs regulations require the alleged violator to file a petition with U.S. Customs within 30 days to challenge the grounds for seizure. 8 The petition is the means by which the owner of the cargo may seek to persuade U.S. Customs to release the seized shipment.
How do I appeal a customs seizure?
If your goods were seized under the Customs Act, you have the right to dispute the seizure. You may appeal in writing to the CBSA for a review of the seizure within 90 days of the date of the seizure. You can find more information about the appeal process on your seizure receipt form, or visit Appeals and reviews.
What happens when you get a seizure letter from customs?
The letter will inform you of what you need to do. You may file a claim within 30 days of receiving the notice. You may also offer a compromise, which entails proposing a settlement.
Is it bad if my package is being held at customs?
This could mean your shipment is missing paperwork, waiting for clearance instructions, or because the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.
How long can an item be stuck at customs?
How long does a parcel stay in customs? It varies from country to country, but customs clearance can take less than 24 hours. However, if you are missing any paperwork or underdeclared a package etc., it could take several days, weeks or even months.
How to know if customs seized a package?
You will receive a direct written notice of seizure
The period for sending the notice can be extended in certain circumstances. CBP also provides a public notice, which is published on an official government forfeiture website.
Why would customs detain a package?
CBP may hold packages for various reasons, including incomplete or incorrect paperwork, unpaid duties, or concerns about restricted or prohibited items.
What is the maximum time limit within which the seized goods should be released?
What is the maximum time limit for the release of the seized goods? A notice must be given within six months of the commodities being seized; if no notice is given within that time, the items will be returned.
How to know if a parcel is seized?
If customs seize your package, you will be informed of this by way of communication called Notice 12A. This will either have been handed to you in person if you were travelling with the items at the time that Border Force or HMRC seized your goods, or it will be sent to your address.