How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia?

Have you ever tracked a highly anticipated package online, only to see it stuck on a status like "Awaiting Customs Clearance" or "Held in Customs" for what feels like an eternity? It’s a frustrating experience that leaves many Aussies wondering: How long does customs hold a package in Australia?

Whether you’ve just ordered the latest tech gadget from overseas, are eagerly awaiting a gift from a relative in the UK, or run an e-commerce business relying on international inventory, understanding the Australian Border Force (ABF) clearance process is essential. Nobody likes shipping delays, but knowing what to expect—and how to prevent common hold-ups—can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Australian customs (the Australian Border Force, ABF) holds packages for anywhere from a very short time to an extended period, depending on the clearance pathway. Green Lane clearance — for pre-cleared, low-risk, correctly documented shipments — can release goods within a short time of vessel arrival. Red Line clearance — triggered by documentation problems, biosecurity concerns or inspection flags — typically holds goods for an extended period, and in complex cases longer. In our clearance experience, the most frequent cause of extended holds is DAFF biosecurity assessment, particularly during the annual BMSB risk season (DAFF publishes the season dates each year). The fastest way to ensure rapid customs clearance is engaging a licensed customs broker to lodge pre-clearance before the vessel arrives.

Your cargo arrived at the Port of Fremantle earlier this week. The shipping line says it's unloaded. Your supplier says it's been dispatched. But you can't collect it — and nobody can tell you exactly why. Sound familiar? If you've ever had a shipment stuck at the border and didn't know whether it would clear shortly or drag on far longer, this guide will give you the honest, complete answer — including exactly what triggers a hold, how long each scenario takes, and what you can do about it.

Here's something most first-time importers don't know until it costs them money: the Australian Border Force doesn't process all shipments at the same speed. There's no single "customs clearance time" that applies to everyone. What actually happens depends on the clearance pathway your shipment is assigned to — and that pathway is determined by how well your documentation is prepared, where your goods came from, what they are, and whether your customs broker lodged the declaration before the vessel arrived.

Understanding the difference between a shipment that clears quickly and one that sits at the terminal isn't just academic. A held container doesn't sit still — it accrues charges. Terminal storage is billed daily once the free period lapses, demurrage is charged separately by the shipping line on top of that, and during the BMSB biosecurity season a single missing treatment certificate can turn a routine delivery into a badly delayed one while both clocks keep running. This guide covers every scenario — with realistic expectations, the charges involved, and exactly what you need to do to keep your shipment moving.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about how long customs holds a package in Australia, why delays happen, and what you can do to ensure your parcels breeze through the border.

Understanding the Australian Border Force (ABF)

Before we dive into the timelines, it's helpful to understand who is handling your package. In Australia, the Australian Border Force (ABF) is the primary agency responsible for managing the security and integrity of the country's borders. This includes monitoring all goods entering and leaving the country.

The ABF's main goals regarding international mail and cargo are:

1. Protecting the Community: Stopping illegal drugs, weapons, and dangerous goods from entering the country.
2. Protecting the Environment: Working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to prevent pests and diseases from devastating Australia's unique ecosystem and agricultural industries (this is often referred to as biosecurity).
3. Collecting Revenue: Ensuring all applicable duties, taxes (like GST), and tariffs are paid correctly.

Every single package arriving from overseas, whether it's a tiny letter or a massive shipping container, is subject to scrutiny by the ABF.

So, How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia?

Usually very quickly for standard, problem-free packages — often clearing before you even notice. In our clearance experience this is the most common outcome.

However, the reality is much more nuanced. There is no guaranteed clearance timeframe and no published maximum. The ABF can hold goods for as long as it needs to satisfy itself they comply with Australian law, and specific detention and seizure powers carry their own procedures and notice requirements under the Customs Act 1901.

Here is a general breakdown of typical clearance times based on the situation. These are indicative ranges drawn from our own clearance experience, not published or guaranteed timeframes.

Scenario 1: The "Green Light" Clearance — Fastest Outcome

This is the ideal scenario and, thankfully, the most common one. If you are importing standard goods that are not restricted, correctly valued (especially if under the low-value goods threshold), and all documentation is accurate, your package will likely clear customs very quickly.

Often, this clearance happens electronically before the plane even lands, or shortly after the package is scanned at an international mail center or depot. You might see a tracking update that says "Cleared Customs" almost immediately after it arrives in the country.

Scenario 2: Routine Inspections — Short Delay

Sometimes, your package might be selected for a routine inspection. The ABF uses sophisticated targeting systems and X-ray technology to screen parcels. If an X-ray shows something unusual, or if your package fits a certain risk profile, it will be pulled aside for a closer look.

This doesn't necessarily mean you've done anything wrong. It might just be a random check or a required biosecurity screening (for example, if the package contains wood products or food items).

If your package requires a physical inspection or needs to be assessed by a biosecurity officer from DAFF, this typically adds a short delay to the clearance process.

Scenario 3: Missing Information or Duty Owed — Extended Delay

This is where delays start to become noticeable. If your package is held up because the ABF needs more information, the timeline extends significantly.

Common reasons for this include:

•     Missing or Incomplete Paperwork: The commercial invoice is missing, vague, or doesn't list the contents clearly (e.g., stating "Gift" instead of "Men's Cotton T-Shirt").
•     Valuation Issues: The ABF suspects the declared value is incorrect. If you bought a high-value laptop and the sender declared it as worth a small fraction of that to avoid taxes, this will be flagged.
•     Taxes and Duties Owed: If your goods are valued above the threshold set by the ABF, you will likely need to pay GST, customs duty, and potentially other processing charges. Confirm the current threshold and charges on the ABF website before you ship.

When this happens, the ABF will issue a formal notification—often called a "First Notice" or a request for information. They will usually send this notice via the postal service or your courier (like DHL, FedEx, or Australia Post), not directly to you.

The delay depends entirely on how quickly you (or your customs broker) respond and provide the requested documents or pay the outstanding fees. This process easily takes an extended period, and sometimes longer if you are slow to reply.

Scenario 4: Serious Investigations and Seizures — Open-Ended

If your package is suspected of containing prohibited or heavily restricted items, it will be held for a formal investigation. This applies to things like:

•     Illegal narcotics or precursor chemicals.
•     Weapons, firearms, or certain martial arts equipment.
•     Counterfeit goods (fake designer bags, pirated software).
•     Serious biosecurity risks (live plants, specific animal products without permits).

In these cases, the package can be held for an extended period while the investigation concludes. If the items are confirmed to be prohibited, they will be seized and destroyed, and you may face fines or legal action.

Green Lane vs Red Line — The Two Customs Clearance Pathways in Australia

When your customs broker lodges an Import Declaration via the ABF's Integrated Cargo System (ICS), the ABF's system assesses the declaration and assigns one of two outcomes. Understanding these two pathways is the most important thing you can learn about Australian customs clearance timelines.

      GREEN LANE

•     Declaration assessed — no further examination required
•     Goods cleared for immediate collection once duties paid
•     Release typically shortly after unloading confirmation (with pre-arrival lodgement)
•     Lowest cost — no inspection fees, no storage accumulation
•     Requires: complete docs, correct HS codes, no risk flags
•     DAFF biosecurity also cleared (if pre-assessed)
•     Achieved by: pre-clearance lodgement + licensed customs broker

      RED LINE

•     Hold placed — goods cannot be collected until resolved
•     Documentary review, physical inspection, or DAFF assessment
•     Hold duration: short to prolonged, depending on the reason for the hold
•     Costs accumulate: storage, demurrage, inspection fees
•     Triggered by: document issues, risk flags, random selection
•     DAFF may also place a separate biosecurity hold
•     Resolved by: your customs broker responding to ABF queries

Can You Know in Advance Which Lane You'll Get?

Not with certainty — the ABF's risk assessment uses intelligence-based algorithms that aren't publicly disclosed, so no broker can promise a clearance outcome. What we can say from experience is that the shipments clearing without a hold share a consistent profile: a complete, accurate Import Declaration lodged well ahead of vessel arrival through a licensed customs broker, consistent documentation, a clean compliance history, and biosecurity requirements addressed before departure. Preparation is the part you control — and in practice it is the part that makes the difference.

How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia? — Realistic Timeframes

Here are the realistic customs hold durations for every scenario you're likely to encounter as an Australian importer. Neither the ABF nor DAFF publishes guaranteed clearance times, so the durations below are indicative ranges based on our own clearance experience across Australian ports.

Pre-Cleared Green Lane — Best Case

Import Declaration lodged well ahead of vessel arrival. ABF assesses and clears the declaration. DAFF also pre-clears biosecurity. When the vessel arrives and goods are unloaded, delivery orders can be issued and goods collected shortly after terminal availability confirmation. This is the ideal outcome — and it's achievable on the majority of correctly documented commercial shipments. Typically: goods available shortly after unloading confirmation

Declaration Lodged at Arrival — Standard Green Lane

Import Declaration lodged on or just after vessel arrival (not pre-clearance). Declaration assessed and cleared, duties paid. Goods released from port terminals shortly after arrival — factoring in duty payment processing, terminal notification and transport booking. Typically: shortly after vessel arrival, but slower than pre-clearance

Documentary Review — Minor Red Line Hold

Hold triggered for document verification — the ABF wants to review your commercial invoice, packing list, HS code or declared value. Your customs broker responds with the required documents. If everything is in order, the hold is lifted and the goods are cleared. Most minor documentary holds resolve quickly if your broker responds promptly. Typically: resolved quickly, where documents are supplied promptly

DAFF Biosecurity Assessment — Standard Hold

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) holds the goods for biosecurity assessment. In our clearance work this is the most frequent type of hold we encounter. Goods are reviewed for signs of biological material, insects, soil, or other biosecurity risks. If no issues are found during document assessment, goods are cleared. Document assessment takes noticeably longer than a documentary review, and a physical inspection requirement extends it further. Brokers operating under DAFF's AEP arrangements can self-assess certain documents, which in our experience shortens this step considerably. Typically: an extended assessment period — longer again if physical inspection is required

BMSB Treatment Required — During the BMSB Risk Season

During the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, goods from target risk countries that arrive without valid treatment certificates are held for mandatory biosecurity treatment. Treatment must use a DAFF-approved method — options include methyl bromide fumigation, heat treatment and sulfuryl fluoride, depending on the commodity and DAFF's current requirements — and must be arranged, conducted and certified before goods can be released. Treatment adds significant time and cost — particularly if treatment providers are at capacity during peak season. Typically: a prolonged hold

Physical Examination — ABF Inspection Hold

The ABF selects the goods for physical examination — the container is moved to an examination facility, unsealed, and physically inspected by ABF officers. This is more involved than a documentary review. After examination, goods may be cleared (if compliant), released subject to conditions, or refused entry if prohibited items are found. This is the most time-consuming type of hold. Typically: the longest hold category of all

Prohibited / Restricted Goods or Compliance Investigation

Goods found to contain prohibited items, suspected counterfeit products, or flagged for serious compliance investigation may be seized and held indefinitely pending investigation. If goods are ultimately found to be prohibited, they may be destroyed or forfeited. If restricted items are involved and the required import permit can be obtained retroactively, goods may eventually be released — but this is a lengthy, expensive process. No timeframe applies — open-ended pending investigation

What Causes Customs to Hold a Package in Australia? — 8 Common Reasons

Common Reasons for Customs Holds in Australia

 BMSB Season One of the Biggest Causes of Customs Delays in Australia

If your goods are shipped from a BMSB target risk country during the risk season — broadly the risk season dates DAFF publishes each year — you need to understand the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) biosecurity requirements. In our clearance work this is the most frequent reason customs hold times extend well beyond what importers expect. Goods loaded near the end of the season that arrive after it closes can still be caught, so always confirm the current season dates and arrival cut-offs with DAFF before you ship.

The BMSB is an invasive pest species that poses a serious threat to Australia's agricultural industries. It lives in packing materials, machinery, vehicles and goods shipped from countries where it's prevalent. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) runs one of the world's strictest BMSB compliance programs, requiring mandatory treatment for goods shipped from targeted countries during the BMSB season.

BMSB Target Risk Countries — Examples Only (Always Check DAFF's Current Season List)

 What Happens If Your Goods Don't Have BMSB Treatment Certificates

If your goods arrive during the BMSB risk season from a target risk country without valid treatment certificates, DAFF will automatically place a biosecurity hold. Your options are then limited to: (1) arranging treatment in Australia at your cost — which requires finding an approved provider, waiting for treatment capacity, completing treatment and obtaining certification; or (2) re-exporting the goods at your cost. Arranging treatment in Australia during peak season means competing for limited fumigation capacity in our experience this significantly extends the hold, and treatment costs are substantial per container depending on size and commodity. This entire scenario is completely avoidable with pre-departure treatment arranged by your supplier before goods are loaded in the origin country.

 10 Common Reasons Your Package is Held in Australian Customs

If you are currently staring at a tracking screen that says "Held in Customs," it's likely due to one of these ten common issues:

1. The Customs Value Threshold and GST

This is perhaps the most common reason for a delay for everyday shoppers. Australia applies GST to imported goods, and sets a customs value threshold above which a formal Import Declaration is required. Both are set by government — the GST rate by the ATO and the threshold by the ABF — so confirm the current figures on their websites before you buy.

•     Low-Value Goods (Under the Threshold): If your imported goods are valued at or below the threshold, they are generally exempt from customs duty and GST at the border (though GST may have been collected at the point of sale by the overseas retailer). These usually clear quickly.
•     High-Value Goods (Over the Threshold): If the value is above the threshold, you are required to lodge an Import Declaration and pay duties, GST, and an import processing charge. The ABF will hold the package until these fees are paid.

2. Incomplete or Vague Customs Declarations

The paperwork attached to your package (the commercial invoice or customs declaration CN22/CN23) is crucial. The ABF needs to know exactly what is in the box.

If the description is vague—like "Electronics," "Clothes," "Samples," or simply "Gift"—the package will almost certainly be flagged for a physical inspection. The description must be specific, such as "Sony PlayStation 5 Console" or "Women's Denim Jacket."

3. Missing Commercial Invoice

For commercial shipments, a detailed commercial invoice is mandatory. If the seller forgot to include it, or if it fell off the package during transit, customs has no way of verifying the contents or value. They will hold the package and request this documentation.

4. Suspected Undervaluation

As mentioned earlier, trying to dodge taxes by declaring a lower value is a bad idea. The ABF has extensive databases on the typical value of goods. If you declare a brand-new smartphone as being worth a small fraction of its retail price, the package will be held, and you will be asked to provide proof of purchase (like a bank statement or PayPal receipt) to verify the actual price paid.

5. Biosecurity Concerns (DAFF Inspections)

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world to protect its agriculture and environment. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) works closely with the ABF.

Packages are frequently held for biosecurity inspection if they contain or are suspected to contain:

•     Food items (especially meat, dairy, or fresh produce).
•     Plant materials, seeds, or wooden products (including bamboo).
•     Animal products or items made from raw animal skin/fur.
•     Used outdoor equipment (tents, hiking boots) that might carry soil or seeds.

6. Prohibited or Restricted Items

This is straightforward. If you try to import something that is illegal in Australia, it will be held and likely seized. This includes obvious things like illicit drugs and weapons, but also less obvious items like certain laser pointers, specific types of knives, or dog collars with protruding spikes.

7. Requirement for Import Permits

Certain goods require a specific permit before they can be imported into Australia. This includes things like:

•     Certain medicines and pharmaceuticals.
•     Specific chemicals.
•     Some types of vehicles.
•     Heritage items or cultural property.

If you import these without the necessary permit already in place, the goods will be held until you obtain one — and permit processing times vary significantly by permit type — or they will be seized.

8. Backlogs and Peak Seasons

Sometimes the delay isn't your fault at all. During peak shipping seasons—like the lead-up to Christmas, Black Friday sales, or major global shopping events (like Singles' Day)—the sheer volume of packages entering Australia increases dramatically.

While the ABF and postal services staff up for these periods, backlogs are inevitable. A package that would normally clear quickly can take considerably longer simply because it's sitting in a massive queue waiting to be processed.

9. Random Compliance Checks

The ABF regularly conducts random audits and inspections to ensure compliance, even for packages that appear perfectly fine on paper. It's a standard part of their border security strategy. If your package is randomly selected, it will cause a short delay while the check is completed.

10. Issues with the Courier or Postal Service

Occasionally, the delay isn't technically with the ABF, but with the logistics company. A package might have cleared customs legally, but the courier hasn't updated the tracking system or moved it out of the bonded warehouse yet. This often looks like a "customs hold" to the customer, but it's actually an operational delay on the carrier's end.

How Much Does a Customs Hold Cost in Australia?

The direct cost of a customs hold in Australia isn't just the inspection or treatment fee. It's the combination of charges that accumulate every day your goods sit at the port terminal — from two or three different parties at once, all billing independently. Terminal storage is set by individual terminal operators and demurrage by individual shipping lines, so your charges depend on your port, carrier and contract. Government fees are published by the ABF and DAFF. Because every one of these rates is set externally and changes over time, always obtain current figures for your specific consignment rather than relying on published estimates.

Container Storage (Terminal)

Charged per day — rate set by the terminal operator

Applies after the free period expires. Set by the terminal operator and varies by port. Accumulates rapidly on longer holds.

Demurrage (Container Hire)

Charged per day, per container — rate set by the shipping line

Charged by the shipping line for holding its equipment beyond free time, per container. Set by the carrier — check your contract terms.

DAFF Inspection Fee

Published by DAFF — see current fee schedule

Per biosecurity assessment. DAFF publishes its current charges, including fees for physical inspection and repeat attendance.

BMSB Treatment

Charged per container — set by the approved treatment provider

Set by approved treatment providers, not government. Varies by container size, commodity and provider availability.

ABF Physical Examination

Published by ABF — see current charges

Examination and import processing charges are published by the ABF and charged to the importer.

Re-Export (Worst Case)

Highly variable — obtain a quote

If goods are refused entry and must be returned to origin or destroyed. Depends entirely on consignment, origin and carrier.

Illustrative Cost Example: BMSB Hold on a 20-Foot Container

The following is an illustrative scenario, not a specific client shipment. A container of machinery arrives from a BMSB target risk country during the risk season without treatment certificates. A biosecurity hold is placed on arrival. The free storage period lapses and terminal storage begins accruing. Shortly afterwards, the shipping line's demurrage clock starts running as well — separately, and on top. Treatment then has to be arranged locally, and during peak season that means waiting for an available fumigation slot before treatment can even begin. Once treatment is completed and certified, clearance follows.

By release, the importer is facing accumulated storage, accumulated demurrage, treatment costs and biosecurity fees — a substantial total

— for something entirely preventable with a pre-departure treatment certificate.

How to Speed Up Customs Clearance in Australia — 7 Proven Steps

Engage a Licensed Customs Broker Before the Vessel Departs

Book your customs broker as soon as you confirm your shipment — ideally before it even leaves the origin country. Your broker needs time to review your commercial invoice, confirm HS codes, check FTA eligibility, identify permit requirements, and flag BMSB compliance issues before they become emergencies. Waiting until the vessel arrives means everything happens under time pressure.

Ensure All Documents Are Complete, Accurate and Consistent

The single most common cause of preventable customs delays is documentation discrepancies. Your Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading and Certificate of Origin must all be consistent with each other — same descriptions, values, quantities and countries of origin. Any discrepancy between documents is a flag that can trigger a Red Line documentary review. Send all documents to your broker the moment the vessel departs.

Lodge Pre-Clearance Well Before Vessel Arrival

Pre-clearance lodgement is the most powerful tool available to reduce customs hold times. When your customs broker lodges your Import Declaration before the vessel arrives — and the declaration is cleared without a hold — your goods can be released shortly after unloading confirmation. This removes the delay of lodging at arrival and eliminates the risk of storage charges accumulating while you wait for assessment. We recommend lodging well ahead of arrival wherever the documentation allows.

Arrange BMSB Treatment Before Departure During the Risk Season

If your goods are shipping from a BMSB target risk country during the risk season, arrange treatment at the origin country before loading — not in Australia after arrival. Origin treatment is faster, cheaper and eliminates the risk of a DAFF biosecurity hold entirely. Your supplier needs to engage an approved treatment provider and obtain the treatment certificate before the container is sealed for loading. Confirm the current season dates and target country list with your broker before you ship.

Use a Customs Broker with AEP (DAFF) Accreditation

AEP (Automatic Entry Processing) is an arrangement administered by DAFF that allows approved brokers to self-assess certain biosecurity documents without waiting for departmental manual processing. On eligible shipments this can remove significant time from the biosecurity clearance step — and time saved is storage and demurrage avoided. Always ask your customs broker whether they operate under AEP arrangements, and choose one that does for biosecurity-sensitive shipments.

Pay Duties and GST Immediately When Advised

Outstanding duty and GST payment is an entirely avoidable cause of clearance delays. Once your customs broker advises you of the duty and GST amounts, arrange payment immediately. Payment processing is usually quick, but it still sits between you and your delivery order — delaying it extends the time your goods sit at the terminal accumulating storage charges.

Respond Promptly to Any ABF or DAFF Queries

If your shipment receives a Red Line assessment and the ABF or DAFF requests additional information, your customs broker will contact you. Respond to any information requests as quickly as possible — each delay in providing requested documents extends the time your goods sit accruing storage charges. Your broker will guide you on exactly what's needed and can often resolve minor documentary queries on your behalf without interrupting your operations.

How to Prevent Customs Delays Before You Ship

The best way to deal with customs delays is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here is how you can ensure your packages clear Australian customs smoothly:

1. Ensure Accurate Declarations

This is the golden rule. When you or the seller fills out the customs declaration, be specific and honest.

•     Don't say: "Gift," "Samples," "Stuff," or "Electronics."
•     Do say: "Men's Cotton T-shirt," "Ceramic Coffee Mug," or "Used Dell Laptop."

2. Declare the True Value

Never under-declare the value of goods to avoid paying GST or duty. The ABF is very good at spotting undervalued items. If caught, your package will be severely delayed, and you could face significant fines for false declarations. Always declare the exact amount you paid for the item, excluding shipping costs (though shipping costs are factored into the calculation of GST once the threshold is met).

3. Check for Prohibited and Restricted Items

Before you click "Buy" or send a care package to Australia, check the ABF's list of prohibited and restricted goods. If you are unsure about an item, err on the side of caution or contact the relevant department (like DAFF for plant/animal products) for clarification.

4. Ensure Complete Paperwork

If you are buying from an overseas business, ensure they include a full, detailed commercial invoice securely attached to the outside of the package.

5. Be Mindful of Biosecurity

If you are sending gifts to Australia (or returning home with souvenirs), avoid anything that could be a biosecurity risk. Don't send untreated wood, fresh food, or unidentifiable seeds. If you must send food, ensure it is commercially prepared, clearly labeled in English, and factory-sealed.

6. Factor in the Customs Value Threshold

If you are planning a large purchase from overseas, be aware that if the value exceeds the customs threshold, it will be held for customs processing, and you will have to pay additional fees. Confirm the current threshold and charges with the ABF before you buy. Sometimes it's more cost-effective (and faster) to split a large order into two smaller shipments, provided you aren't doing it to deliberately evade taxes (which is illegal).

7. Choose a Reliable Courier

Major international couriers (like DHL, FedEx, and UPS) have dedicated, in-house customs brokerage teams. They often begin the clearance process electronically while the package is still in the air. While they might be more expensive than standard international mail, they generally offer faster and more reliable customs clearance for complex or high-value shipments.

What Happens If Your Package Is Held for a Long Time — Escalation Scenarios

Most customs holds resolve within the timeframes outlined above. But when a hold extends — either because of a serious compliance issue, an ongoing investigation, or simply failure to respond to ABF notices — there are escalating consequences you need to understand.

Escalating Consequences of Extended Customs Holds in Australia

What Happens if You Ignore a Customs Notice?

If you receive a notice from customs (usually via your courier) requesting information or payment, and you choose to ignore it, the outcome is never good.

1. Storage Fees: Many courier companies will start charging daily storage fees if a package sits in their bonded warehouse for too long awaiting your response.
2. Return to Sender: If the issues remain unresolved for an extended period, the package will typically be "Returned to Sender" (RTS) at the sender's expense. The exact timeframe is set by the carrier, so check with them directly.
3. Seizure and Destruction: If the goods are prohibited, or if the ABF suspects illegal activity and you fail to respond to their inquiries, the goods will be officially seized. They are usually then destroyed, and you will not receive any compensation.

How Long Does Customs Hold International Packages and Personal Parcels?

Everything discussed so far applies primarily to commercial sea freight and air freight consignments. But if you're an individual waiting for a personal parcel ordered online from overseas — from Amazon USA, Etsy, AliExpress, or any other international retailer — the process is somewhat different.

International Parcels & Personal Packages — How Australian Customs Processing Works

 The Customs Value Threshold — What It Means for Personal Imports

Australia sets a customs value threshold above which a formal Import Declaration is required. Goods valued below this threshold typically clear through a streamlined assessment process — though GST still applies and is generally collected at point of sale by foreign retailers selling to Australian customers under the Low Value Imports (LVI) regime. A Self-Assessed Clearance declaration is still normally lodged, usually by the carrier or depot operator rather than by you. Goods valued at or above the threshold require a formal Import Declaration, customs duty assessment and, potentially, customs broker involvement. If you're ordering something valuable internationally and wondering whether it will face customs scrutiny — the customs value threshold is the key figure, and the ABF publishes the current amount.

Frequently Asked Questions — Customs Holds in Australia

How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia?

Australian customs (the Australian Border Force, ABF) holds packages for anywhere from a very short time to an extended period, depending on the clearance pathway. Green Lane clearance — for pre-cleared, correctly documented, low-risk shipments — can release goods shortly after unloading confirmation. Red Line clearance — triggered by documentation issues, biosecurity concerns, or inspection flags — typically holds goods for an extended period. In our experience the most frequent cause of extended holds is DAFF biosecurity assessment, particularly BMSB compliance during the annual risk season. The fastest way to minimise hold time is engaging a licensed customs broker to lodge pre-clearance before the vessel arrives.

Why is my package stuck in customs in Australia for so long?

In our experience a prolonged delay usually means one of three things: it requires a physical biosecurity inspection by DAFF, the customs declaration was incomplete or vague and they are trying to determine the contents, or it's a peak shipping season and there is a significant backlog. If the hold continues, contact your courier for an update.

How do I contact Australian customs about a package?

Generally, you should not contact the Australian Border Force directly about a standard retail package. They handle millions of items and do not track individual parcels for consumers. Your first and only point of contact should be the company delivering the package (e.g., Australia Post, DHL, FedEx). They have the specific details regarding why your item is held and what is required.

Does customs open every package in Australia?

No, customs does not physically open every package. That would be logistically impossible. However, virtually all packages are electronically screened or X-rayed. Only packages that flag an anomaly on an X-ray, fit a specific risk profile, or are selected for random compliance checks are physically opened.

How do I pay Australian customs duty?

If you owe duty or GST on a package (usually because it's valued above the customs threshold), you will be contacted by the courier company handling your delivery. They will send you an invoice detailing the charges (duty, GST, and their processing fees) and provide a link or instructions on how to pay them securely online. Once paid, they notify customs, and the package is released.

What happens to seized packages in Australia?

If a package is officially seized by the ABF because it contains prohibited items (like drugs or weapons) or counterfeit goods, it becomes property of the Commonwealth. Once any investigations or legal proceedings are concluded, the seized goods are securely destroyed.

Does Australia Post clear customs?

Australia Post works closely with the ABF at international gateway facilities. When a package arrives via standard international mail, the ABF assesses it. If it clears, it is handed over to Australia Post for local delivery. If it is held for duty or information, Australia Post will notify you on behalf of the ABF.

Complete Pre-Arrival Customs Clearance Checklist

•     Customs broker engaged before vessel departure not at arrival
•     Commercial Invoice complete and accurate correct value, description, HS codes
•     Packing List consistent with Commercial Invoice same quantities and descriptions
•     Bill of Lading / Air Waybill received and reviewed shipper/consignee details correct
•     Certificate of Origin obtained especially for FTA concession claims (ChAFTA, AUSFTA)
•     BMSB treatment certificate arranged (if shipping from a target risk country during the BMSB risk season)
•     Import permits obtained for any restricted goods (food, chemicals, therapeutics)
•     Import Declaration (N10) lodged ahead of vessel arrival — pre-clearance
•     Duty and GST payment arranged for immediate processing upon advice from broker
•     Wharf cartage booked so delivery can proceed immediately upon release

Final Answer — How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia?

The honest, complete answer to "how long does customs hold a package in Australia?" is: it depends entirely on how well your shipment is prepared. Pre-clearance lodgement can get your goods out of the port shortly after unloading. A BMSB hold with no treatment certificate can keep them there far longer while costs accumulate daily.

The factors that determine your clearance time are almost all within your control — before the vessel even departs. Correct documentation. BMSB treatment arranged at origin. Pre-clearance lodgement through a licensed customs broker. AEP accreditation for biosecurity efficiency. Immediate duty and GST payment when advised. These aren't complex steps — they're standard practice for experienced importers who've learned not to rely on luck at the border.

If you're importing into Australia and want your goods moving as fast as the system allows — without the storage bills, the demurrage clock, and the late-night calls to find out why your container hasn't been released — the answer is an experienced, licensed customs broker who handles pre-clearance as standard practice, not as an add-on.

The One Thing That Prevents Most Customs Delays

If you take one action after reading this guide:

engage your licensed customs broker before your goods leave the origin country

not when they arrive at the Australian port. Everything else — document review, HS code verification, BMSB compliance, pre-clearance lodgement, FTA concessions — can be handled in advance and managed professionally. The importers who pay the storage bills and demurrage charges are almost always the ones who called their broker too late.

Waiting for a package is tough, especially when it gets caught in the bureaucratic web of border control. But by asking, "How long does customs hold a package in Australia?", you're already taking the first step toward understanding the process.

While minor delays are normal for routine checks, longer holds usually require action on your part. By ensuring accurate declarations, paying attention to the customs value threshold, and promptly responding to any requests for information from your courier, you can minimize delays and get your hands on your imported goods as quickly as possible.

Remember, the Australian Border Force isn't holding your package just to annoy you; they are doing their job to protect the country's borders, environment, and economy. A little preparation and patience go a long way in ensuring a smooth international shipping experience.

Get Your Goods Through Australian Customs as Fast as Possible

Omega Cargo — clearing cargo through all Australian ports. In-house licensed brokers, AEP accreditation, proactive BMSB compliance, pre-clearance as standard.

Get My Free Quote, Customs Clearance Services