US customs · not legal advice
Kakobuy customs in the US: the steps, the fees, the holds.
Most parcels clear without drama. The expensive mistakes happen when a hold notice arrives and nobody knows which document to send. This page is the order of operations.
The flow
Five stages, five owners
Order
You
Pick the item, pay the agent, confirm the delivery address.
Warehouse
Agent
Receives the item, checks it, consolidates the parcel.
Export
Agent / carrier
Files the export data, hands the parcel to the line.
Import
Carrier / customs
Files entry, may select the parcel for inspection.
Delivery
Carrier
Collects any duty or fee, delivers to the address.
The bill
What can be charged at the border
| Charge | Who collects it | Basis | Can you prepay? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duty | Customs | Classification and declared value | Sometimes, through the carrier |
| Import tax / VAT | Customs | Destination rules | Sometimes |
| Merchandise processing fee | Customs / broker | Entry value or a minimum | Usually collected at entry |
| Carrier advance fee | Carrier | Paying duty on your behalf | Sometimes avoidable with a prepaid line |
| Storage / demurrage | Carrier / warehouse | Days held | Avoid by responding fast |
If a hold arrives
The document pack to keep
The hard case
If a parcel is seized, do these four things
-
1
Read the notice
Identify who sent it: the carrier, a broker or customs. Note the deadline and the exact document requested.
-
2
Respond in writing
Send what was asked for, in the format asked for. Keep a copy of everything you send and the date you send it.
-
3
Ask about return or abandonment
If the goods cannot be released, ask whether a return is possible and who pays for it. Get the answer in writing.
-
4
Record the loss
If the parcel is lost, document the value, the fees and the correspondence. This is what an insurance or platform claim will ask for.
Red lines
Three things not to do
A lower value can invalidate insurance and create a penalty. It is not a saving; it is a risk transfer.
A hold notice has a clock. Missing it can turn a delay into abandonment.
Thresholds and fees change. Use the official guidance and the carrier’s notice, not a screenshot.
Questions
Five questions about US customs
Will my parcel be taxed?
It depends on the destination, the declared value and the category. We cannot promise a result. Check the current official guidance for your country before you order.
What documents should I keep?
The order confirmation, payment record, tracking number, QC photos, the declaration copy and any notice from the carrier. These are the first things a hold asks for.
What should I do if a parcel is held?
Read the notice, identify who is asking (carrier or customs), respond within the deadline, and keep a copy of everything you send. Do not ignore a hold notice.
Can I lower the declared value?
We do not recommend misdeclaration. It can invalidate insurance, create penalties and slow the parcel. Declare accurately and budget for duty.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page explains the process and the documents. It is not legal, tax or customs advice; use the official guidance for your case.
Price the duty reserve, then decide
A parcel that is only affordable without duty is not affordable. Put a number in the high column first.
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