Clothes from China Held by Customs? Here’s How to Fix It (2025 Guide)
Ordering trendy and affordable clothing from China has become increasingly popular among small business owners and individual buyers in Europe. However, there’s one frustrating situation many have experienced: your package is unexpectedly held at customs. Why does this happen? And more importantly—how can you solve it quickly and avoid it next time?
This practical guide will walk you through the main reasons, how to respond, and preventative steps to ensure smooth delivery from China to Europe, especially to countries like Poland, Hungary, or Spain.
✅ Why Your Clothes from China Get Stuck at Customs
- Missing or Incorrect Documentation
- Invoices, product descriptions, or HS codes may be incomplete or inaccurate.
- Declared values that don’t match product content can trigger suspicion.
- Lack of CE Certification
- Some wearable tech or smart fashion (e.g. heated jackets, light-up shoes) requires CE marking. If missing, customs may block or destroy the shipment.
- Trademark Issues
- Brand-name clothing that appears counterfeit or infringes on IP rights can be confiscated.
- Restricted Items
- Some items (like imitation leather, textiles treated with certain chemicals) may fall under import restrictions or require special permits.
🛠️ What to Do Immediately If Your Fashion Parcel Is Held
Step 1: Contact Your Local Customs Office
- Use the tracking number to find out which customs agency is handling your parcel.
- Call or check the official customs website for details and required actions.
Step 2: Request the Reason for the Hold
- Ask whether it’s due to documentation, valuation, certification, or product type.
- If paperwork is missing, your shipping agent or seller may be able to resend it.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents Quickly
- Prepare:
- Invoice or order confirmation from your online store
- Proof of payment (bank/PayPal)
- Product description (preferably with links or images)
- If needed, your logistics partner in China can help coordinate re-submissions.
Step 4: Consider Paying Import Duties or Fines
- Some delays result from unpaid VAT or duties.
- Paying them quickly can release your parcel faster.
🚚 How to Avoid Customs Issues in the Future
✔️ Choose a Logistics Partner with “DDP” (Delivered Duty Paid) Services
Shenzhen Yingpai International Logistics provides full-service shipping with customs clearance and tax paid—also known as “double clearance” (双清包税). This reduces the chance of parcels getting stuck.
✔️ Use Consolidation Shipping
When buying multiple fashion items from different sellers, consolidate into one parcel to save on customs fees and reduce inspection risk. Yingpai offers free consolidation and real-time tracking via overseas warehouses in Poland, Hungary, and Spain.
✔️ Check for CE Mark (When Needed)
For wearable tech or smart features, ensure your products include a legitimate CE certificate. Avoid low-cost sellers with no documentation.
✔️ Avoid Fake or “Lookalike” Brand Products
Customs in Europe strictly monitors IP violations. Avoid suspicious “branded” items unless they are 100% genuine and authorized.
💬 Bonus Tip: What If the Parcel Is Confiscated?
If your clothes are deemed illegal (e.g. counterfeit), customs may destroy them without compensation. In this case:
- Request a formal notification letter
- Ask your logistics provider if insurance coverage applies
- Learn from this case and avoid similar suppliers in the future
🎯 Summary: Solve and Prevent Customs Delays
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incomplete paperwork | Provide invoice, product details, proof of payment |
| No CE certification | Ensure products have legal certificates |
| Suspected counterfeit | Buy from verified sellers, avoid fake brands |
| High import tax | Use logistics with DDP/double clearance |
| Multiple small packages | Use consolidation and one-time customs declaration |
👕 Trusted Shipping for Fashion from China to Europe
If you’re a local seller or individual buyer in Poland, Hungary, or Spain, partner with a logistics expert like Yingpai International Logistics. With local warehouses, tax-included solutions, and expert customs handling, you can ship confidently and focus on growing your business or enjoying your fashion finds—without customs headaches.
