OrientDig Customs and Delivery Notes
Understand OrientDig customs processes, duty calculations, delivery timelines, and what to expect when your parcel arrives at customs.
The Customs Process Overview
When an OrientDig parcel reaches your destination country, it must clear customs before final delivery. Customs authorities in each country inspect incoming international packages to ensure they comply with import regulations, assess applicable duties and taxes, and screen for prohibited items. The customs process is a separate step from the shipping process and is controlled by government authorities, not by OrientDig or the shipping carrier. Customs processing time varies significantly by country, ranging from a few hours to several weeks depending on the country, time of year, and parcel volume.
Duties and Taxes Explained
Duties and taxes are charges imposed by the destination country on imported goods. The amount depends on several factors including the declared value of the goods, the product category, and the country-specific duty rates and tax thresholds. Many countries have a de minimis threshold below which no duties or taxes are charged. For example, the United States has a de minimis threshold of eight hundred dollars for most goods. If your total declared value is below this threshold, you typically will not be charged duties or taxes. Above the threshold, duty rates vary by product category and can range from zero to over thirty percent. Value-added tax or sales tax may also apply depending on the country.
Declared Value and Customs Forms
The declared value on customs forms is typically the product purchase price. This value is used to calculate any applicable duties and taxes. Some shipping platforms allow researchers to input customs declaration information. It is important to declare values accurately. Undervaluing items to avoid duties is customs fraud, which can result in fines, package seizure, or legal consequences. Different countries have different enforcement levels, but the risks of inaccurate declaration generally outweigh any potential savings.
Customs Delays and Holds
Customs delays can occur for many reasons. High package volume during holiday seasons slows processing. Random inspections pull packages for detailed examination. Missing or incomplete customs documentation causes holds. Products that require special permits or are restricted in certain countries face additional scrutiny. If your package is held by customs, the carrier typically notifies you with information about the reason and any actions required. Common required actions include providing additional documentation, paying assessed duties and taxes, or providing proof of purchase.
Final Delivery After Customs
Once a parcel clears customs, it enters the final delivery stage. The carrier hands the package to the local delivery service for the last mile. This is typically the postal service or a local courier company. Delivery time for this final stage depends on the local carrier and the delivery address. Urban addresses typically receive faster final delivery than rural addresses. Tracking may update to show the local carrier tracking number after customs clearance. If you experience delivery issues after customs clearance, contact the local carrier first, as they are responsible for the final delivery.
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