All About International Shipment Release Import

You know that exhilarating feeling of excitement you get when you order something and wait for it to be delivered? You check the package status every few minutes because you just can’t wait for it to be out for delivery.

Instead, you get the “international shipment release import” status and wonder, “What does that even mean?”

In this post, we’re going to answer that question and share some much-needed insights on how packages are delivered as well as how long the process can take.

We’ll also be addressing some frequently asked questions that we see floating around the web regarding today’s topic, so stick around!

International Shipment Release Import in a Nutshell

International shipment release import is a package status that you may get when you order something internationally.

Each country has different customs regulations and laws, and according to these regulations and laws, the customs department may check your package differently.

The customs department receives the package from the transport company when it arrives at an airport or a port to be examined.

Next, they apply any required custom taxes and duties on your package. Then, after paying and finishing the needed paperwork, they release it back to the transport company.

By that time, the transport company can start delivering your package to the address you chose.

How Long Does the International Shipment Release Import Process Take?

The importing release mainly depends on the country. Generally, you can expect your package to be released from the customs department in around 3-5 business days.

In the United States, it can take about 24 hours to inspect packages, but sometimes it can take more time.

What Is the Difference Between International Shipment Release Import and Export?

Unlike importing, most countries don’t apply any strict or specific regulations and laws on goods that they export.

Before exporting any goods, the shipping country inspects the goods before handing them over to the transport company for shipping.

That being said, next time you get an “international shipment release export” notification, know that the package is still in the shipping county.

How Does International Shipping Work?

If you’re interested in how international shipping works but find it confusing, here’s a simplified glimpse of how everything goes.

The first step is export customs clearance, which is basically when the shipper starts delivering the packages to the origin warehouse where they inspect them.

After that, they load the packages and send them to the origin port, where they stuff them into containers and load them onto ships or airplanes.

When the cargo arrives at the destination, the customs department begins to inspect the goods and apply the taxes and duties on them.

Finally, the customs department releases them to the consignee to pay these taxes and finish the remaining paperwork.

The consignee then starts to unload the packages and starts to deliver them to customers.

[image error]

Why Your Package Can Be Stuck in Customs and What Should You Do?

Having your packages stuck in customs can be frustrating, but you should know the reason why this happens so that you can avoid it in the future or hopefully resolve an issue you’re facing currently.

The first reason may be that your package clearance documentation isn’t completed yet. This can be due to a false piece of information or a wrong address.

The second potential reason why your package is stuck in customs is unpaid taxes. You need to double-check if you have any unpaid taxes on your package to resolve this issue.

The third reason is that the item might be illegal or prohibited in your country. In this case, the customs department may stop the release of your package or destroy it.

Conclusion

In summary, the “international shipment release import” status is when the customs department releases a package and the transport company is about to send the package out for delivery.

The whole process might take about 3-5 days, depending on the country’s regulations and laws on imported goods.

Your package may get stuck in customs for a few reasons, as indicated above. If that’s the case, you should get in contact with your shipper or carrier to update your information or pay the due taxes.

All of that being said, you shouldn’t be alarmed if you receive the “international shipment release import” status. It’s nothing to worry about.

FAQs

Do you still have some unanswered questions? Here are a few frequently asked questions that might be on your mind.

What Does the Package Available for Clearance Mean?

After the customs department releases a package, it becomes ready for clearance. Ready for clearance means that the transport company can receive the package and start delivering it to customers.

Will I Get Compensated for My Lost Package?

The answer is yes. Most, if not all, transport companies refund their customers for lost, stolen, and damaged packages.

How Long Does International Shipment Release Import for FedEx Take?

With FedEx, you have the option to import from over 90 countries. For the United States, FedEx international shipment release import takes 2-5 business days. For neighboring countries such as Canada and Mexico, it takes 2-3 business days.

What Does Released From Import Customs Mean?

The “released from customs” status means that the goods have gone through all of the customs formalities and are ready to be picked up by the importer. Note that goods can go through all the customs formalities with or without paying taxes and duties.