What to Do If Your DHL Package Is On Hold or Delayed

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Everything you need to get your DHL shipment back on track

Co-authored by Fahim and Seema Mojawalla and Mason Martinez, BA

Last Updated: September 19, 2025 Fact Checked

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Why is your DHL shipment on hold?

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Common Causes for Delays

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What to Do if Your Package is On Hold

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How long are DHL shipments on hold?

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Should you be worried or expect a lost package?

When you’re ordering a package internationally, it can be a little nerve-wracking since it has to travel overseas. But don’t fret—your package is still coming. There are several reasons why DHL shipments are put on hold^{[1]
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Expert Source

Fahim and Seema Mojawalla
Shipping and Logistics Experts

Expert Interview}, from weather delays to insufficient documentation. Fortunately, this can be resolved with time, patience, and maybe a phone call. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about on-hold DHL packages.

Understanding DHL Shipment Holds

When your DHL shipment is placed “On Hold,” your package may be delayed by a few hours or days. This is generally due to customs inspections, incorrect or incomplete destination addresses, duties, and tax payment issues. If there is no update after 10 days of the estimated delivery date, contact your merchant or DHL customer service for further assistance.

Section 1 of 5:

Why is your DHL shipment on hold?

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The “On Hold” message indicates your package has stopped moving. As your package travels from country to country, city to city, you’ll receive tracking updates that signal where your package was last scanned into a DHL facility or local courier. However, if you receive an “On Hold” message, your package has stopped its journey and is held up in a facility.^{[2]
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- Generally, this can cause a delay in the package’s journey, meaning it may not arrive on its estimated delivery date.
- This is more common with international shipments.^{[3]
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  Fahim and Seema Mojawalla
  Shipping and Logistics Experts
  
  Expert Interview} However, domestic shipments can be on hold, too.

Section 2 of 5:

Common Causes for DHL Delays

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Due to a high volume of packages, an item may be put on hold because there isn’t enough staffing or modes of transportation to streamline the process. This is especially prevalent during the holidays when there’s a higher demand for goods.
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Disruptions in shipping routes From road closures and inclement weather to the pandemic and strikes, plenty of external events happening worldwide can cause a package to be put on hold, especially for a global and international shipping company like DHL. In these situations, DHL has to closely follow the decisions of local authorities in the countries and cities through which packages are sent.
- Unfortunately, you cannot do much in these scenarios but wait for a tracking update.
When ordering a package overseas, the purchaser and sender are required to provide the necessary information (the correct address, the package’s contents, and fee payments) to pass through customs successfully. If not, a package is subjected to inspection and delays. In this case, customs will contact you.^{[4]
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Fahim and Seema Mojawalla
Shipping and Logistics Experts

Expert Interview}
When DHL fulfills shipments, they’re delivered to one of the 220 postal providers the company is partnered with worldwide. For example, whether your package is delivered through USPS or FedEx depends on the merchant or online shop and the shipping services they offer you before check-out.^{[6]
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Research source} If your shipping provider is experiencing delays, this can cause your package to be placed on hold.

Section 3 of 5:

What to Do if Your Package is On Hold

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Regularly check the tracking status of your shipment. Visit DHL.com and enter your package’s tracking number on the home page to review the last known location. Generally, it takes 3 to 14 days to deliver international packages. While it can take 3 to 8 days for domestic packages. Reviewing the tracking number may provide an updated delivery date.^{[7]
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- If you’re the shipper, notify the recipient that their package is on hold and provide them with regular updates.
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Ensure all of your package’s paperwork is filed correctly. If you’re mailing an international package, double-check the destination country’s customs regulations to limit delays. Every country has different paperwork requirements. Generally, you’re required to provide a commercial invoice, a letter of free sale, a bill of lading, a certificate of origin, and an export packing list.^{[8]
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- Duties and taxes may be due for certain countries. Be sure to pay all the necessary fees to prevent holds.
- If you’re receiving an international package, ensure any fees are paid, and your address and preferred contact method are correct.
If you can’t sit still, we don’t blame you! For peace of mind, Google the last known destination for any insight on strikes, social unrest, weather updates, and similar issues that can impact your package. If you see a massive storm or the local courier is on strike—this may indicate why your package has been delayed.
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do other than wait for a tracking update. However, if your package has still not arrived or there’s no update, contact the merchant or online shop to start an investigation for your package.^{[9]
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Section 4 of 5:

How long are DHL shipments on hold?

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DHL packages can be on hold for a few hours or days. Many Reddit and Quora users have shared their experiences online. In many cases, their packages were put on hold for a few hours. However, it’s not uncommon for a package to remain on hold for a few days or even weeks—especially in scenarios where there are severe weather conditions or social unrest. Rest assured, your package will get to you, but you may need to wait longer than anticipated.
- Contact your merchant or your country’s DHL customer service.^{[10]
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Section 5 of 5:

Should you be worried or expect a lost package?

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Just because your package is on hold doesn’t mean it’s lost. Packages are typically placed on hold for a few hours before continuing its journey. However, if customs paperwork was incorrectly filed or the package contains something that shouldn’t be there, you may find the package was confiscated. In this scenario, you should receive a call or notification from the merchant or customs.