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In Transit Package Available for Clearance: What It Means and What to Do Next
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Written by the team at International Shipping Cargo Agency in Delhi. Customs rules and duty rates change, so please confirm current details on the official sources listed at the end of this guide.
If you’ve opened up your tracking page for your international parcel and noticed the message ‘in transit package available for clearance’, you may feel a bit anxious. If you’re waiting for a gift, work samples, or an order you made online, then you may be worried that something has gone wrong. However, this is usually just a standard part of the process.
This guide explains what this means in practice, how Indian customs will handle your package, and what it usually takes for your parcel to be cleared. We’ll also show you what you can do to avoid any delays.
Quick Answer
In Transit Package Available for Clearance: This means that your parcel is in India or will be arriving shortly. It is currently waiting to be cleared by customs. The parcel is not lost or returned. Once cleared by customs (and any duty paid), the parcel will be sent to your local delivery center by the courier/cargo company.
What Does “In Transit Package Available for Clearance” Mean?
All international packages will need to go through customs. When you see an in-transit package available for clearance on your courier tracking status, it means the package is ready to go through customs.
Depending on the company, you could also see the shipment held at customs, with clearance in progress, or awaiting customs clearance. They mean almost the same thing. Your package is in transit but won’t be delivered until cleared by customs.
Where Is Your Parcel at This Stage?
If the package is marked as ‘in transit package available for clearance’, it will usually be:
- At the airport cargo zone/sea port immediately after arrival.
- At a courier hub or customs-approved area close to the airport.
- With the customs team at the courier, who will complete the paperwork for you.
These areas are usually not accessible to you. The process will be managed by the courier company or customs broker.
How Customs Clearance Works in India, Step by Step
Depending on the type of service you are using (courier, air freight, or sea freight), the process will be slightly different; however, the general process will be the same. For an in-depth overview of the import release process, please see our guide on international shipment release import in India.
- Cargo Information. The airline or shipping line will provide information about the cargo to customs.
- Bill of Entry. The importer or their agent will complete a Bill of Entry via ICEGATE—the online portal for Indian Customs. In most cases, courier companies will complete this on your behalf.
- Assessment. Customs will review the HS code, declared value, and description of the goods. The HS code will determine the duty rate.
- Payment of Duty. If there is a duty to pay, then this must be paid before release. In most cases, the courier company will pay this on your behalf.
- Inspection. Some of the parcels may be scanned or opened by customs. This is usually done randomly.
- Release. Once approved, customs will issue an ‘out of charge’ order.
- Delivery. The parcel will then be sent to the delivery centre, and the tracking page will show a new status message such as ‘out for delivery.’
How Long Does Clearance Take?
It takes 1-3 working days for customs clearance of a properly documented shipment. Issues such as a query/request for additional documentation or failure to pay duty can prolong the process to take weeks. Other factors such as the nature of the goods being shipped, public holidays, and airport traffic can also prolong the process.
Except for extreme cases, clearance processes take between 5 and 7 working days. Contact the courier if your shipment is in this state for longer than the time stated above. The reasons may not be what you expect.
Common Reasons for Clearance Delay
Parcels remain in the “In Transit” package available for the clearance stage for a longer period of time due to errors in paperwork. Below are some of the reasons for the same:
- The product description on the commercial invoice is not clear, and the goods appear to be of a commercial nature and are described as “sample” or “gift” on the invoice.
- The HS code is incorrect.
- The value declared is less than the actual value of the goods.
- The importer has not paid the import duty.
- Documents contain incorrect KYC, e.g., ID proof of a different person, an address different from that on the ID proof, or a PAN card of a different person.
- An importer has carried out a business transaction without possessing a valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code)
- A shipment contains any good that is prohibited or restricted for import
Most of these defects/errors may be, technically, in the documents, but promptly responding to the transporter would allow the goods to be released without much delay.
Documents Usually Needed for Import Clearance
You will need the following documents handy when your cargo arrives:
- A commercial invoice containing the description, value, and the seller’s and buyer’s information.
- A packing list.
- Either an air waybill or a bill of lading.
- ID proof and PAN if the shipment is for your personal use. IEC if the shipment is for your business.
- Import license or authorization if the product requires such a document (i.e., BIS or FSSAI approval). A drug license if you are importing pharmaceuticals.
The bill of lading and air waybill are often confused; make sure you get them right. To know the differences between the two, read our post: air waybill and bill of lading.
Customs Duty: What Will You Pay?
Duty is assessed based on the value of goods, freight, and insurance. Duty is made up of basic customs duty, IGST, and a social welfare surcharge (for select goods). The rate of duty is determined by the HS code.
Rates and rules associated with customs are revised with the Union budget. As such, the rules and rates about your shipment will be available on the CBIC website. Business goods are not exempt from customs. Low-value goods may be exempt at the discretion of the customs authorities.
What to Do When You See This Status
If your tracking page shows an in-transit package available for clearance, follow these steps:
- First, don’t panic. Waiting 24 to 48 hours is the best next step. Many packages move to the next step during this time.
- Prepare your identification and invoice. During this time, the courier may contact you to submit these documents.
- Once the documents are ready, be prepared to send them.
- Be prepared to send documents and other information as quickly as you can. This may help avoid a further delay.
- Duty must only be paid through authorized channels. Many people provide links or messages asking you to pay “customs fees,” but these are attempts to scam you.
- Contact the courier to let them know you are having an issue. You may request the courier’s Bill of Entry and/or a reference to help explain the reason for the hold.
When Should You Take Help From a Cargo Agency?
Personal shipments can usually be easily sorted out with just a few answers to the courier. Business shipments, however, can become more complicated. If you are importing regularly, the goods are of a high value, or the shipment has been delayed for a few days, it makes sense to get an expert to get things moving quicker and save you money.
A good cargo agency will look at your documents prior to shipping, help you choose the correct HS code, complete the Bill of Entry, speak to customs, and track your shipment until it has been released.
International Shipping Cargo Agency in Delhi provides services to importers and exporters, including air freight, sea freight, documentation, and customs clearance. If you have a parcel that has been delayed in transit and is available for the clearance stage, we can check your documents and explain why your shipment is delayed.
Tips to Avoid Delay Next Time
- Insist that the sender generates an invoice with the correct amount.
- Use a proper product description instead of an ambiguous one-word description.
- Provide your full address, phone number, and ID at the time of the booking.
- Verify whether the item is permitted to be imported into India.
- Estimate the customs duty.
- If you are importing for business, keep your IEC number.
Checking the customs rules for a short period of time before shipping can help avoid your shipment being held at ‘in transit package available for clearance’ status. If you are importing goods, our checklist for exporters will help.
Final Words
If your tracking page shows your package is in transit and clearance by customs is next, this does not mean something is wrong. It is just the next step. Make sure your documents are accessible, as the courier will reach out to you. Pay any duty only via official or authorized channels. If you need help preparing documents or if your shipment is business-related and/or has been stuck for a while, reach out to International Shipping Cargo Agency in Delhi.
We understand the frustration of having a shipment stuck at customs. For a free consultation, contact us and provide your tracking information.
Related Guides
- Shipment at Local Distribution Center: What It Means and What to Do Next: A status you may see after customs release
- Reliable Logistics Tracking: A Simple Guide for Indian Businesses: How to Read and Follow Your Tracking Updates
About the International Shipping Cargo Agency in Delhi
International Shipping Cargo Agency is an air and sea freight forwarder based in Delhi. We provide documentation, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery services for both individuals and businesses. To learn more about our services, visit us. To track your shipment, please contact us.
Address: GF-32, Part 2, Indraprakash Building, 21 Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Phone: +91 9990111785
Email: support@internationalshippingcargo.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. This means your package is just waiting for customs to review it. This is a normal step in the process of international shipping.
No. It depends on the product, the price, and the rules of customs. Usually, to get a break on a shipment, it has to be a personal gift.
You can do a few things to make the process faster, but you can’t do anything to bypass it. You can have your documents ready and respond to questions as soon as they come up. You should also pay duty as soon as you can.
Contact the courier service to get more information. If the shipment is for a business, a cargo service or a customs broker can contact customs on your behalf.
Problems occur when the product shipped is illegal, or the person shipping it doesn’t provide the proper documents or declarations. Generally, parcels that are shipped properly don’t have anything happen to them.
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