How USPS International Tracking Works (2025 Guide: Not Updating, Customs & Delays)
Quick Answer: International Tracking
- Services with tracking: Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, Registered Mail
- No tracking: First-Class Mail International (standard)
- Common issue: Tracking often stops at customs or destination country
- Track at: USPS.com or destination country postal website
Wondering why your USPS international tracking is not updating after customs? You are not alone. Many people search "USPS international tracking not updating" or check their international package tracking status repeatedly, only to find no new information. USPS international tracking behaves differently from domestic tracking, leaving many senders and recipients confused when updates stop or tracking numbers do not work as expected.
This guide explains how USPS international tracking works, what different tracking statuses mean, which services include tracking, how to track your USPS package in the destination country, and what to do when tracking stops updating.
In This Guide
How International Tracking Works
International tracking involves multiple postal systems working together. Here is how the process works:
- USPS Accepts Package: When you mail your package, USPS scans it and tracking begins. You will see acceptance, processing, and departure scans from US facilities.
- Leaves United States: USPS scans the package as it departs from a US international mail facility (typically ISC - International Service Center).
- In Transit: The package travels by air (or surface for some services) to the destination country. No tracking updates during flight.
- Arrives in Destination Country: The destination postal service receives the package. They may or may not update tracking.
- Customs Processing: Package goes through customs. Tracking may show this, or may show nothing during this time.
- Delivery: Destination postal service delivers the package. Final scan may or may not appear on USPS tracking.
Key Point
USPS can only show tracking from facilities that share data with them. Once your package leaves the US, tracking depends entirely on whether the destination country postal service provides updates to USPS.
Which Services Include Tracking
| Service | Tracking Included | Tracking Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express Intl | Yes | Best - most complete updates |
| Priority Mail International | Yes | Good - varies by country |
| Registered Mail (add-on) | Yes | Good - secure chain of custody |
| First Class Mail International | No | No tracking available |
| First-Class Package International Service | Yes (to many countries) | Limited – major scans only; varies by country |
For more details on these services, see our guides on First Class Mail International and Priority Mail International.
Understanding International Tracking Numbers
International tracking numbers follow specific formats that indicate the service type:
| Format | Service | Example |
|---|---|---|
| EA, EB, EC + 9 digits + US | Priority Mail Express Intl | EA123456789US |
| CP + 9 digits + US | Priority Mail International | CP123456789US |
| RR, RX + 9 digits + US | Registered Mail | RR123456789US |
| LX, LZ + 9 digits + US | First-Class Package International Service | LX123456789US |
The "US" at the end indicates the package originated in the United States. When tracking on a foreign postal website, enter the full tracking number including "US".
Common Tracking Status Updates
Here are the most common international tracking status messages and what they mean:
"Accepted at USPS Origin Facility"
Your package has been accepted by USPS and tracking has begun.
"Processed Through Facility" (ISC)
Package has been processed at the International Service Center (usually ISC New York, ISC Los Angeles, ISC Chicago, or ISC Miami). This is the last US processing point.
"Departed" or "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment"
Package has left the US and is in transit to the destination country.
"Arrived at Destination Country"
Package has arrived in the destination country (not all countries provide this update).
"Inbound Into Customs"
Package is being processed by customs in the destination country. This can take hours to weeks depending on the country.
"Held by Customs"
Package is being held for additional inspection or requires duties/taxes to be paid by recipient.
"Released from Customs"
Package has cleared customs and is moving to delivery.
"Delivered"
Package was delivered (many countries do not provide delivery confirmation to USPS).
Why Tracking Stops Updating
If your USPS international tracking is not updating, do not panic. International tracking commonly stops for these reasons:
- Package left US: After the "Processed Through Facility" scan at ISC, there may be no updates until the package arrives in the destination country (or none at all).
- Destination country does not share data: Many countries do not share tracking information with USPS. Your package may be delivered without any foreign tracking updates appearing.
- Package is in customs: Customs processing can take days or weeks with no tracking updates.
- Package transferred to local carrier: In some countries, the national post hands off to regional carriers that do not provide tracking.
- Tracking delay: Updates can take 24-72 hours to appear in the USPS system.
Not Lost
No tracking updates does NOT mean your package is lost. This is completely normal for international mail. Wait the full expected delivery time before assuming there is a problem.
How to Track in the Destination Country
For more detailed tracking after your package leaves the US, try tracking directly on the destination country's postal website:
| Country | Postal Service | Tracking Website |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Canada Post | canadapost-postescanada.ca |
| UK | Royal Mail | royalmail.com/track-your-item |
| Germany | Deutsche Post/DHL | deutschepost.de/sendung |
| France | La Poste | laposte.fr/outils/suivre-vos-envois |
| Australia | Australia Post | auspost.com.au/track |
| Japan | Japan Post | japanpost.jp/int/ems/delivery |
| Mexico | Correos de México | correosdemexico.gob.mx |
Enter your full USPS tracking number (including "US" at the end) on the destination postal service website for local tracking updates.
Customs and Tracking Delays
Customs processing is the most common cause of tracking gaps. Here is what happens:
- Routine processing: Most packages clear customs in 1-3 days with no issues.
- Random inspection: Some packages are randomly selected for detailed inspection, adding days to processing.
- Duties and taxes: If the recipient owes import duties, the package may be held until they are paid.
- Prohibited items: Packages containing prohibited items may be held indefinitely or returned.
- Incomplete customs forms: Missing or unclear information can cause delays.
Avoid Customs Issues
- • Complete customs forms accurately and thoroughly
- • Do not undervalue items to avoid duties
- • Describe contents in detail
- • Check prohibited items before shipping
What to Do If Your Package Seems Lost
Waiting Periods
Before filing a claim, wait the appropriate time:
- Priority Mail Express Intl: 7-10 days after expected delivery
- Priority Mail International: 30 days from mailing date
- First-Class Package International Service: 60 days from mailing date
Steps to Take
- Check tracking on both USPS.com and destination country postal website
- Contact the recipient to confirm non-delivery
- Wait the full service standard time plus 10 days
- File a missing mail search request at USPS.com (if package had tracking)
- File an insurance claim if applicable (Priority Mail International includes limited indemnity coverage; amount varies by contents and destination)
Filing a Claim
For Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International, you can file insurance claims at USPS.com. Keep your mailing receipt, tracking number, and proof of value. First Class Mail International has no insurance and USPS cannot compensate for lost items.
Send International Mail with Tracking
Need to send important documents internationally with tracking? The Letter Pilot handles printing, customs forms, and mailing with full tracking visibility.
Send International Mail OnlineFAQs
Why did my USPS international tracking stop updating?
International tracking often stops at customs or when the package transfers to the destination country postal service. Many countries do not share tracking data with USPS. This is normal and does not mean your package is lost.
Does First Class Mail International have tracking?
No, First-Class Mail International letters and flats do not include tracking. If you need tracking, use Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, First-Class Package International Service (to eligible countries), or add Registered Mail service.
How long should I wait before assuming my USPS international package is lost?
Wait at least 30 days for Priority Mail International and up to 60 days for First-Class Package International Service before filing a missing mail claim. Customs delays can significantly extend delivery times.
What does "Processed Through Facility" mean in international tracking?
This status means your package has been processed at a USPS international mail facility (ISC) and is ready to be dispatched to the destination country. It often appears before the package leaves the United States.
Can I track my package on the foreign postal service website?
Yes. Enter your full USPS tracking number (including "US") on the destination country postal website for local tracking updates. This often provides more detail than USPS.com after the package leaves the US.
What if tracking shows "Held by Customs"?
This means the destination country customs is holding your package. The recipient may need to pay import duties, provide additional documentation, or the package may be under inspection. Contact the destination postal service for details.
Related Guides
- How to Send First Class Mail International
- How to Send Priority Mail International
- USPS International Delivery Times Explained
- What You Cannot Mail Internationally
- How to Track Certified Mail (Domestic)
Tags: USPS international tracking, track package abroad, international mail tracking, customs tracking, why tracking stopped, processed through facility, ISC tracking