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If you are already awaiting an international shipment, the status “FedEx package available for clearance” can already be hard to understand. In this post, we will talk about what’s “clearance” with regards to FedEx, why does your FedEx package needs customs clearance and how long it usually gets cleared, and what could you do if it gets delayed.
When a customer takes the services of international shipping with Fedex, the package needs to go through customs clearance at the international destination country prior to making the deliveries. “Clearance” is the process that involves the securing inspection by customs officers on paperwork and contents of packages to ensure proper adherence to regulations. So, “available for clearance” simply means your Fedex shipment has arrived at the destination and now it awaits customs clearance.
WHAT DOES “FEDEX PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR CLEARANCE” MEAN?
This way, when a FedEx package is internationally in transit, the tracking status shall update to “available for clearance” on arrival in the destination country. Meaning your shipment has reached the local FedEx facility and is now waiting for customs clearance over there before it is delivered to you.
Some key points about “available for clearance” status:
The package has entered the destination country and is sitting at the Fedex hub.
Fedex can not deliver it until customs has cleared the shipment.
The package is now in the queue waiting for a customs officer to inspect.
It doesn’t mean that something is wrong or not progressing.
After customs clearance, Fedex can release the shipment for final delivery.
So you don’t need to be worried if you see this status. “Available for clearance” is a standard step for all international Fedex shipments and its meaning is simple. That it is waiting its turn for customs processing.
WHY DOES MY SHIPMENT NEED CUSTOMS CLEARANCE?
Whether with FedEx or any other carrier, customs clearance is a must for every packet entering the country. The authorities need to look at the content for several crucial reason why?
- To make sure that duty and tax are paid correctly on the goods being imported.
- To ascertain if the rules and regulations of importing allow entry of items.
- To prevent prohibited or dangerous inflow of goods.
- To control smuggling and passing of illegal shipment.
- For records and reports in statistics on commerce.
- To ensure compliance, officials inspect the paperwork that is filed by the sender.
They also physically open and inspect the package contents. Only once customs signs off can Fedex be allowed to deliver your shipment. So “available for clearance” is a required step before you can get to receive your international fedex delivery.
HOW LONG DOES CUSTOMS CLEARANCE TAKE WITH FEDEX?
Fedex does not provide specific time estimates for customs clearance, and your package’s status may remain unchanged during the waiting period. General timelines are as follows:
- In the United States – Clearance usually takes 24 hours or less. Most packages clear within a business day.
- Other countries – Clearance may take between 1-3 days, depending on local customs procedures.
- Delays can occur if shipments are flagged for additional inspections or during weekends and holidays.
- If Fedex requires more documents from the sender, the clearance process is delayed until these documents are provided.
While most packages clear customs within a day or two, exceptions can extend this process. If your shipment hasn’t cleared within 3 business days, contact Fedex for any pending issues.
IS MY PACKAGE STUCK IN CUSTOMS IF STATUS IS “AVAILABLE FOR CLEARANCE”?
If your Fedex tracking status remains unchanged after the “available for clearance” update, it doesn’t necessarily mean your package is stuck. Reasons for longer processing times may include:
- Customs workload and backlogs.
- Ongoing physical inspection.
- Awaiting additional documents from the sender.
- Delays at customs facilities during weekends or holidays.
- Random enhanced checks on contents.
Unless Fedex notifies you otherwise, your package is likely still undergoing standard customs clearance. If the status remains unchanged for more than 3 business days, contact Fedex for an update.
HOW TO SPEED UP CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FOR YOUR PACKAGE
Unfortunately, there’s no way to fast-track customs clearance when using international delivery services like Fedex. Every package goes through the same process. However, you can take steps to avoid potential delays:
- Ensure the sender provides complete and accurate customs paperwork. Inaccuracies can cause delays.
- Proactively ask the sender for any special import licenses or certificates required for the goods.
- Promptly provide any additional documents requested by Fedex or customs during the clearance process.
- Avoid frequently contacting Fedex for status updates, as this can hinder rather than help the clearance process.
- For urgent deliveries, inquire if the sender can use Fedex Express instead of Ground or Freight, as Express typically clears customs faster.
- Shipping domestically within your own country entirely avoids customs delays.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR SHIPMENT IS KEPT IN “AVAILABLE FOR CLEARANCE” STATUS FOR MORE THAN 4 BUSINESS DAYS WITH NO UPDATES
In the event your Fedex shipment remains in “available for clearance” status for more than 4 business days without any updates, here are the steps to take:
- Contact Fedex support to inquire about the status of your delayed package. Ask if they require any additional information from you.
- If possible, email or call the customs department in the destination country, providing your shipment’s tracking number, to inquire about its status.
- Request the sender to also follow up with Fedex and customs on their end to check if any outstanding paperwork or information is needed.
- Provide any required documents (licenses, certificates, etc.) to Fedex or customs to facilitate the release of your package.
- Regularly check the tracking status of your package, until it clears customs and is delivered. It might be just a random delay and should be resolved soon. Keep an eye on that tracking status field!
FAQ’s ABOUT “FEDEX PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR CLEARANCE”
Does the status mean my package entered the destination country?
Yes, “available for clearance” indicates that your FedEx package has reached the final destination and is at the local FedEx facility awaiting customs processing.
How long can a package stay in customs clearance?
Most FedEx shipments clear within 1-3 business days, but delays due to customs procedures may occasionally extend this to over 4 days.
Can I call FedEx to expedite customs clearance?
No. FedEx does not have control over the speed at which customs clears packages.
Will I receive a refund if my package is delayed in customs?
Fedex is not responsible for customs delays. You may be eligible for compensation only if the actual delivery time between the origin and destination airports was delayed.
Does this status mean my package was opened and inspected?
Not necessarily. Customs may have initially only checked the paperwork, but they can open and inspect the contents at their discretion.
How will I know if customs needs more documents to clear my package?
If customs require additional certifications or formalities for your shipment’s release, FedEx will notify you or the sender.
SUMMARY of UNDERSTANDING THE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS
In essence, the status “FedEx package available for clearance” simply means your international shipment has arrived in the destination country and is awaiting mandatory customs inspection. This process can take from a few hours to several business days. Although most FedEx packages clear within 1-2 days, some can face longer delays due to factors such as destination country procedures, physical inspections, backlogs, holidays, etc.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to expedite customs clearance, but maintaining contact with FedEx and customs to check if they need any additional paperwork from you or the sender can be helpful. With patience and persistence, your package should soon clear customs and continue its journey to your doorstep.
