FedEx tracking status
FedEx “Clearance delay”: what it means
The short answer
Keep an eye on itYour international package is still in customs and has not been released yet. FedEx says this can be caused by missing or wrong paperwork, extra checks, or a missing piece of a multi-piece shipment, and that it will contact whoever can supply what is needed.
When to act: If nothing changes for 2 business days and FedEx has not asked you for anything, file a complaint and we send it to FedEx.
Also shown as: “Clearance delay - Import” · “Clearance in progress” · “In clearance process”
What to do now
- 1
Check your email and texts for a message from FedEx about duties, taxes or documents. Fake customs-fee texts are common, so check the message and the amount in the FedEx Import Tool, and pay there if duties are due.
- 2
Open the travel history and look for a line that says what is missing or whether action is required.
- 3
Keep your order confirmation at hand. If FedEx asks you, as the importer, what the goods are and what you paid, the answers are there.
- 4
Save screenshots of the travel history and any FedEx message, with the dates. They show how long the package has been held.
- 5
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to FedEx, so you do not have to chase it yourself.
Running late with another courier
- UPS: Delay
- USPS: In transit, arriving late
- Amazon: Delayed, not yet shipped
- OnTrac: Delayed. Delivery date updated
- SpeedX: Delay in transit
- Veho: Package delayed
- GLS: Delivery Rescheduled
- Cainiao: Import customs clearance delay
- Royal Mail: Delayed
- Evri: Delayed
- DPD: Delayed due to an unexpected issue in your area
- Yodel: Your parcel has been delayed
- APC Overnight: Your parcel won't be delivered today
- DX: Not arrived or delayed
- ArrowXL: Couldn't deliver
- Canada Post: Item delayed, stay tuned for updates
- Purolator: Delayed in transit due to disruption
- Canpar: Delayed at facility
- Intelcom: Delivery postponed
- Australia Post: Possible delay
- StarTrack: Possible delay
- Aramex: Parcel delayed
- CouriersPlease: Delivery rescheduled
- Team Global Express: Held up in transit
- NZ Post: Parcel delayed
- An Post: Parcel delayed
What does “Clearance delay” mean?
Every international package has to be cleared by customs in the destination country before FedEx can deliver it. 'Clearance delay' means that step is taking longer than planned. FedEx's own list of reasons: missing documentation, incomplete or inaccurate information on the documents, extra documents or processing required for certain goods, and missing pieces of a multi-piece shipment.
Often you only have to wait: the package is waiting its turn or going through a routine check. For packages coming into the US, FedEx says duties and taxes now apply to every imported shipment, so expect a payment request if the seller did not prepay them. When something is missing, FedEx says it will try to contact the party most likely able to provide it. That can be you, as the importer, especially when duties or taxes are due, or the shipper, when the invoice or the item description is the problem.
Why does FedEx show it?
- A missing commercial invoice or other documents
- A vague or wrong item description or value
- Duties or taxes that must be paid before release
- Extra checks for certain goods, such as food, medicine or cosmetics
- A random customs inspection
- A missing piece of a multi-piece shipment
- Backlogs at the import hub during busy periods
How long does it last?
Once customs releases the package, tracking usually shows 'International shipment release - Import' and the package moves into the normal FedEx network for delivery, often within a few days. If FedEx needs a payment or paperwork, the package waits until it gets them, and an unpaid charge can show as 'Delivery is held, unable to collect payment'.
Other FedEx statuses
- Delivery exceptionKeep an eye on it
- Shipment exceptionKeep an eye on it
- DelayKeep an eye on it
- Delivered but not receivedTake action
- PendingKeep an eye on it
- Future delivery requestedKeep an eye on it
- Delivery updatedKeep an eye on it
- Incorrect addressTake action
- On the wayNormal
Who is responsible for a late or missing package from FedEx?
If you bought it online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered to you. The seller chose FedEx, paid for the shipping and is FedEx's customer, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund.
If you sent the package yourself, your contract is with FedEx, under the terms in the FedEx Service Guide. FedEx's standard liability is $100 per package, included in the shipping rate, unless you declared a higher value and paid extra for it when you created the label.
Questions about “Clearance delay”
How long does a FedEx clearance delay take?
FedEx gives no fixed time. Simple cases often clear within a few days, while missing documents, unpaid duties or extra checks can take a week or more. Supplying whatever FedEx asks for is the fastest fix.
What does an import clearance delay mean?
The hold is in the destination country, where your package is being imported. It means the same as any clearance delay: customs has not released the package yet.
Do I have to pay customs charges to FedEx?
Often, for US imports. FedEx says new rules require duties and taxes on every imported shipment, so unless the shipper prepaid them, you usually pay before delivery. Verify any FedEx payment text or email, and the amount, in the FedEx Import Tool.
What happens after 'International shipment release - Import'?
Customs has released your package. It now moves through the normal FedEx network to your local station and out for delivery.
Why is my FedEx package stuck in customs in Memphis?
Memphis is home to FedEx's main hub, and many international packages are cleared there. A clearance delay in Memphis means the same as anywhere else: the paperwork or a check has not been completed yet.
Based on
- FedEx Canada: Clearance delay
- FedEx: How do I get a package out of customs?
- FedEx Canada: Why is my package stuck in customs?
- FedEx Canada: Delivery is held, unable to collect payment
- FedEx: Report fraud (duties payment messages and the FedEx Import Tool)
- FedEx: Navigating US tariffs and customs regulations
- FedEx: What if my customer's package is lost, damaged or missing items?
- FedEx Service Guide
- FedEx: Declared value and limits of liability