send parcel to Netherlands, delay expected?

[steve_x]

Hi

I sent a package to Netherlands on Feb 7th and until now the status is still pending.

Thursday 17 February 2022 09:21
Your item is currently with Customs in the destination country.
Netherlands
09:20
Item Received
Netherlands

from the Netherlands post website, the tracking number cannot be recognized, I think this is because the package hasn't been scanned. but how long it will be stuck in the customs, normally? My recipient is chasing me on it, but I am not sure.

thanks

[Snaggletooth]

We can't even given an estimate for UK customs, let alone other countries.

Many customs organisations undertake random sampling of items for extra checks, so clearance times are variable.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

there are/were delays in the Netherlands at that time according to Royal Mail International Bulletin: https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app ... t-bulletin

Start date:18 February 2022
Latest update:25 February 2022
End date:Ongoing
Incidents:Severe Weather/ IOSS technical issue / Customs backlog

Incident one
Post NL has informed that due to Storm Eunice, there are severe disruption to flights, ferries and road transport. Public transport has been suspended since 14:00 on 18th Feb with people strongly advised not to travel. So consequently, mail processing personnel are not able to attend processing centres. Extra processing capacity have been arranged over the weekend to deal with possible backlogs, however disruption to mail operation is likely until early next week.

Incident two
Due to a technical issue, IOSS items sent to the Netherlands before the 9th of February may be charged duties. Any impacted items are being held in customs until the charges have been paid, however the Netherlands Post will refund these charges. The issue was quickly detected and rectified meaning that any IOSS items sent to the Netherlands after the 9th of February have not been impacted.

Incident three
Post NL have informed that the customs IT issue that was causing delays has now been fixed. Delays should continue to be expected whilst the post work to clear the backlog of items in customs. We will provide an update once this becomes available.

[steve_x]

latest status is still in custom:

Tuesday 08 March 2022
06:31
Your item is currently with Customs in the destination country.
06:19
Your item is currently with Customs in the destination country.
Netherlands
06:18
Item Received
Netherlands

[steve_x]

what is the maximum days that a package can be held by custom?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

what is the maximum days that a package can be held by custom?

There is no limit - most of them are enforcement agencies so no one, except a judge, can overrule or instruct them in their actions.

There are probably guidelines and procedures that should be followed but for obvious reasons its not something they have released to the public anywhere in the world.