What Does ‘Clearance In Progress’ Mean On FedEx?

Seeing that “Clearance in Progress” message on your FedEx tracking? It’s normal to wonder what it means and how to speed things along.

Don’t worry – we’re here to clear up the confusion and get your FedEx shipment on its way. Let’s dive into the details of the clearance process and what you can do to make it as smooth as possible.

What Does ‘Clearance In Progress’ Mean On FedEx?

FedEx Clearance in Progress signifies that your package is currently undergoing customs clearance. This is a crucial step in the delivery process where the package is inspected to ensure it complies with the destination country’s laws and regulations. The package will not proceed to the next stage of transit until it has been cleared by customs.

Please be aware that your package will not be released if the necessary information is not provided. For this reason, it is recommended that you provide the necessary shipping documentation before sending it. 

You may get the most recent information about the package from FedEx if you are uncertain or concerned.

International shipping labels and customs documentation, such as commercial invoices and other required papers, should be created right away. Ensure to print the mailing label and the customs paperwork, then affix them to your package.

FedEx Clearance Process

With the use of new technologies developed by FedEx, numerous steps in the paperwork-handling procedure are eliminated throughout the clearing process. According to FedEx, several parcels are usually approved by Customs while in the air.

By allowing for shipment paperwork processing and electronic document transmission to destination clearance locations and the FedEx hub, the “Expressclear Electronic Customs Clearance system” seeks to reduce the amount of paperwork-handling processes.

At a FedEx hub, overseas packages are scanned and sorted before being loaded onto an international plane flight. 

A worldwide manifest database is updated with crucial shipment information. Some computer systems run by brokers and customs officers in various nations worldwide are connected to this database.

Brokers and Customs officers at the destination airport can then start checking air waybill data, looking through shipping manifests, determining taxes and duties, and selecting packages for inspection.

As a result, Customs can approve multiple goods before the plane even lands at the destination airport.

An important feature is the screening of international parcels at all points, which makes it possible to get the most recent status updates on cleared items when customs clearance was acquired. 

Requests for information on a package may be made by the shipper or the recipient equally.

More Details of the Customs Process

As a government organization, the customs’ job is to inspect shipments and collect duties and taxes for goods moving between nations. It also ensures that no restricted materials are transferred or received.

The clearance of every single item is the responsibility of government representatives stationed at the shipping port or airport.

Paying fees and taxes following international shipping regulations is necessary before clearance is granted. A commercial invoice should be sent with the shipment to speed up the procedure.

The sender declares the contents of the package on this form. Included are the total cost of the cargo as well as additional information. If this commercial invoice is incomplete, missing, or not attached, you will have delivery problems.

How Long Does Clearance Delay Take FedEx?

Depending on what is causing the delay, clearance delays might last minutes, hours, or even days. Your package can be halted at the border or by customs.

You must be conscious that no carrier, including FedEx, is responsible for any delays caused by customs. 

The Customs officer determines how long the clearing delay will last, but as long as you have attached all necessary paperwork, your package should be processed as fast as expected.

Thanks to the Express clear system, one benefit of the FedEx delivery system is that you may receive updates on the whereabouts of your packages from any place.

Considering everything, clearance times might range from 24 hours to a week or longer. Nevertheless, most items are processed through customs in 24–72 hours.

How International Shipments Work?

Delivering a parcel to a different address inside the same country is simpler than delivering an item overseas. It is so since various nations have different laws and rules governing what may be carried into or removed from those nations.

As a result, shipments must be examined to ensure that a record of imports or exports can be kept, that no forbidden products are being brought in, and that the necessary tariffs and taxes can be paid. 

The rules and regulations of the country from which the goods are being imported must also be complied with.

As a result, the shipper will cooperate with FedEx to supply the required documents and information for the shipment to guarantee that the procedure runs well. 

FedEx will also take all necessary steps on their behalf to have the package cleared through customs.

The payment of any mandatory fees falls under this. Duties may be compared to a tax on imports and exports, and the rates may vary depending on the kind of product.

In cases where the shipper specifically said they would pay the duties, Fedex will handle the direct payment. 

However, duties are normally the recipient’s duty. As a result, they could hold off on sending you the package until they’ve received the charge.

Does FedEx Charge Customs?

FedEx will clear your package of customs when you ship something using FedEx Express services. FedEx will apply and charge the necessary service costs if your package requires a special clearance and you want a FedEx customs broker to handle it.

In some nations or territories or specific FedEx subsidiaries, the normal customs clearance service may additionally be subject to a surcharge. Additional clearance service costs can also be necessary for international shipments to directly serviced FedEx destinations.

Your duty and tax invoice will include separate line items for the FedEx total customs value for these additional clearing service expenses.

Faqs

What happens once Customs is cleared?

The box is loaded into the FedEx vehicle for local delivery after customs clearance. FedEx will notify you that your package is now prepared for final delivery.

How long do customs clearances take using FedEx?

With FedEx, it might be challenging to estimate a certain time for customs clearance, especially when there are factors beyond their control. With FedEx, most shipments may cross customs in a day or less. The ExpressClear technology installed in many FedEx offices is mostly to blame.

Why is my Package Delayed at Clearance With FedEx?

Processing times on holidays, faulty or missing papers for shipping, and collecting taxes or duties can cause clearance delays.

Conclusion

If FedEx’s tracking page indicates “clearance in progress,” there is no need to be concerned. This is typical for overseas shipping since all items must go through clearance procedures when crossing foreign borders.

FedEx will get in touch with you or the shipper if any problems delay the goods from clearing customs. This post should have been informative to you and should have addressed all of your inquiries.