What should I do if my package is detained/seized by customs? 2026 Complete Processing Guide

Don't give up in a hurry! Most of the "stuck" products are simply selected for inspection or require replacement. They can be released based on the correct handling of the reasons. This page will guide you through the 7 major reasons for withholding, the process of returning parts and taxes, legal time limits and overdue consequences.

⚡ One sentence answer: What should I do if my package is detained by customs?

First check the "reason for detention" notified by EZWay App or customer service, and deal with it accordingly: ① Approved for C3 inspection → wait for unpacking/X-ray inspection, most of them will be released if there are no problems; ② The documents are incomplete → supplementary parts; ③ Exceeding the NT$2,000 tax exemption or more than 6 times in six months → Pay tax or transfer to commercial customs declaration; ④ The certified product (BSMI/Food and Drug/NCC) lacks certification → re-sign for certification or return the shipment; ⑤ EZWay is not real-name → supplement the certification and confirm the declaration within 7 days of arrival. Detained ≠ Violation, usually the goods will be released after inspection or replacement. Only true violations (underdeclaration, contraband) will result in additional taxes and penalties, return or confiscation. Failure to process within the time limit will result in additional late declaration fees and eventual sale in accordance with Article 73 of the Customs and Excise Law. AEO Customs brokers can assist with legal processing.

📅 Last updated: 2026-06-03 · ✍️ HowBridge Consolidation Editorial Department · 🛡️ AEO certified cooperative customs broker review

Contents of this article

  1. Don’t panic: first find out whether it is “detention” or “inspection”
  2. 7 Major Detention/Detention Causes and Symptoms Comparison Table
  3. What to do in each situation: replacement parts, tax payment, return shipping process
  4. Return vs Release vs Abandon: How to Choose?
  5. Legal time limit and consequences of overdue (will be sold/confiscated)
  6. How to appeal, review and obtain release
  7. Regulatory basis and official sources
  8. FAQ FAQ

1. Don’t panic: first find out whether it is “detention” or “inspection”

Many people think that their items will be confiscated when they receive a notice that "the package is stuck at customs." In fact, there are only two situations in most cases:

  • Approved inspection (C3)：The customs computer determines your declaration as C3 (cargo inspection) based on risk, and it must be unpacked or inspected with X-ray (C3X). This is just a process. Most of them will be released if there are no problems, which does not mean there is a violation.
  • Need to pay for parts/taxes：If the documents are incomplete, the value needs to be re-checked, or the product is not certified for approval, the customs will notify you of "supplements and corrections". It will be released as soon as it is completed, it is not a punishment.
⚠️ What will really be "punished and confiscated" is if the declaration is false (low declaration of value, false declaration of product name) or the inclusion of prohibited goods - only in this case will additional taxes and penalties be imposed in accordance with the Customs Anti-Smuggling Regulations. Generally speaking, personal parcels can be released smoothly as long as they are declared honestly and cooperate with the replacement parts. First check the EZWay App notification or ask the customs broker "which one it is" and then deal with the problem accordingly.

2. Comparison table of seven major reasons and symptoms of detention/detention

Refer to the table below to determine which category you belong to, and then look at the corresponding processing flow in Section 3.

reason Common signs what to do Processing time limit
C3 Cargo inspection (selected) The status shows "Inspection/C3", which is 1–3 days slower than the same batch of goods. Wait for customs to open the box/X-ray inspection, and most of them will be released without any problems, no action required. Inspection will be carried out within 10 days from the date of customs declaration
Documents are incomplete and need to be supplemented Notification "Correction" "Please provide invoice/list of ingredients" Prepare the invoice, product name list, ingredient/specification list and submit it to the customs broker for uploading According to the customs notification period (usually several days)
Exceeding NT$2,000 tax exemption/more than 6 times in six months Notification of "taxable" and "duty/business tax required to be paid" Pay back customs duties + business tax, or split the order/change to formal customs declaration The tax bill must be paid within 14 days from the day after it is delivered
Sign the certificate of product shortage (BSMI/Food and Drug/NCC) Notice "Import Permit/Declaration of Conformity Required" Reissue the signature and review documents. If you cannot obtain them, we will return the shipment. According to the notice; if it is overdue, it will be returned.
The declaration is inconsistent (low value, ambiguous product name) The Customs’ “approved duty-paid value” is higher than what you declared Provide evidence of true invoices; if the underreporting is confirmed, tax will be paid. In serious cases, tax will be paid and penalties will be added in accordance with the anti-smuggling regulations. Deadline for tax bill/disposition letter
Prohibited/Restricted Imported Items Notice "Not allowed to be imported" and "Ordered to return the goods" Process the return; if unable to return, declare abandonment / confiscate and destroy by customs within the time limit ordered by customs
EZWay Unreal name/Unconfirmed declaration The package has arrived at customs but there is no progress, and the App shows that it needs to be confirmed. Complete the EZWay real-name authentication and click "Confirm Declaration" within 7 days of arrival Confirmation within 7 days of arrival

延伸閱讀：清關正常要多久、被查驗會多幾天？見 台灣清關要多久完整指南。哪些東西根本不能進口？見 台灣進口禁運品清單。

3. What to do in each situation: replacement parts, tax payment, return shipping process

The following are the 5 standard steps (HowTo) for handling a stuck notification:

1Find out the reason for detention

Open the EZWay App to wait for a notification, or contact the customer service of the shipping/customs broker and ask clearly "whether it is C3 inspection, replacement parts, tax payment, signature and review, or return shipment." This determines all subsequent actions.

2Prepare the corresponding documents

Supplemental parts: Prepare purchase invoice (including unit price and quantity), product name list, ingredient/specification table; Signing and approval category: Prepare BSMI declaration of conformity, Food and Drug Administration import permission, NCC verification certificate, etc.; Declaration of discrepancy: Prepare real transaction invoices to support the duty-paid price.

3Upload/correction through customs broker

Submit the documents to the customs broker, who will make corrections to the declaration in the customs system or submit the original written document. C3 inspection will be accompanied by a customs broker.

4Pay back taxes (if necessary)

If it is determined to be taxable or needs to be paid back, after receiving the customs tax payment certificate, it must be paid within 14 days from the day after delivery in accordance with Article 43 of the Customs Tariff Law; late payment fees will be levied daily for overdue payments. Tax exemption is available up to NT$2,000 and within 6 times in half a year.

5Release or return shipment

Once the documents, taxes and fees are complete and there are no problems with the inspection, they will be released for delivery. If it is a prohibited item or if the signature cannot be completed, it will be returned within a time limit; if you do not return or give up, you will enter the overdue sale process.

After completing the above, the customs will release the goods if they meet the requirements, and the goods will be delivered to your doorstep in 1-2 days. Most of the cases that are "released upon completion of documents" can be released within 1-2 working days after completing the documents.

EZWay 實名認證與確認申報怎麼做？見 EZWay 易利委完整教學。

4. Return vs. Release vs. Abandon: How to choose among the three options?

Options Applicable situations costs and consequences
✅ The replacement parts will be released after tax payment. The documents can be completed, it is an importable product, and we are willing to pay the tax. Compensation for customs duties + business tax + (if necessary) customs declaration fees; the most cost-effective, you can get everything
↩️ Return export Products that are prohibited/restricted, unable to obtain approval, or unwilling to pay high taxes You need to pay the return freight + the warehouse rent incurred; the goods will be returned to the original place of origin.
🗑️ Abandoned / Confiscated by Customs Return shipping is not cost-effective, cannot be processed, and is confiscated due to violations. If the goods are returned to the treasury and sold or destroyed, neither the goods nor the freight will be recovered.
Reminder: Putting off processing is the worst option - warehouse rent will continue to accumulate, and if it is overdue according to law, late declaration fees will be levied and it will eventually be sold (see Section 5). It is recommended to decide as early as possible and let the AEO customs broker help evaluate whether it is more cost-effective to return the shipment or pay the tax.

5. Legal time limit and consequences of overdue (will be sold/confiscated)

Customs will not keep your package indefinitely. According to customs laws, failure to process within the time limit will lead to fee increases and liquidation:

  • Customs declaration deadline: In principle, imported goods must be declared within 15 days from the day following the date of import of the means of transportation (Article 16 of the Tariff Act).
  • Delayed declaration fee: If a customs declaration is not made within the time limit, a delayed declaration fee of NT$200 will be levied on a daily basis starting from the day after the customs declaration period expires (Article 73, Item 1 of the Tariff Act).
  • Sale: If the customs declaration is still not made after 20 days of delaying the declaration fee, the customs may sell the goods (Article 73, Item 2 of the Tariff Law); the taxpayer can apply for a refund within 5 years of the balance of the sale proceeds after deducting taxes, and the overdue payment will be returned to the national treasury.
  • Deadline for payment of back tax: After receiving the tax payment certificate, it should be paid within 14 days from the day after it is delivered; if payment is not made within the due date, late payment fees will be levied on a daily basis (Articles 43 and 74 of the Tariff Law).
  • Return period: For goods that are not allowed to be imported, the Customs shall order them to be returned within a time limit; if the goods are overdue or abandoned in writing, the Customs may sell them (Article 96 of the Tariff Law).

If it is not processed within the time limit, it will eventually enter the customs auction and sale process. For details, see Taiwan Customs auctions complete lazy bags。

⚠️ Conclusion: After being detained, "the sooner you deal with it, the more money you save." Warehouse rent and late declaration fees accumulate on a daily basis. Delaying it again and again will only make returns/taxes even more uneconomical, and may even lead to direct sales and confiscation.

6. How to appeal, review and obtain release

If you believe that the customs value, tariff code or punishment determined by the customs is wrong, you have legal remedies:

  • Supply supporting evidence first: Provide real purchase invoices, payment records, and product links as soon as possible, and explain the actual transaction price to the customs. Most price disputes can be resolved at the valuation stage.
  • Application for review: If you are dissatisfied with the assessed tax amount or punishment, you can apply to the customs for review (review) within the statutory period in accordance with the provisions of the customs law. Overdue rights will be extinguished.
  • Appeals and administrative litigation: If you are still dissatisfied with the review decision, you can continue to file appeals and administrative litigation.
  • Assigned by AEO to assist with customs brokers: Customs brokers are familiar with tariff classification and supporting requirements, and can assist in legally obtaining correct valuations and releases, and avoid delays due to incomplete documents.
HowBridge Position: We are a AEO cooperative customs broker that legally assists you in "correct declaration, preparing complete documents, and reasonable valuation." We will never teach you to underreport or avoid inspection. Honest declaration + complete documents is the fastest and safest way to release.

Is the package stuck? Let AEO customs broker help you legally resolve your card

Register in 30 seconds to obtain the Shenzhen warehouse address. When the package arrives in Taiwan, the AEO certified cooperative customs broker will assist in replacement parts, tax repayment, valuation and release. 14-language customer service will assist new residents in completing the EZWay real-name and confirmation declaration to avoid being returned or sold after the expiration date.

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Regulatory basis and official sources

The reasons for detention, processing procedures, time limits and consequences on this page are compiled in accordance with the following current laws and regulations and official government information. The last verification date is 2026-06-03:

  • Customs clearance method C1 exemption from examination/C2 document review/C3 cargo inspection: According to the Implementation Measures for Automated Customs Clearance of Goods and the instructions of the Customs Administration - Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance.
  • Customs declaration period of 15 days, daily late declaration fee of NT$200, and sale within 20 days of collection: Articles 16 and 73 of the Tariff Law - National Regulations Database.
  • 14-day deadline for back-tax payment, late payment fees: Articles 43 and 74 of the Tariff Law - National Regulations Database.
  • Goods that are not allowed to be imported may be ordered to be returned or sold if abandoned: Article 96 of the Tariff Law - National Regulations Database.
  • Confiscation and fines (additional taxes and fines) for false declarations and smuggling: Articles 36 and 37 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Regulations - National Laws and Regulations Database.
  • NT$2,000 is tax-free, and tax exemption is not applicable for more than 6 times in half a year: Article 49 of the Tariff Law, Customs Clearance Measures for Import and Export of Postal Items - Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance.
  • EZWay real-name authentication, confirmation of declaration within 7 days of arrival: "Real-name authentication EZWay Yili Committee" system of the Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance.

Official inquiry: Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance、 Customs Department・C1/C2/C3 Customs Clearance Method Instructions、 National laws and regulations database・Tariff law、 National Laws and Regulations Database・Customs Anti-Smuggling Regulations。

FAQ FAQ

Q1. The package was detained by customs, will it be confiscated?
Most are not. The most common "detention" is actually being approved for C3 inspection or requiring supplementary documents or taxes, and will be released after processing. Only if contraband is included or if the declaration is false (under-declaration, false declaration), it may be confiscated in accordance with the customs anti-smuggling regulations. First check the EZWay App notification or ask the customs broker for the reason, and then deal with the problem accordingly.
Q2. How do I know why my package was detained by customs?
Open the EZWay App to receive pending notifications. Most of them will display statuses such as "Inspection/Declaration awaiting confirmation/Supplementary documents required"; or directly contact the customer service of your container/customs broker to check the status of the order. Clarifying whether it is C3 inspection, replacement parts, tax payment, signature and review, or return shipment is the first step in the process.
Q3. How long does it take to be approved for C3 inspection? What to do?
C3 is an inspection method assessed by the customs based on risk. It requires unpacking (C3M) or X-ray inspection (C3X). According to regulations, the inspection will be conducted within 10 days from the date of customs declaration. In practice, it is usually 1-3 days longer than the inspection exemption. Being approved as C3 does not mean that there is a violation of regulations. Most items will be released if there are no problems after the inspection. You usually do not need to take any additional actions. Just let the customs broker accompany you for inspection.
Q4. The customs notice requires replacement parts, what should I prepare?
Commonly required supplements are the purchase invoice (including unit price and quantity), product name list, product composition/specification table; if the product is subject to approval, a BSMI declaration of conformity, an Food and Drug Administration import permit or an NCC verification certificate, etc. are required. Submit the documents to the customs broker for uploading corrections, and the customs will release the documents if they are consistent.
Q5. The parcel exceeds NT$2,000 and I am notified that I need to pay tax. How to calculate it and when to pay it?
If the single duty-paid price exceeds NT$2,000, or if the import exceeds 6 times within six months, tax exemption is not applicable, and back-up duties (according to the CCC rate) + trade promotion service fee of 0.04% + business tax of 5% are required. After receiving the customs tax payment certificate, it should be paid within 14 days from the day after it is delivered. Late payment fees will be levied on a daily basis.
Q6. If the item cannot be replaced or I don’t want to pay tax, can I return it? Who pays the expenses?
You can apply for return shipping and return the goods to the original place of origin, but the return shipping fee and the warehouse rent incurred must be borne by you. If it is not cost-effective to return the goods, you can also give up the goods in writing and the goods will be sold or destroyed by the customs in accordance with the law (neither the items nor the freight charges will be recovered). It is recommended to ask the customs broker to help evaluate whether it is more cost-effective to return the goods or pay taxes.
Q7. What will happen if the package is stuck in customs and not processed?
I won’t keep it for you indefinitely. According to Article 73 of the Customs Tariff Law, if a customs declaration is not made within the customs declaration period, a delayed declaration fee of NT$200 will be levied on a daily basis starting from the day after the expiration of the period. If the customs declaration is still not made after 20 days, the customs may sell the goods. Warehouse rents will continue to accumulate, and the longer you delay, the more losses you will make. Eventually, the goods may be sold or confiscated.
Q8. The price approved by the customs is more expensive than what I bought. I have to pay more tax. Can I appeal?
Can. First provide real purchase invoices, payment records, and product links to explain the actual transaction price to the customs. Most price disputes can be resolved at the valuation stage. If you are still dissatisfied with the assessment, you can apply for review within the statutory period in accordance with the customs law. If you are still dissatisfied, you can file a petition or administrative lawsuit. It is recommended to entrust a customs broker to assist in preparing supporting evidence.
Q9. EZWay If there is no real name or confirmation of declaration, will the package be detained?
Will get stuck. EZWay If the real-name authentication has not been completed or the "Confirm Declaration" has not been clicked within 7 days of the arrival of the goods, the customs will not be able to schedule customs clearance, and the package will remain in the pending status. If it is overdue, it may be returned or destroyed. Please complete the real-name authentication and confirm the declaration as soon as possible; HowBridge 14-language customer service can assist new residents in completing it.
Q10. HowBridge Can you help me with my detained package? Will you teach me to underreport?
HowBridge cooperates with AEO certified customs brokers to help you find out the reasons for detention, prepare replacement parts, legal valuation, tax repayment and handle release or return, and assist EZWay with real-name and confirmation declarations. We only provide assistance with legal and honest declarations, and will never teach you to underreport the value or avoid inspections - honest declaration + complete documents are the fastest way to get released.
Updated: Customs reference exchange rate 1 CNY ≈ NT$ 4.73 (customs-announced rate, effective) 🚢 Off-peak period: about 7-10 days by sea, about 3-5 days by air

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Authority references

This page cites primary government, judicial, and academic sources from HowBridge’s customs reference index (1,163 records). Each item links to its original source.