If you are expecting an international package to be delivered by DHL, then you might come across the update that shows “Further Clearance Processing is Required” under the DHL Clearance Event update.
You generally receive this update when your package is being examined by the customs authorities to ensure that nothing illegal is being imported into the country.
Why I got Further Clearance Processing is Required update?
As I have mentioned you receive this update under the ‘DHL Clearance Event’ when your international package is being processed by the customs official to ensure the rules and regulations of importing goods are followed or not.
Basically, it’s a kind of standard procedure for every package that comes from any other nation(international). Depending upon the value of the Package, it might have to go through different clearance processes generally the higher the value, the longer the procedure of customs clearance.
Make sure all the required paperwork is already there with the package before it makes its way to customs, if any important document is found to be missing then chances are there that your package will held up separately and will only be released if all the required documentations are provided to custom officials.
If possible know a little about the rules and regulations of your country before importing anything and remain in touch with DHL to have a smooth customs clearance experience.
Also Read – The Delivery Date Will Be Provided As Soon As Possible Meaning
What’s the meaning of “Further Clearance Processing”?
When you either send or receive a package(internationally), before making its way to the destination country the package has to go through the Custom Clearances.
During customs clearance, the package goes through a deep inspection of documentation, content, taxes & duties to ensure that all the rules and regulations are being followed or not. If more documentation to required to justify your package value then DHL will update the Tracking Status to “Further Clearance processing is required” which you can see under the Further Detailed Tab.
If you see this update, then it means that your package is going through the additional step to verify that everything in the package is justified and obliged to customs laws. This usually happens when some important documentation is missing, incorrect information has been provided during the shipping or the content doesn’t justify the value of the package.
The best thing about DHL is that it allows the person(either sender or recipient) to submit the documentation quickly so that there is no delay in the customs clearance phase. Besides that, they also have a specialized service that helps you to navigate the process and know where is your package.
Sometimes an additional customs clearance is needed due to new regulations, taxes, duties, or import rules in the destination country. You need to know in advance about the customs requirements of the destination country so that your package complies with the rules and regulations.
Keep in mind, that DHL will charge clearance handling fees if it requires individual handling. It only applies to the shipments with specific situations. Be aware of DHL’s policies regarding customs clearance and service fees otherwise, you might have to pay hundreds of dollars extra.
Keep checking your tracking status regularly so that you know whether they(customs officials) need any other documentation or not to timely process the package. If you do this then you will be able to easily provide it and have a smooth & relatively easy customs clearance process with DHL.
What does DHL do in the Customs Clearance Process?
Being the most popular and leading logistics provider in the whole world, DHL is one of the best shippers when it comes to your package to go through the customs clearance process smoothly.
Having years of experience working as a logistics provider, DHL can help you with the documentation that you really need to have so that your package can get customs clearance smoothly without any hurdles.
Basically, DHL acts as an intermediary between you and the customs authorities during the clearance process. It ensures that all your shipping documents, like commercial invoices, air waybills, and packing lists, are accurate and complete. If this documentation is missing from the package then it can cause delays and potential fines.
DHL’s service helps you avoid customs clearance delays and also makes sure that all the packages processed through them don’t have to stay longer in the Customs Facility.
Usually, for most of the queries from customs, DHL will act on your behalf, thereby saving you time and effort. If any further documentation is required, DHL will inform you regarding the issue and will try to get it resolved as soon as you provide the documentation.
So always keep checking your package tracking page for the latest update by using the ‘DHL Tracking Number.’
What is the Procedure for Customs Clearance?
When you are either importing or exporting a package, then it needs to go through customs and get a clearance which means it follows all the rules and regulations.
During the clearance process, all the important documents related to the package are submitted along with the payments recipient of duties and taxes to the customs authorities. There they will verify that all the documents are genuine and package compliance with all the rules and regulations of the destination country.
The documentation includes commercial invoices, airway bills, packing lists, certificates, and licenses (if required). When a package is stuck in customs clearance, the DHL provides a seamless service using it you can easily submit your documents to customs authorities to avoid any further delay.
To let you know, there are two types of Customs Clearance process i.e. Formal and Informal depending upon the value of the package. In the Informal Clearance process, your package value must be less than $2500 and after checking all the documentation your package is released to DHL to make the final delivery.
In the Formal clearance process, your package value must be more than $2500 where they are held for Automated Broker Interface (ABI) entry to ensure all customs laws are being followed or not.
If any of the packages require payment of taxes and duties for the clearance then DHL will make all the payments on your behalf and those payments will be added to your bill that you need to pay before you get the package.
Whether you are the sender or the receiver of the package, you need to have good information related to the customs regulations of the destination country. Keep in mind, if your package takes more than 2 working days to get customs clearance then you need to contact the DHL and let them know something is wrong with your package.
Having a little information about the customs clearance processes and correct paperwork helps you avoid delays when importing or exporting shipments internationally. Otherwise, your shipment will remain in the customs facility till the time you don’t submit the required documentation and prove there’s nothing wrong with the package.
Also Read – Package On the Way Meaning
What are the Reasons for a Package to Get Delay in Customs Clearances?
Packages can get delayed in customs clearance for a variety of reasons, while some of them are within your control and others not. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Package to Get Delay in Customs Clearances:
Documentation Issues:
- Missing or Incomplete Documents: Make sure your package has all the necessary paperwork, like commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and permits. If any incomplete documents are found then it can easily lead to delays until you show the required documentation.
- Inaccurate Information: If you have somehow made a Mistake either in descriptions, product codes, values, quantities, or currency it will raise red flags and chances are there that your package will held up for further clearance so double-check everything for correct information before submitting the package.
- Improper Labeling: Make sure your packages have proper labeling and it complies with international shipping rules and regulations of the destination country.
Product-Related Issues:
- Restricted or Prohibited Items: If your package contains items that are restricted or prohibited in the destination country, then the package will be held or even confiscated. So, avoid putting anything in the shipment that is illegal or prohibited.
- Product Safety Concerns: If your product raises safety concerns to the customs officials then, officials might request additional testing or documentation to ensure the content of the package fully complies with regulations.
Other Factors:
- High Volume: During peak seasons, when thousands of packages are already lined up in long queues at customs facilities, then the process of customs clearance can be slower which results in slow movements of the packages. So it can also cause the packages to get delayed during the custom clearance.
- System Outages or Technical Issues: Occasionally, customs systems experience technical difficulties, impacting processing times. Usually, issues like this get fixed within a day but if the system has been damaged physically then it can cause a temporary fault in the clearance process of the packages.