Customs authorities use the declared value to determine whether the goods shipped comply with their customs clearance regulations for second-hand personal effects. They also check whether the declared value does not suggest that the articles could be new and imported for resale, or any other reason other than personal use.
The time required for customs clearance varies from one country to another.
If your shipment has been put on hold longer than expected, there may be several reasons for why among which :
- missing or incomplete documents, in which case customs must contact the consignee to confirm additional details ;
- processing of shipments is facing a high volume at this time ;
- customs expect a payment of duties, taxes, customs storage, or handling fees.