DHL Shipment on Hold Explained: Causes, Fixes, and Tips

Waiting for a package and suddenly see “Shipment is on Hold” in your DHL tracking updates?

If it’s your first time, your heart might sink a little. Is it stuck? Did something go wrong? Will it ever arrive?

You’re not the only one asking those questions—we’ve all been there.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what “shipment on hold” really means, why it happens, how to fix it, and what you can do to avoid it in the future.

Let’s jump in.

What Does DHL Shipment on Hold Mean?

It means your package has stopped moving. It’s stuck at one of the checkpoints in DHL’s delivery system.

To put it simply, something’s holding it up—maybe paperwork, maybe weather, maybe customs. The package isn’t lost. But it is paused, and it won’t move again until the issue is sorted out.

Think of it like a red light. It’s not a dead end—it just needs a green light to get going again.

Why Is My DHL Shipment on Hold

There’s no single reason. Sometimes it’s human error. Sometimes it’s just bad timing—like a storm or a backed-up customs office.

But here’s the thing: if you can figure out why your shipment is on hold, you’re already halfway to getting it moving again.

Let’s look at the most common reasons this happens.

Customs Clearance Delay

This is probably the most common reason your DHL package is on hold—especially for international orders. When a package enters a new country, it has to be approved by Customs before it can keep moving.

That approval can take time. Maybe Customs wants to inspect what’s inside. Maybe the item is restricted, or the declared value doesn’t seem right. Until it’s cleared, DHL can’t legally move it forward.

Missing or Invalid Contact Info

If your phone number or email is wrong—or missing altogether—DHL can’t reach you. And neither can customs.

This can cause the whole process to stall. If they need more info but can’t get in touch, your package just sits there. It won’t move until someone updates the contact details or responds.

Recipient Not Available During Delivery

Sometimes, it’s as simple as: DHL showed up, but no one was home.

This usually happens with packages that need a signature. If no one answers the door, they can’t drop it off. The shipment might be marked “on hold” while DHL waits to hear from you or plans another delivery attempt.

In some cases, the package might go to a local service point or even get returned to the sender.

Required Customs Documents Are Missing

When a package crosses borders, it has to carry proof—proof of what’s inside, what it’s worth, and where it came from. That proof usually comes in the form of documents like a commercial invoice, proof of payment, or a packing list.

If any of these are missing or incomplete, Customs can’t process the shipment. And DHL can’t push it forward without that green light.

Flight Delays or Bad Weather

Sometimes it’s just the world getting in the way. Bad weather, grounded planes, airport congestion, missing the flight to the next destination, and logistics strikes can hold your package up—even if everything else was perfect.

This type of hold often affects multiple shipments, not just yours. It usually happens in transit hubs—places where packages are transferred between trucks, planes, or sorting centers.

The Solutions for DHL Shipment on Hold

Seeing “shipment on hold” can be frustrating—but don’t worry. It doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. Here’s what you can do to keep things moving and get your package sooner.

Stay calm and keep checking updates

Most shipment holds are temporary. Instead of panicking, check your tracking info once or twice a day. DHL updates their system often, and sometimes the issue goes away on its own. Just staying updated can give you peace of mind and help you act fast if needed.

Double-check your contact and address info

Wrong or missing contact details are a common reason for holds. Make sure your phone number, email, and delivery address are correct. 

Make sure all customs paperwork is in order

Shipments can’t pass through customs without the right documents. Things like commercial invoices or permits might be missing or incomplete. If you’re the buyer, ask the seller to confirm all customs paperwork was sent properly. Getting this sorted helps avoid long delays at the border.

Reply quickly if DHL or customs contacts you

If DHL or customs needs something—like extra documents or duty payments—they’ll usually reach out by phone, text, or email. Don’t ignore it. Check your messages and reply fast so they can release your shipment.

Call DHL support if things don’t move

If your package stays on hold for more than a few days and nothing changes, contact DHL. Give them your tracking number and ask what’s going on. A quick call or message might clear up the issue and speed things up.

Be Patient with External Delays

Sometimes it’s weather, flight delays, or just a busy customs office. If that’s the case, there’s not much you can do—except wait and keep checking for updates. These holds usually fix themselves once things go back to normal.

How to Avoid DHL Shipment on Hold

If you’ve seen your package get stuck before, you’re probably wondering how to stop it from happening again. Here are some practical tips to help your shipment go through smoothly next time.

Make everything clear and complete

Want your package to move fast? Then make it easy to understand. That means clear, complete info:

• Full name, phone number with country code, and correct email
• Exact shipping address (use English if it’s international)
• A detailed item description—don’t just write “gift” or “stuff”

If your package needs documents like a commercial invoice or HS code, make sure they’re included and filled out correctly. The fewer questions DHL or Customs have, the faster your shipment moves.

Avoid Risky Items and Common Mistakes

Some things are red flags the moment DHL sees them—like lithium batteries, perfumes, food, or medicine. These can get your package held or rejected instantly.

Other delays happen because of small but serious mistakes:

• Not knowing the import rules of the destination country
• Using vague labels or forgetting to attach documents

A lot of shipments go on hold not because of bad luck—but because of bad prep.

Ship Smart

The way you ship can make or break your delivery.

If timing matters, go for Express instead of Economy. It’s more reliable and usually gets priority if delays happen.

Also, if you’re using a dropshipping agent or shipping partner, make sure they know what they’re doing. A reliable partner can catch problems before your package hits a wall.

Common DHL Tracking Updates Explained

DHL updates your package status with different messages. Some are clear, others can be confusing.

Knowing what these updates stand for can save you stress and help you figure out if you need to act or just wait patiently. Let’s break down some of the most common DHL tracking updates you might see.

DHL Tracking Status	What It Means
Shipment picked up	DHL has your package, and it’s the first official step in shipping. This means your item is on its way out from the sender.
Processed for clearance	Your shipment is now with customs. This can take some time, depending on the country and paperwork.
Delivery attempt	DHL tried to deliver, but no one was home. They may try again or leave instructions for pickup.
Returned to shipper	Your package was sent back to the sender. This usually means there was a delivery failure or refusal.
On hold awaiting payment of shipment-related fees	Your package is paused because customs or DHL needs fees to be paid. Paying quickly can help speed things up.

FAQ about DHL shipment

1. How long will my shipment be on hold?  

Most DHL shipments don’t stay on hold for long. Usually, it’s 1–3 days, depending on the reason. If customs is involved, it might take up to 5 days. But if your package’s status hasn’t changed in over 72 hours, it’s worth contacting DHL. Keep in mind: weekends, holidays, and weather delays can stretch things out a bit. While “on hold” sounds serious, it often just means DHL or customs needs something—like a form, a payment, or an updated address—before your package can move again.

2. Is DHL Shipment on Hold the Same as Delayed?

Not exactly. “Delayed” usually means your package is moving slower than expected. “On hold” means it’s not moving at all—it’s stuck until something is fixed. It could be paperwork, weather, a customs issue, or a missed delivery. While both terms mean you’re waiting, “on hold” is more about needing action. A delay often just works itself out over time.

3. Why is my DHL shipment on hold in customs?

Customs might hold your package to check paperwork, verify value, or inspect goods. Sometimes, missing documents or unpaid fees cause the hold. Customs needs to make sure everything follows the rules before letting it through, which can take some time.

4. Does “on hold” mean my DHL package is lost?

No. “On hold” doesn’t mean lost; it means the package is waiting somewhere—maybe customs or a DHL facility. Lost packages usually show different messages or no updates at all. Still, if your shipment stays on hold too long, it’s worth checking with DHL.

5. Why is my shipment on hold in the delivery center?

If your package is on hold at the delivery center, there’s likely a last-mile issue. Maybe DHL tried to deliver it but no one was home. Or maybe there’s a problem with the address or contact info. Sometimes, high volumes or weather can slow things down locally. It’s not usually serious. In many cases, the driver will try again soon, or DHL will ask you to schedule a redelivery or pick-up. Keep checking your tracking page or call support if nothing changes for a day or two.

Final thoughts

When you see DHL shipment on hold, don’t worry too much. It usually means a small delay, not a big problem. The best thing to do is stay calm and check your tracking often. Holds happen because of things like missing info, customs checks, or delivery tries. Most of these can be fixed quickly. To avoid delays, keep your details correct and have your papers ready. Shipping can be slow sometimes, but if you know what’s happening and act fast, your package will get to you sooner.

Want to avoid shipment headaches in your dropshipping business? Sup Dropshipping helps you streamline every step—from sourcing to delivery—so issues like this don’t hold you back. Contact us and let us handle the logistics while you scale your store.