Tracking “The Consignment has Arrived in the Country of Destination” with PostNL
Have you ordered a package from overseas that’s being shipped via PostNL? Did you receive a tracking update that “The consignment has arrived in the country of destination”? If so, you may be wondering – what does this status mean and what happens next?
When PostNL indicates your package has reached the destination country, it means your shipment has entered the delivery country but still needs customs clearance and final transportation before being delivered. Typical delivery time after this update is 1-4 business days.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:
- What happens after the “arrived in destination country” scan
- Reasons your package may get delayed or stuck
- How to track your shipment and get assistance
- Tips for navigating international shipping with PostNL
Gaining visibility into your package’s journey is key when shipping internationally. Read on for a full overview of the “consignment arrived” status and how to ensure successful final delivery!
What Does “The Consignment has Arrived in the Country of Destination” Mean?
When PostNL tracking shows this status message, it means your package has physically entered the destination country where the delivery address is located.
For example, if you ordered an item from China to be shipped to Italy, the “arrived in country of destination” scan would take place when your package reaches an PostNL facility after being transported from China to Italy.
This is a major milestone, indicating your shipment has successfully crossed any international borders and passed import customs to enter into the delivery country. However, there are still a few steps required before the item is ultimately delivered:
- Customs clearance if not finalized at origin
- Transfer to local postal carrier
- Transportation to sorting facility near delivery address
- Delivery route planning and execution
So the bottom line is that while your package has made it into the destination country, which is great news, you’ll typically need to wait an additional 1-4 business days for final delivery depending on various factors.
Let’s look at what happens once your PostNL package arrives in the destination country in more detail.
What Happens After “The Consignment has Arrived in the Country of Destination”?
When your PostNL package reaches the destination country, whether it’s Italy, Germany, the UK or elsewhere, there is a standard process that occurs:
Customs Clearance
If your shipment already cleared outbound customs in the origin country, it may not need further processing. However, if customs was not finalized, the package will undergo entry clearance into the destination country.
This involves paying any owed duties or taxes, and ensuring the contents comply with the receiving country’s import regulations. PostNL will present the package to customs brokers for this review and clearance process.
Transfer to Local Postal Carrier
Once customs clearance is complete, PostNL will hand the package over to the local national postal carrier that will perform final delivery.
For example, in Italy this would be Poste Italiane, in Germany it would be Deutsche Post, and in the UK it would be Royal Mail. The package has to be transferred to whoever owns the local mail transportation infrastructure.
Transportation to Local Delivery Area
The local postal carrier will then transport your package from the international arrival facility to the regional sorting center closest to your delivery address. This is done through ground transportation between postal service hubs and facilities across the country.
Out for Delivery
When your package arrives at your local post office, it will be scanned “out for delivery” and loaded on the postal truck or van for last mile transportation. A postal courier will then drive the delivery route and hand your package to you directly.
Delivery Completed
The final scan event occurs when your PostNL package is successfully delivered and handed over – marking the completion of its international journey.
This entire process can take anywhere from 1-4 business days depending on the size of the country, specific holidays or closures, and effectiveness of customs and carrier handoffs. But you’re in the home stretch once that “consignment arrived” update comes through!
Why Might Your PostNL Package Get Delayed After Arriving?
While the “consignment arrived” notification is a great sign your package is nearing delivery, there are few common reasons it could still get held up or delayed:
Address Errors – If there is any mistake or inaccurancy in the shipping address, the local carrier may not be able to finalize delivery. Always double check the address entered correctly when shipping.
Missed Paperwork – Any issues with the customs import documentation or missing information can cause delays during clearance. PostNL will need to obtain any required paperwork.
Unpaid Duties – If any duties or taxes are owed, the package will be held until the fees are paid to customs before release. The recipient may need to arrange payment.
Weekends/Holidays – If arrival coincides with a weekend or holiday, the package will sit until operations resume, delaying handoffs and processing.
Carrier Delays – If transfer to the local carrier encounters any hiccups, the package will wait longer at the arrival hub before moving forward.
So in summary – even once your package gets to the destination country, incorrect addresses, customs holds, unpaid taxes, and general carrier delays can still prevent timely final delivery.
How to Track and Get Assistance with Your PostNL Shipment
To get the latest updates on your package’s status and progress after it arrives in the country, there are a few options:
Use PostNL’s Tracking Tool – Enter your tracking number on the PostNL website to monitor each step. This will show scans from PostNL’s own system.
Check Universal Tracking Sites – Sites like 17Track and ParcelsApp can search worldwide carrier databases for additional scans that PostNL’s site may miss.
Contact PostNL Customer Service – If your package appears stuck or delayed, reach out to PostNL support by phone, email or on social media for assistance.
Contact the Seller – The original shipper/seller may also be able to provide tracking updates or investigate issues on their end with PostNL.
Actively monitoring your shipment’s tracking details and reaching out early for any help needed will give you the best chance at a smooth delivery after it enters the destination country.
International Shipping Requires Patience!
While it can be frustrating waiting for a package to reach you after an overseas journey, international shipping does involve many moving parts.
Your PostNL package has to navigate across continents, through multiple carriers, commercial flights or ocean freight, warehouse processing, import customs, duty payments, and more – before finally making it into the local postal infrastructure.
But reaching the destination country is a major milestone – your package is on the home stretch! With proactive tracking and a little patience, your PostNL shipment will be delivered before you know it.
The “consignment has arrived” scan means you are nearing the finish line. Stay informed on the tracking updates and reach out for assistance as needed. Remember – every day it gets closer to being in your hands!
Key Takeaways on PostNL’s “The Consignment has Arrived” Status
When you receive the “consignment has arrived in the country of destination” notice for your PostNL package, keep these tips in mind:
- It has entered the delivery country but is not fully delivered yet
- Typical delivery time after arriving is 1-4 business days
- The package still needs customs clearance if not done previously
- Actively monitor the tracking for each next step
- Contact PostNL or the seller with any delivery issues or delays
- International shipping involves many touchpoints – be patient!
Getting end-to-end visibility and proactively addressing any hiccups will ensure you successfully receive your overseas PostNL delivery. You’re on the last mile once your package arrives in the country!
