Imagine your carefully prepared international package, filled with thoughtful gifts and anticipation, finally arrives overseas only to face delivery failure. When recipients cannot accept delivery, packages risk being held in limbo or even returned, potentially causing delays, extra costs, and frustration. This guide explains standard procedures for undeliverable international shipments and offers strategic solutions for various scenarios.
Standard Procedures After Failed Delivery
When an international package fails initial delivery, it enters a holding period rather than immediate return shipping.
First Attempt Failure: Temporary Holding
Couriers leave a delivery notice when first attempts fail. This critical document contains:
- The holding location (typically a carrier facility, post office, or local depot)
- The retrieval deadline
- Contact information for coordination
Holding periods vary by carrier:
- Major commercial carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 3-7 days
- Postal services (EMS, USPS): Up to 15 days in some regions
Second Chance Options: Redelivery or Self-Pickup
Most carriers offer 1-2 free redelivery attempts. If these fail, recipients must collect packages at designated locations with proper identification and the delivery notice.
Recipients may proactively schedule redelivery, though some carriers charge fees for this service.
Expired Holding Periods: Package Limbo
When holding periods expire without recipient action, carriers contact senders to determine package disposition:
- Return to sender
- Redirect to alternate address
- Abandon shipment
Different options incur varying fees assigned to responsible parties.
Scenario-Based Solutions and Cost Responsibilities
Different delivery failure circumstances lead to distinct resolutions and financial obligations.
Recipient Refusal Without Valid Reason
When recipients reject deliveries without justification or due to unmet expectations:
- Senders decide final disposition (return, redirect, or abandon)
- Recipients typically bear return shipping, storage, and redirection costs
- Senders assume costs if refusal stems from shipping errors or transport damage
Incorrect Address or Unreachable Recipient
For failures caused by inaccurate shipping information:
- Senders must provide correct details for redelivery or redirection
- Senders pay associated redirection or reshipping fees
- Undeliverable packages without valid information require return or abandonment at sender's expense
Customs Duty/Tax Refusal
When recipients decline required import fees:
- Senders may pay duties to enable delivery
- Alternative options include return or abandonment
- Prearranged duty payment agreements determine financial responsibility
Sender-Initiated Abandonment
When return costs exceed item value:
- Senders may request package destruction or customs auction
- Storage and destruction fees apply, though some jurisdictions waive fees for low-value items
Return Shipping Considerations
Return processes involve additional complexities:
- Restricted Items: Prohibited goods may face seizure or destruction during return
- Higher Costs: Return shipping often exceeds original rates and may include storage fees
- Varying Policies: Commercial carriers typically require return authorization while postal services may automatically initiate returns
Preventive Measures
Proactive steps minimize delivery failures:
- Verify Information: Double-check recipient details before shipping
- Signature Requirements: Use signature confirmation for valuable items
- Duty Communication: Notify recipients about potential customs fees and payment responsibilities
- Tracking Alerts: Monitor shipments and address issues promptly
Understanding international shipping procedures and preparing for potential complications ensures smoother transactions and minimizes unexpected costs.