If you are a frequent user of DHL then you might have seen the Clearance Event status on the tracking page for your package.
Do you know what it means? Is there something that you need to do to get your package? Well here in this article, we are going to discuss everything related to the “DHL Clearance Event”.
What’s the Meaning of the DHL Clearance Event?
If you have received this clearance event status from DHL then it means your package either hasn’t been looked at as there is a form required to be filled out or you are required to pay the customs taxes or duties before it gets the customs clearance from the officials.
In simple words, if you have got this notification then it means something is wrong with your package either you have to pay the taxes or need to fill out a form before your package gets customs clearance.
What does a Package at DHL get the “Customs Clearance Event” Status?
Some Error in the Package’s Value
Every single day DHL processes millions of packages and a lot of them need to go through customs to get clearance. And it’s quite obvious that they sometimes make mistakes while calculating the right value of the package.
One of the Reddit users shared her experience when she was expecting a package from South Korea and during the customs clearance and the currency conversion rate of her package, DHL overvalued at over $50,000 instead of just $500
However, the issue was resolved when she contacted the brokerage department and cleared the confusion about the conversion rates which ultimately helped the DHL to create the right invoice and get custom clearance within the same day.
Customs Documentation Review
If you have got the clearance event status on your tracking page then it might mean that customs officials might be reviewing the documents of your package.
So, before your package reaches the customs officials make sure all the necessary paperwork is attached to it like commercial invoices customs declaration permits, and the content information so that it can easily get clearance without any delay.
Need To Pay Duty Taxes
Officials may assess duties, taxes, and other fees applicable to imported goods based on the declared value of the package. If somehow you have missed paying some of the taxes or duties then you need to pay them as soon as you can otherwise your package will be held for weeks until you clear all those duties of taxes.
If that’s the issue with your package DHL usually updates the tracking status with the “pending shipment fee from the recipient” so that you can know that you need to pay some applicable fees for your package.
To resolve the issue you just need to get in contact with DHL and clear all those fees and within a few working days your package will get the customs clearance and will be on its way to get delivered.
High Volume
It usually happens at the time of some festive or holiday season, when the customs facilities get filled up with thousands of packages that remain there until they get processed and customs clearance before making their way to your delivery address.
Depending on how bad the situation is, it can take from a few days up to a month to get customs clearance for your package.
If weeks have passed and you haven’t noticed any changes then try to contact DHL as they can open up a ticket with the customs officials so that they can process the package quickly and you will be able to get it as soon as possible.
Your Package has been Seized
Although it happens very rarely if you are importing some valuable goods from any other nation then you are required to have an import permit otherwise your package will end up getting confiscated by the customs officials and your tracking status will show you a “Clearance Event” update.
The main problem here is that DHL custom brokers can take up to weeks or even months Before they provide an update that your package has been seized.
If that’s the case with their package then we recommend you reach out to the DHL free customs broker who will be able to provide you with the accurate status of your package whether it has been confiscated or not. If it has been confiscated then it will advise you on how to sort out the things with the customs officials.
The best thing here you can do is that if your package has some valuable goods then you can hire a private custom broker who will push the process to get the custom clearance a lot faster than the free DHL custom broker.
How long does a DHL clearance event take?
The exact duration of a DHL clearance event depends on several factors, but it typically takes between 3 and 5 business days for most shipments. But if you are expecting a package that needs to go through the FDA inspection then it can take as long as a week or a month to get the clearance.
Ideally, in these types of cases, you are required to have a private custom broker that will help you speed up your custom process and get your valuables on time before they are damaged.
What To Do If Your Package Has Got the “DHL Clearance Event” Update?
If you have received this update then it ideally means that your package has reached the customs facility to get the clearance before it makes its way to your address.
Firstly, keep in mind that it’s a standard procedure, it might take a few days or a few weeks to get things done so relax and have some patience.
Even after waiting for a few weeks if you don’t notice anything on your tracking status then you need to contact the DHL and get in touch with the free custom brokers as they provide you with the true status of your package.
Make sure your package has all the necessary documentation along with the payment proof of all the taxes and duties. Otherwise, your package will be held until you make the required payments for the taxes and customs duties.