After the customs release scan — what to expect

The "Released from Customs" scan is one of the most relieving events in international package tracking, but it is often followed by a confusing period where the tracking goes quiet again before the package moves to local delivery. Here is what the post-release sequence actually looks like.

Typical post-release sequence

After the customs release scan, the package moves to the entry port's USPS facility for sorting and dispatch. This step takes 12 to 48 hours depending on the facility's volume and the package's mail class. After dispatch, the next scan typically shows "In Transit to Next Facility" or "Departed USPS Facility" from the entry port city.

From the entry port to your local delivery office, the transit time depends on how far away you are. A destination on the same coast as the entry port (East Coast package entering through JFK) might show a delivered scan within 2-3 days of release. A cross-country destination adds 2-4 days.

The gap after release

It is common to see no tracking update for 24-36 hours after the customs release scan. The package is physically in transit from the CBP examination area to the USPS processing facility, and this internal handoff does not always generate a scan event. This gap is normal and not a cause for concern.

When to worry

If 5 or more days pass after the customs release scan with no further tracking event, something unusual has happened — either the package missed a sorting scan (common but usually self-resolving) or there is a delivery address issue. At the 5-day mark from release without movement, a USPS missing mail search request is worth submitting. This does not always find the package but creates a record and sometimes triggers a trace.

The total typical timeline from customs release to delivery is 3-7 days for domestic US delivery, with wide variance based on destination distance from the entry port.