📦 7 min read

AliExpress Customs Clearance — How It Actually Works

Most AliExpress shoppers never think about customs clearance — and 90% of the time they don’t need to. The carrier handles it. But when something goes wrong (held parcel, surprise bill, missing paperwork), the process is opaque. This guide explains what actually happens between "shipped from China" and "delivered to your door."

The clearance journey, step by step

1. Seller dispatches the parcel. They generate a commercial invoice with declared value, HS code, and contents description. This data is encoded into the shipping label.
2. Outbound China customs export clearance. Quick — China only checks for prohibited exports.
3. International transit. Air or sea cargo to your country. Tracked but no customs touch yet.
4. Arrival at your country’s entry port. The customs authority scans the inbound manifest. Three branches now:
   • Under de-minimis + low risk → released immediately to the local carrier.
   • Over de-minimis or risk-flagged → routed to a customs broker for assessment.
   • Random inspection → physical examination, can take days.
5. Duty + tax computed. Based on the declared value, HS code, and your country’s rate schedule.
6. You get billed. Either the broker emails you, the courier app pings, or you find a slip when the post tries to deliver.
7. You pay. Online, at the post, or to the driver.
8. Released for delivery. 1–2 days to your door.

The role of the customs broker

For express courier shipments, the courier acts as your customs broker by default. They lodge the entry, pay the duty on your behalf, then bill you for: (a) the actual duty + VAT, plus (b) a brokerage / handling fee of $5–$25.

For postal shipments (Cainiao Super Economy, AliExpress Standard Shipping), the destination postal service handles it. Their handling fee is usually $0–$5.

Why parcels get held

• Suspicious declared value. A "smartphone" declared at $5 will be flagged.
• Restricted categories. Lithium batteries (limit per parcel), knives, lasers, food, cosmetics with retinol, certain electronics with strong magnets.
• Trademark concerns. Branded counterfeits get seized in many countries.
• Random inspection. 1–5% of parcels in most countries.
• Unpaid duty. Carrier emailed you a payment link; if you missed it, the parcel sits.

When to escalate

Wait 5–7 business days from the "held by customs" status before contacting the carrier. Most clearances resolve in that window. After 7 days:

1. Contact the carrier with your tracking number — they can pull the customs entry status.
2. If they need additional info from you (rare), provide it within 48h.
3. If 14 days have passed with no movement, open an AliExpress dispute. Buyer protection often reimburses.

The clearance fees you weren’t told about

Beyond the actual duty + VAT, your AliExpress order may incur:

• Disbursement fee: ~2% of duty paid (UK, Canada). The carrier paid it on your behalf and charges interest.
• Brokerage fee: $5–$25 flat for express couriers.
• Storage fee: Per day after 3–5 days of customs hold.
• Inspection fee: If physically examined (rare for retail).

How to make customs clearance smoother

1. Choose postal shipping for low-value items. No brokerage.
2. Choose local Choice warehouses when available. No customs at all.
3. Avoid restricted categories if you can substitute.
4. Pay the duty bill quickly — the parcel sits while you delay.
5. Use our calculator upfront so the bill isn’t a surprise.

FAQ