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What to do if…
customs or border officials have held an item you need for your trip

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Ask which agency is holding the item, whether it is being held temporarily or seized, and for written paperwork or a reference number if one is available. Make a travel plan that does not depend on getting the item back before your flight or connection.

Do not do these things

  • Do not obstruct the inspection or argue in the inspection area. Ask calmly for the written status and the next contact point.
  • Do not leave without asking for a receipt, notice, written status, or follow-up contact. If none is provided, note the agency, port, time, and what you were told.
  • Do not delete, reset, or remotely wipe a phone, laptop, or other device after officials say it is being inspected or held.
  • Do not let a flight or connection leave without checking the gate deadline and your airline options if the delay affects your itinerary.
  • Do not make a rushed decision about a petition, complaint, or attorney before you have the paperwork and any deadline written on it.

What to do now

  1. Ask for the agency name and written status.

    • Ask: “Which agency is holding the item?”
    • Ask: “Is it being held temporarily for review, or has it been seized?”
    • Ask for the reason category and any case or reference number that is already available.

  2. Ask for the paperwork and follow-up contact.

    • Ask for any receipt, notice, or written record of the item being held.
    • Ask which office or contact route should be used for follow-up.
    • If the paperwork names a Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures office, keep that contact with the notice.

  3. Ask whether anything can resolve the issue now.

    • Ask whether a document, proof of ownership, prescription, clinician letter, or payment could allow release now.
    • Show any relevant documents you already have.
    • If release is not possible now, move to the travel and replacement steps.

  4. Treat medication or a medical device as a health issue as well as a travel issue.

    • State clearly that the item is medication or a medical device you use.
    • Show the pharmacy label, prescription, or clinician letter if available.
    • If going without it could affect your health, seek prompt medical advice. Call 911 for emergency symptoms.

  5. Protect the rest of the trip.

    • Check your gate or connection deadline.
    • Tell the airline that an item needed for travel is being held and ask about your immediate options.
    • For medication, contact your prescriber, pharmacy, or insurer about a safe replacement route.
    • For a work phone, laptop, or security token, contact your employer’s IT or security team about a temporary alternative.

  6. Ask for help understanding the procedure if the status is still unclear.

    • Ask whether a supervisor can explain the written next step.
    • At selected international airports, CBP says Professionalism Service Managers are available to address concerns or comments about the inspection process. Ask whether one is available if needed.

  7. Read any later notice on the day you receive it.

    • For a CBP seizure, 19 CFR § 171.2 generally says a petition for relief must be filed with the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures office named in the notice within 30 days from the date the notice was mailed.
    • Some cases may have a different period stated in the notice. Follow the written deadline exactly.
    • If the notice gives more than one response option and you are unsure which to use, consider getting legal advice before choosing.

  8. Write a brief note while the details are fresh.

    • Record the date, time, port or airport, agency name, item description, written status, reference number if available, and what you were told.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide immediately whether to make a complaint.
  • You do not need to understand the full seizure or forfeiture process at the airport.
  • You do not need to choose a permanent replacement for the item today.
  • You can consider an attorney after you have the paperwork, unless a written deadline or urgent health issue means you need advice sooner.

Important reassurance

A held item can disrupt the trip without requiring you to solve the whole process at the border. The immediate goal is smaller: get the agency name and written status, protect your onward travel, and keep any paperwork together.

Scope note

These are first steps only. The later process depends on which agency is holding the item, why it is being held, and what the written notice says. Specialist help may be useful for later decisions.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Follow the instructions and deadlines on your paperwork. Seek prompt medical advice if the held item is medication or a medical device that you need for your health.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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