Tracking & customs
Your parcel is on its way. Two things remain: following it — and knowing what may await at import.
What happens in this step?
After handover to the carrier you get a tracking number in your agent's dashboard. The number can change along the way — many lines hand over to local carriers (such as national postal services) that assign their own number.
Import charges may apply. For EU countries the baseline is: imports from outside the EU are subject to import tax; whether and how much becomes due depends on the goods' value, their type and the rules in force. Switzerland and the United Kingdom have their own import rules. Binding, current information comes only from your country's official customs authorities — in Germany the Zoll (zoll.de), in Austria the BMF, in Switzerland the BAZG.
This guide deliberately names no specific tax rates, thresholds or guarantees: they change, they differ by country and goods — and an outdated number would be worse than none.
How to do it
Track through your agent
Your agent's dashboard shows status and tracking number. Universal tracking sites can help additionally once the shipment is handed to a local carrier.
Expect quiet phases
Between export, air or sea leg and import, days can pass without a new scan. That is normal — your line's transit estimate remains the yardstick.
React to customs mail
If customs requests documents or payment, respond promptly and keep your order confirmations at hand. Ignored requests end in return shipment or storage.
Inspect on arrival
Open the parcel, compare against the QC photos, document transport damage and report it to your agent quickly — the fresher, the better your chances.
What to pay attention to
- A tracking-number change mid-way is normal and no cause for alarm.
- Import charges are yours as the recipient — plan for the possibility instead of being surprised.
- Binding customs information exists only at your country's official authorities, not in forums or from agents.
Typical beginner mistakes
- Panicking after three days without a scan — quiet phases are part of it.
- Ignoring customs requests until the parcel is returned.
- Believing “duty-free” promises from forums or videos — such blanket claims are not serious.
Quick checklist
- Tracking number saved, progress in view.
- Order confirmations and receipts at hand.
- I know import charges may apply — only the official customs authority informs bindingly.
- Parcel inspected on arrival and compared with the QC photos.
The country pages for your destination
how2ship has no tracking tool of its own — the basics live right on this page. What does exist: dedicated country pages with the shipping comparison for exactly your destination, a solid starting point for the next haul.