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 varying lengths of time, depending on the clearance pathway. Green Lane clearance for pre-cleared, low-risk, correctly documented shipments can release goods relatively quickly once terminal availability is confirmed. Red Line clearance triggered by documentation problems, biosecurity concerns or inspection flags can extend clearance considerably, depending on how quickly the issue is resolved. The most common cause of extended holds in Australia is DAFF biosecurity assessment, particularly during the designated BMSB risk season each year. The fastest way to help ensure rapid customs clearance is engaging a licensed customs broker to lodge pre-clearance before the vessel arrives.

Your cargo recently arrived at an Australian port. 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 quickly or take much longer, this guide will give you the honest, complete answer including exactly what triggers a hold, how each scenario typically plays out, 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 versus one that sits for an extended period isn't just academic. Port terminal storage in Australia and demurrage on a held container both accrue on a daily basis once free time runs out, and the applicable rates vary by port, terminal operator and container size — always confirm current charges with your freight forwarder. During the BMSB biosecurity season, missing a single treatment certificate can turn what should be a fast delivery into a prolonged, costly wait. This guide covers every scenario — with realistic expectations, the cost factors 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?

For standard, problem-free packages, clearance is generally quite fast.

However, the reality is much more nuanced. There is no legally mandated maximum time limit for how long the ABF can hold a package. They can hold it for as long as it takes to ensure the goods comply with all Australian laws and regulations.

Here is a general breakdown of the situations that affect clearance speed:

Scenario 1: The "Green Light" Clearance

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 applicable low-value 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

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 moderate amount of time to the clearance process.

Scenario 3: Missing Information or Duty Owed

This is where delays start to become noticeable. If your package is held up because the ABF needs more information, the timeline can extend 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 an expensive laptop and the sender declared it as worth very little to avoid taxes, this will be flagged.
• Taxes and Duties Owed: If your goods are valued above the applicable threshold, you will likely need to pay GST, customs duty, and potentially other processing charges.

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 can extend well beyond a routine clearance, and sometimes longer still if you are slow to reply.

Scenario 4: Serious Investigations and Seizures

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 a considerable, open-ended 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
•       Relatively fast clearance once vessel arrival is confirmed (with pre-clearance)
•       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 varies considerably depending on the cause
•       Costs can 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. However, you can dramatically increase your Green Lane probability by lodging a complete, accurate Import Declaration through a licensed customs broker well ahead of vessel arrival. Importers with clean compliance histories, consistent documentation, and AEP-accredited brokers achieve Green Lane outcomes at significantly higher rates than those who lodge at the last minute or with incomplete paperwork.

How Long Does Customs Hold a Package in Australia? — Realistic Expectations by Scenario

Here are the realistic customs hold outcomes for every scenario you're likely to encounter as an Australian importer.

Pre-Cleared Green Lane — Best Case

Import Declaration lodged well ahead of vessel arrival. ABF assesses and assigns Green Lane. DAFF also pre-clears biosecurity. When the vessel arrives and goods are unloaded, delivery orders can be issued and goods collected soon after terminal availability is confirmed. This is the ideal outcome — and it's achievable on the majority of correctly documented commercial shipments. Relative speed: fastest.

Declaration Lodged at Arrival — Standard Green Lane

Import Declaration lodged on or just after vessel arrival (not pre-clearance). Declaration assessed, Green Lane assigned, duties paid. Goods released from port terminals within a short window after arrival — factoring in duty payment processing, terminal notification and transport booking. Relative speed: fast.

Documentary Review — Minor Red Line Hold

Red Line 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 Green Lane effectively issued. Most minor documentary holds resolve relatively quickly if your broker responds promptly. Relative speed: fast to moderate.

DAFF Biosecurity Assessment — Standard Hold

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) holds the goods for biosecurity assessment. This is the most common type of customs hold in Australia. 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. If goods require physical inspection, resolution takes longer. AEP-accredited brokers can self-assess certain documents, reducing hold time significantly. Relative speed: moderate.

BMSB Treatment Required — During the Designated Season

During the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season, goods from targeted countries (USA, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and others) that arrive without valid treatment certificates are held for mandatory biosecurity treatment. Treatment (methyl bromide fumigation or heat treatment) 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. Relative speed: extended.

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 one of the more time-consuming types of hold. Relative speed: extended.

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. Relative speed: the longest category, potentially indefinite.

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

Common Reasons for Customs Holds in Australia

 Most customs holds in Australia are preventable with correct documentation, proper HS tariff classification, advance BMSB treatment, and pre-clearance lodgement through a licensed customs broker.

BMSB Season: The Biggest Cause of Customs Delays in Australia

If your shipment arrives in Australia during the DAFF-designated BMSB risk season each year, you need to understand the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) biosecurity requirements — because this is the single most common cause of customs hold times extending well beyond expectations for importers who aren't prepared.

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 Season Targeted Countries (Key Examples)

 The BMSB target country list, seasonal dates and treatment requirements are reviewed and updated by DAFF before each season. Always verify current requirements at agriculture.gov.au (BICON) before your goods are loaded. Your freight forwarder and customs broker should proactively flag BMSB compliance.

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

If your goods arrive during BMSB season from a targeted 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. Treatment arranged in Australia during peak BMSB season can take considerably longer and cost significantly more than pre-departure treatment, with the exact figures depending on container size and commodity — confirm current treatment costs with an approved provider. 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 Low-Value Threshold and GST

This is perhaps the most common reason for a delay for everyday shoppers. Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) that applies to most imported goods, with the rate set by government policy.

• Low-Value Goods: If your imported goods are valued at or below the applicable low-value threshold, they are generally exempt from customs duty and formal GST assessment 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: If the value is above the applicable 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. Always confirm the current threshold and applicable rates with your customs broker, as these are set by government policy and can change.

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 high-value item at a suspiciously low price, the package will be held, and you will be asked to provide proof of purchase (like a bank statement or payment 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 (which can take a considerable amount of time) 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 major holiday and retail shopping events — 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 might take noticeably longer simply because it's sitting in a larger 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 additional delay.

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 can accumulate every day your goods sit at the port terminal. Here's a realistic breakdown of the cost categories involved — all of which vary by port, terminal operator, carrier and shipment specifics, so always confirm current charges with your freight forwarder.

Container Storage (Terminal): Applies after the free period allowed by the terminal operator elapses. Accumulates on a daily basis and can add up quickly on extended holds.

Demurrage (Container Hire): Charged by the shipping line for holding the container beyond the free time allowance in your Bill of Lading. Charged per container, per day.

DAFF Inspection Fee: Charged per biosecurity assessment, with additional fees possible for physical inspection or repeat visits.

BMSB Treatment: Charged per container for methyl bromide fumigation or heat treatment at approved facilities, varying by container size and commodity.

ABF Physical Examination: Examination fees charged to the importer for selected inspections.

Re-Export (Worst Case): Applies if goods are refused entry and must be returned to origin or destroyed — typically the most expensive outcome.

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

A 20-foot container of machinery from Italy arrives at Port Botany during BMSB season without treatment certificates. A DAFF biosecurity hold is placed shortly after unloading. The free storage period runs out, after which storage charges begin accruing daily, and shipping line demurrage follows a similar pattern shortly after. Treatment then needs to be arranged, which involves waiting for an available fumigation slot before treatment can be completed and a certificate issued, after which DAFF clearance is granted and the goods are released. Across this sequence, storage, demurrage, BMSB treatment and DAFF inspection fees can combine into a meaningful, entirely avoidable total cost — one that a pre-departure treatment certificate would have eliminated altogether. Contact your freight forwarder for a realistic cost estimate based on your specific route, container size and commodity.

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 Ahead of 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 ABF assigns Green Lane — your goods can be released soon after unloading confirmation. This eliminates the delay of lodging at arrival and eliminates the risk of storage charges accumulating while you wait for assessment.

Arrange BMSB Treatment Before Departure During Season

If your goods are shipping from a BMSB-targeted country during the designated 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.

Use a Customs Broker with AEP (DAFF) Accreditation

AEP (Automatic Entry Processing) accreditation from DAFF allows your broker to self-assess certain biosecurity documents without waiting for DAFF manual processing. This saves valuable processing time on every DAFF-assessed shipment — which translates to storage charges avoided on every container. Always ask your customs broker whether they hold AEP accreditation, 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. Processing is generally quick once initiated. Delaying payment delays your delivery order and 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 — every day of delay in providing requested documents is another day of 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 Low-Value Threshold

If you are planning a large purchase from overseas, be aware that if the value exceeds the applicable low-value threshold, it will be held for customs processing, and you will have to pay additional fees. Confirm the current threshold with your customs broker, as it is set by government policy and can change. 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 general expectations 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

 The ABF is required to notify importers before taking action on abandoned goods. However, if you cannot be contacted, or if your import agent's contact details are outdated, notices may go unanswered. Always keep your customs broker updated with current contact details.

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 a significant amount of time passes without resolution (the exact period varies by carrier), the package will typically be "Returned to Sender" (RTS) at the sender's expense.
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 — Australian Customs Processing

For personal parcels under the low-value threshold, customs duty and GST are assessed under the Low Value Import threshold regime — GST still applies to most goods but processing is generally faster. Goods over the applicable threshold require a formal Import Declaration regardless of whether they're personal or commercial.

The Low-Value Threshold — What It Means for Personal Imports

Australia's customs threshold for a formal Import Declaration requirement is a specific value set by government policy — always confirm the current figure with your customs broker or on the ABF's website, as thresholds are reviewed and can change. Goods valued under 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. 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 low-value threshold is the key figure to check.

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 varying lengths of time, depending on the clearance pathway. Green Lane clearance — for pre-cleared, correctly documented, low-risk shipments — can release goods relatively quickly after vessel arrival. Red Line clearance — triggered by documentation issues, biosecurity concerns, or inspection flags — typically holds goods for a longer period, and sometimes considerably longer. The most common cause of extended holds is DAFF biosecurity assessment, particularly BMSB compliance during the designated 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 Australia for an extended period?

An extended delay usually means one of three things: it requires a physical biosecurity inspection by DAFF, the customs declaration was incomplete/vague and they are trying to determine the contents, or it's a peak shipping season and there is a backlog. If the delay feels unusually long, 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 an enormous volume 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 applicable 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 during the designated season from a targeted country)
• Import permits obtained for any restricted goods (food, chemicals, therapeutics)
• Import Declaration (N10) lodged well 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. Green Lane clearance with pre-clearance lodgement can get your goods out of the port relatively quickly after unloading. A BMSB hold with no treatment certificate can keep them there for a much longer stretch 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 applicable low-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 — decades of customs clearance experience across all Australian ports. In-house licensed brokers, AEP accreditation, proactive BMSB compliance, pre-clearance as standard.

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Disclaimer: The timeframes, costs and processes outlined in this guide reflect typical Australian customs patterns and are provided for general planning purposes only. Actual clearance times, fees, thresholds and outcomes depend on your specific shipment, documentation, and independent assessments by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and DAFF, neither of which any third party controls. We do not promise specific clearance dates, prices, rates, fees or charges in this article. Always confirm current timelines, thresholds and charges directly with the ABF, DAFF, or a licensed customs broker for your specific shipment.