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What to do if…
customs or border officials hold an item you need for your trip and you are unsure what to do next

Short answer

Get a receipt/notice with a case (often FP&F) or reference number, confirm whether the item is detained or seized, then continue your travel plan assuming you will not get it back today.

Do not do these things

  • Do not argue, threaten complaints, or obstruct — it can escalate and slow everything down.
  • Do not leave without paperwork (or at minimum a case/reference number and where to follow up).
  • Do not volunteer extra device/account access “to speed things up.” Ask what is required vs optional, and keep the scope as narrow as possible.
  • Do not miss your flight waiting for “maybe” — set a cut-off time and move to a replacement plan.
  • Do not rely on verbal promises like “call tomorrow and we’ll release it” — you need the next step and contact point tied to a case/reference number.

What to do now

  1. Ask the key clarifying question (and repeat it until it’s answered):
    • “Is this item being detained temporarily for review, or seized?”
    • “What is the reason/category, and what is the case/reference number?”
  2. Get the document you’ll need to fix this later. Ask for:
    • a custody receipt / seizure receipt (if seized), and/or a detention notice/receipt (if detained)
    • the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F) office contact/address shown on the notice (or the port contact they tell you to use)
  3. Ask one practical “can it be resolved right now?” question.
    • “If I provide proof of ownership/purchase, a prescription, an authorisation, or pay duties/fees, can it be released today?”
    • If the answer is “no,” stop negotiating and move to travel + follow-up.
  4. If it’s medication or a medical device, state that clearly and show what you have.
    • Present the pharmacy label, prescription, or clinician letter if available.
    • Ask what documentation they need for review or release, and assume you may still need a replacement plan.
  5. Split into two tracks: travel continuation and recovery.
    • If you can still travel, proceed to your gate/connection and handle recovery later with the paperwork in hand.
    • If you cannot travel without it, step aside, contact your airline, and rebook only after you have the case/reference number and written status.
  6. Start a replacement plan immediately (don’t wait for the outcome).
    • Buy/rent on arrival, airport purchase, pharmacy at destination, borrow from a companion, or courier a replacement to your hotel.
    • For work/security devices: contact employer IT/security for an emergency alternative (temporary device/token replacement).
  7. If you receive (or later get) a formal Notice of Seizure, follow the notice’s deadlines — especially for petitions.
    • Under U.S. customs regulations, petitions for relief from seizures must be filed within 30 days from the date of mailing of the notice of seizure (and must be filed with the FP&F office whose address is given in the notice).
    • The notice may also describe how to contest the seizure through a separate “claim” process; follow the notice’s stated deadline exactly if you want to contest rather than request relief.
  8. If you’re unsure what stage it’s in, use the case number to get clarity.
    • Contact the office listed on your paperwork and ask: “Is this detained or seized? What is the next required action from me, and what is the deadline?”
  9. Write a 60-second incident note while it’s fresh.
    • Date/time/location, what was taken, what you were told, and the case/reference number (plus officer name if offered).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide immediately whether to hire an attorney or escalate — first secure the receipt/notice and the case number.
  • You do not need to fully understand forfeiture law right now — the immediate goal is to meet the deadline on your notice and keep your travel moving.
  • You do not need to make a complaint at the airport; focus on written documentation and a workable replacement plan.

Important reassurance

When something you need is suddenly held at a border, it can feel like your whole trip is collapsing. Your fastest route back to control is: get the case number in writing, keep moving, and handle the recovery process from a calmer place.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance for the earliest safe pause. The correct next steps depend on whether the item is detained for review, excluded, or seized — and your paperwork will determine that.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. CBP processes vary by item type and the reason it was held (especially medicines, food/agricultural items, cash, and restricted/prohibited goods). Always follow the specific instructions and deadlines written on your CBP notice/receipt.

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