If you have an international package from AliExpress, it wouldn’t be too much to ask to receive it seamlessly.
However, while the package might have followed the other tracking scans perfectly, it might reach a point where you will see, “Failed to clear at import customs.”
What could that even mean? Why so? Can I make my package clear customs?
Our today’s guide aims to clear the air about all this. Read on.
What Does The AliExpress “Failed To Clear At Import Customs” Tracking Status Mean?
This tracking status means that due to an issue with your package, it can’t clear customs to enter your country.
However, we have had instances where such packages were delivered anyway.
Under most circumstances, AliExpress packages going to Australia and Canada greatly get this scan.
Why Is My Package Stuck On, “Failed To Clear At Import Customs?” 3 Primary Reasons
Your Package Contains Restricted Contents
If yours is a restricted package such as an electronic device with Lithium batteries past a specific mAh capacity, it could be the reason for it failing to clear the import customs.
However, we have noticed such packages still end up getting delivered. See, most airlines wouldn’t ship prohibited packages in the first place, and customs has to rely on such thoughts before they release it.
In such scenarios as to why the tracking update shows that the clearance process was unsuccessful, customs mostly keep your package aside as they dig deeper into what might make them not allow it into the country.
Under most circumstances, customs end up releasing such restricted imported packages after the inspection, as most of the airlines won’t mess up bringing banned contents into your country.
Scanning Error
Due to scanning errors, we have had many incidents where the AliExpress tracking page showed that the customs clearance was unsuccessful.
When this happens due to a scanning error, it’s mostly during when the customs offices are backed up, especially on the peak shopping days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holidays.
When you get this update due to a scanning error, the package usually ends up getting delivered while the tracking page still shows it failed to clear the customs clearance in your country.
A few days after the package is slotted for the final delivery, you can sometimes see another update on the tracking page showing “Cleared customs.”
Also Read: What Does The AliExpress Arrived At Linehaul Office Tracking Status Mean?
The Package Requires Further Inspection
During the peak times when customs facilities are overwhelmed with backlogs, packages that require any kind of inspection get kept aside for a few days as the staff handles parcels that have nothing worth inspecting.
Depending on how long it takes to clear the backlogs, the customs staff might take a few or more days to reach your package, which could explain why you aren’t getting a new update any time soon.
If they determine there is nothing to raise eyebrows after the inspection process, they hand over your package to the last-mile courier heading to your delivery address right away.
See, some packages appear overly suspicious from preliminary examinations, but upon further checking, there is nothing to cause alarm.
What Should I Do When My Package Is Stuck On, “Failed To Clear At Import Customs?”
Be More Patient
We don’t see anything you could do to make your package clear the customs process.
Since yours is most likely a legal package, there is little chance of it getting sent back to the sender, which is why we see no reason for you to panic.
Again, there is no point in contacting AliExpress at this point as anything to do with customs is beyond their control or influence.
Track Your Package Using Third-party Sites
Free Third-party package tracking sites end up giving finer details about the right statuses of packages than we see on AliExpress.
Pasting your tracking number on their provided buttons will let you know if the tracking page is stuck and your package is actually out for delivery, or if the parcel is stuck on the customs hubs awaiting the clearance process.
We recommend the free 17Track or Parcelsapp tracking services for this.
Also Read: What Does Import Customs Clearance Complete Mean On AliExpress?
