Customs: 
When products are shipped internationally, they must pass through customs before they can be delivered to their final destination. Customs is a government agency responsible for monitoring goods entering and leaving a country. Its role is to enforce import and export regulations, collect applicable duties and taxes, prevent prohibited items from crossing borders, and help protect domestic industries, public health, and national security.
Reasons for your order being held:

•    Missing or Incorrect Documentations
•    Wrong or Incomplete Recipient Information
•    Unpaid Duties & Taxes
•    Customs Inspections & Security Checks

Customs Clearance: 
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining official approval for a shipment to legally enter or exit a country. During this process, customs authorities review shipping documents, assess any duties, taxes, or fees that may apply, and verify that the shipment complies with local regulations. If all requirements are met, the shipment is released for delivery. If information is missing or obligations are not fulfilled, the shipment may experience delays, incur additional charges, or in rare cases, be held or confiscated by customs authorities.

Brokers: 
A customs broker is a licensed professional or company that assists importers and exporters with navigating the customs clearance process. Brokers prepare and submit the necessary paperwork, communicate with customs officials, coordinate with carriers, and help ensure that shipments comply with all applicable regulations. Using a customs broker can help streamline the import process and reduce the likelihood of delays.

US ORDERS: 
At Joy Displays, we provide free standard shipping to most locations within the contiguous United States. International shipments, including orders shipping to Canada, are subject to customs requirements.

CANADIAN ORDERS: 
For Canadian orders, the recipient is responsible for arranging a customs broker, if desired, and for paying any applicable duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and customs clearance charges associated with importing the shipment. Additionally, shipments to Hawaii and Puerto Rico are not eligible for free shipping and will incur additional freight charges due to the increased transportation costs associated with these destinations.

What to Do if Your Shipment is Delayed in Customs: 
If your shipment is delayed in customs, start by checking the tracking information for updates such as "Clearance Delay," "Held in Customs," or requests for import fees. You can also contact the shipping carrier, (UPS, FEDEX, USPS) as they often have direct communication with customs and can provide additional details about the hold.

If customs is waiting on missing or incorrect paperwork, submit the requested documents as soon as possible to help avoid further delays. Be sure to pay any outstanding duties, taxes, or brokerage fees, as unpaid charges can prevent a shipment from being released. In some cases, customs may require the recipient to provide identification or additional information before approving delivery.

To help prevent future customs delays, ensure shipping documents are complete and accurate, verify import requirements for the destination country, and consider using a customs broker for high-value or complex shipments. Proper preparation can significantly reduce the chances of delays and help your package move through customs more efficiently.