Getting an import scan notification on your UPS tracking can cause confusion if you’re unfamiliar with international shipping protocols. This scan signifies that your package has reached the destination country and will undergo customs clearance, a process that may require some time.
Keep reading for a comprehensive explanation of import scans and their implications for UPS packages in 2022.
- What is an Import Scan on UPS Tracking?
- Why Did My Package Get an Import Scan?
- What Happens After an Import Scan on UPS Tracking?
- How Long Does It Take for a Package to Clear Customs After Import Scan?
- What Does “Processed Through Facility” Mean After an Import Scan?
- Can a Package Be Returned to Sender After an Import Scan?
- Is an Import Scan the Final Destination Before Delivery?
- Key Takeaways on UPS Import Scans
What is an Import Scan on UPS Tracking?
An import scan is activated when an international UPS package reaches the designated international UPS facility in the destination country. This scan signifies that the package has officially entered the country where it is slated for delivery.
At this juncture, UPS takes possession of the package from the sender and proceeds to navigate it through the import customs procedures of the receiving country before facilitating its delivery.
Why Did My Package Get an Import Scan?
If your UPS tracking displays an “import scan,” it indicates that your package is currently undergoing international shipping from its country of origin to your designated address in another country.
All international shipments are subject to customs clearance procedures upon reaching the destination country. The presence of an import scan signifies that your package has reached the UPS import facility and is slated to undergo these international customs procedures before progressing to its final destination.
What Happens After an Import Scan on UPS Tracking?
Subsequent to the issuance of an import scan, your package will undergo essential customs procedures mandated by the destination country for international shipments. These procedures encompass:
- Processing and verification of documentation
- Assessment and payment of duties and taxes
- Screening for security purposes and conducting inspections
- Confirmation of clearance once the customs procedures are successfully finalized
The duration of this customs clearance process can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to several days, contingent upon the policies and regulations of the destination country. UPS will submit the requisite import documentation and collaborate with customs authorities to expedite the clearance of your package as efficiently as possible.
Upon completion of the clearance procedures, another scan, such as “Departed from Facility,” will indicate that your package has exited customs and is en route to its final destination.
How Long Does It Take for a Package to Clear Customs After Import Scan?
The duration for an international package to clear customs after undergoing an import scan varies widely and lacks a standard timeframe. Clearance times can span from just a few hours to five business days or longer in certain instances.
Numerous factors influence the speed of customs clearance, including:
- The destination country and specific import policies
- The type and value of the shipment contents
- The accuracy of customs paperwork provided by the shipper
- The volume of shipments currently undergoing processing
- Any issues flagged during the screening process
While UPS endeavors to expedite the customs clearance process, the ultimate timeliness of delivery hinges on the processing times of the individual customs agencies in your destination country. It is advisable to continue monitoring the UPS tracking number for status updates.
What Does “Processed Through Facility” Mean After an Import Scan?
Upon encountering a “Processed Through Facility” scan subsequent to the initial import scan, it indicates that your package has successfully completed customs clearance and departed from the international UPS facility located in the destination country.
This scan serves as confirmation that the package has undergone the requisite import processing and is now progressing to the subsequent stage of transit before it is eventually delivered to your designated address.
Can a Package Be Returned to Sender After an Import Scan?
Certainly, there are instances where a package may be returned to the shipper after initially undergoing an import scan. This scenario arises if customs rejects the entry of the shipment due to regulatory reasons such as prohibited contents, invalid documentation, or failure to settle applicable duties.
Other factors that may lead to the return of a package to the sender subsequent to an import scan include an incomplete address, refusal by the recipient, or the inability to clear customs despite multiple attempts.
Is an Import Scan the Final Destination Before Delivery?
An import scan does not signify that your package is immediately scheduled for delivery. Typically, there are still intermediate stops to be made after customs clearance but prior to reaching your ultimate delivery address.
For instance, the package is likely to pass through sorting facilities situated closer to your delivery location before arriving at your local post office. Additionally, there may be further transportation between various UPS locations via trucks or airplanes.
It is advisable to continuously monitor the UPS tracking information – an “Out for Delivery” scan will indicate the final leg of transportation before your package reaches its destination. While the import scan marks a significant milestone, anticipate additional transit time even after customs clearance has been completed.
Key Takeaways on UPS Import Scans
An import scan signifies that the package has reached its destination country and is set for customs processing. The duration of customs clearance can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the policies of the country involved. Subsequent scans, such as “Processed Through Facility,” indicate that customs clearance has been successfully completed.
However, it’s essential to note that the package may still undergo additional sorting or transportation before reaching the “Out for Delivery” stage. The overall timeline for international delivery is influenced by factors such as the package’s origin, destination, and the efficiency of customs procedures.
Continuous monitoring of the tracking information is advisable until the package is delivered. Understanding the significance of UPS scans like “import scan” enables you to anticipate delivery timelines more accurately as your package travels internationally. Having this insight allows for better preparation and management of expectations throughout the delivery process.