
At the International Service Center (ISC) in Chicago, the US Mail Customs Tracking process is a bit more involved due to the city's proximity to the Canadian border.
The ISC in Chicago is one of the many facilities where mail and packages are screened for customs purposes.
If you're shipping to or from Chicago, you can expect your packages to be processed through this facility.
The ISC in Chicago uses specialized equipment to scan and track packages, making it easier to monitor the status of your shipment.
How to Track USPS Parcel Customs Easily
If you're tracking a USPS parcel and it's stuck at ISC Chicago IL, don't worry, it's just going through customs checks.
Your parcel will likely stay at ISC Chicago IL for a few days, but it's not lost. Customs officials will check it to ensure everything is in order.
Most parcels clear customs within 48 hours, but it can take up to 2 weeks in some cases, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You won't be able to see the status of your parcel's customs checks, and the ISC in Chicago, IL can't speed up the process.
If your parcel hasn't moved in a while, you can contact USPS to help you track it down.
International Shipping at ISC Chicago
International shipping at ISC Chicago can be a bit of a mystery, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown. Most custom checks should take no more than 48-hours, but it's not uncommon for packages to take up to 2 weeks during peak times.
Packages sent via USPS will almost always end up at the International Service Center in Chicago, where they'll hang out before being loaded onto a plane. Some couriers will skip the ISC and take packages to their own distribution centers.
Customs checks are limited at the ISC, but they're mainly done to ensure the item being shipped is legal and safe for transport. If you're tracking an outgoing parcel that has arrived at ISC Chicago, it'll likely only be there for a few hours, especially if you're sending to a destination with regular flights.
Once your parcel leaves the ISC, it'll enter the standard mail system and be treated as domestic mail. Be aware that you may need to pay import fees, which will be informed to you at this stage. Some couriers will deliver the package and then invoice you for the fees later on.
Check Estimated Delivery
After your package clears customs, keep an eye on its tracking page for an updated estimated delivery date. This is often when the tracking information updates.
The estimated delivery date may be provided, but sometimes a delivery window or range of dates is given instead. This can give you a better idea of when to expect your package.
Ensure you or someone you trust is available to receive the parcel during this time, or make alternate delivery arrangements if necessary.
International Customs at ISC Chicago
Your parcel will stick around at ISC Chicago IL for a few days, but don't worry, it's just waiting for customs clearance.
International packages arrive at ISC Chicago IL so that they can be checked by customs. This is a routine process that ensures your parcel meets all necessary regulations.
You can check the tracking data for your parcel and see that it's stuck at ISC Chicago IL. This is completely normal and doesn't mean your parcel has been lost.
If customs reject your parcel, you'll be informed, but this is extremely rare and usually doesn't happen with individual parcels.
Outgoing International Mail at ISC Chicago
International mail destined for Chicago O'Hare Airport will almost always end up at the International Service Center (ISC) Chicago, assuming it's been sent via USPS.
The packages and mail will hang around the ISC before they're ready to be loaded up onto a plane. Some couriers will skip the ISC and take the packages to their own distribution centers.
Customs checks are carried out here, but not to the same extent as arrivals. These checks ensure that the item being shipped is legal and won't be dangerous to an aircraft.
If you're tracking an outgoing parcel that has arrived at ISC Chicago, it will likely only be here for a few hours, especially if you're sending to a destination with regular flights. In rare cases, your parcel may be here for a couple of days.
Once your parcel has left ISC in Chicago, it will enter into the standard mail system and be treated as domestic mail from that point onward.
Customs Issues and Solutions
Customs issues can arise, but don't worry, it's a routine part of international shipping.
Customs inspections are a standard part of international shipping, so just because your package was inspected doesn't mean there was necessarily anything wrong with it.
Your parcel may be back in the hands of the postal or courier service for final delivery if it's been reviewed by customs and has a "Item Returned from Import Customs" status.
This status is usually good news, indicating that the customs process is complete and your package is one step closer to reaching you.
Illegal Items
Shipping international packages can be a complex process, but it's essential to know what items are off-limits. Some items are illegal to import into the United States, including medication and certain weapons.
If your package contains any of these restricted items, it won't pass through customs. You can find a full list of illegal items on the USPS website.
Your package may be X-Rayed, and if it looks suspicious, the customs officer may open it up for inspection.
Missing Paperwork
Missing Paperwork can be a major headache when shipping internationally. Every international package will need a commercial invoice and a customs declaration form.
The customs officer will use these forms to determine the value of the goods and what duties and taxes may be due. Having the correct paperwork is not just about making the customs officer's job easier.
A commercial invoice should include details about the seller and the buyer, as well as more information about each item in the order. This includes unit price, total price, shipping cost charged to the customer, and total commercial value.
Country of origin and item description and code from the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems are also crucial. Item codes can be tricky for new cross-border sellers.
Here are the essential details for a commercial invoice:
- Unit Price
- Total Price
- Shipping cost charged to the customer
- Total Commercial Value
- Country of origin
- Item description and code from the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems
Incorrect or missing paperwork could result in an officer tearing open your package to inspect it, or possible fines or criminal penalties. It's essential to get it right to avoid any issues.
Handling 'Item Returned' Status
If you see the "Item Returned from Import Customs" status on your package tracking, it's usually a good sign that the customs process is complete and your package is one step closer to reaching you.
Customs inspections are a standard part of international shipping, so just because your package was inspected doesn't mean there was necessarily anything wrong with it.
Customs Process and Timeframe
Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail.
At the International Service Center (ISC) in Chicago, IL, most custom checks take no more than 48 hours. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some packages were taking up to 2 weeks to process.
Your parcel will stick around at ISC Chicago IL for a few days while customs checks it. Don't worry, it's not lost, just being reviewed.
Most individual parcels are not going to be inspected closely enough for rejection, but if your parcel is rejected, you'll be informed.
The ISC in Chicago, IL has no way of speeding up customs checks, so you won't be able to tell exactly where your parcel is in the process.
If your parcel hasn't moved in a while, USPS can help you track it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does US mail go through customs?
US mail is subject to customs inspection, which includes screening for prohibited items like certain foods, animals, drugs, and counterfeit goods. Mail facilities like JFK International Mail Facility in the US are among the nine international facilities that handle customs clearance.
Sources
- https://www.reeditionmagazine.com/to-the-minute/how-to-easily-track-your-usps-parcel-at-us-customs
- https://www.usglobalmail.com/blog/isc-chicago-il-usps/
- https://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/InternationalShipping.shtml
- https://blog.shipperhq.com/2025/04/customs-clearance-avoiding-delivery-disasters
- https://www.efulfillmentservice.com/2023/10/understanding-the-item-returned-from-import-customs-status/
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