Seeing a FedEx tracking status you don't understand? Here's what every FedEx exception means and what to do. The list comes from the messages FedEx sends us about shipments booked through ParcelParcel, with the explanation our customer service gives.
Track your FedEx shipment
The FedEx messages we see most
These are the FedEx messages that shipments booked through ParcelParcel got most often in the last two years.
Customs clearance delay
FedEx: “Clearance Delay Import” (code CD)
The shipment is delayed at customs in the destination country.
What to do? Receiver: contact FedEx in your country to check whether anything is needed to clear the shipment. Sender: usually no action is needed from you.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment.
Delivery exception
FedEx: “Delivery exception” (code DE)
FedEx could not deliver the shipment. Often this is because nobody was available or the business was closed.
What to do? Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details.
Return to sender
FedEx: “Return to Shipper” (code RS)
The shipment is being returned to the sender.
What to do? Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.
All FedEx statuses and what they mean
Look for the code or the text you see in the FedEx tracking.
| Code | Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 008 | Receiver not available“Customer not available or business closed” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because nobody was available or the business was closed. | Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details. |
| 03A | Incorrect postal code“Incorrect address – Zip/Postal code” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the address is incorrect: the postal code is wrong. | Sender: provide the correct address so FedEx can try again.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct address and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| 03B | Incorrect street or number“Incorrect address – Street name/number” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the address is incorrect: the street name or number is wrong. | Sender: provide the correct address so FedEx can try again.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct address and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| 03C | Incorrect apartment number“Incorrect address – Apartment/Suite number” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the address is incorrect: the apartment or suite number is wrong. | Sender: provide the correct address so FedEx can try again.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct address and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| 03D | Receiver has moved“Incorrect address – Recipient moved” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the receiver has moved. | Sender: provide the receiver's new address. An address change may involve extra costs.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the new address and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| 07B | Refused: package damaged“Refused by recipient – Package damaged” | The receiver refused the shipment because the package was damaged. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender. |
| 08 | Receiver not available“Customer not available or business closed” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because nobody was available or the business was closed. | Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details. |
| 08D | No access to address“Customer not available or business closed – Access is controlled by customer” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment: nobody was available, the business was closed or access to the building was restricted. | Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details. |
| 15 | Receiver not available“Customer not available or business closed” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because nobody was available or the business was closed. | Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details. |
| 20 | Package or paperwork not accepted“Unacceptable package or incompatible Hazardous material or incomplete paperwork” | FedEx cannot accept the package: it is unacceptable, may contain hazardous material that is not allowed, or the paperwork is incomplete. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We check the status with FedEx and let you know as soon as possible. |
| 3 | Incorrect address“Incorrect address” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the address is incorrect. | Sender: provide the correct address so FedEx can try again.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct address and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| 42 | Business closed, no delivery attempt“Business closed – No delivery attempt” | The receiver's business was closed, so FedEx did not attempt delivery. | Receiver: contact FedEx if you want to arrange a delivery. |
| 50 | International paperwork missing or incorrect“Improper or missing international paperwork – contact Customer Service” | The international shipping documents are missing or incorrect. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We check the status with FedEx and let you know as soon as possible. |
| 58 | Cannot reach receiver for clearance“Unable to contact recipient for broker info” | Customs cannot reach the receiver to ask for clearance instructions. | Sender: provide the receiver's phone number and email address. Receiver: contact FedEx in your country.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the contact details and we will pass them on to FedEx. |
| 64 | Paperwork ready for receiver's broker“Paperwork available for non-FedEx broker” | The shipment is being cleared by a broker the receiver chose, not by FedEx. The paperwork is ready for that broker. | Sender: for status updates, ask the receiver. Receiver: contact your broker. |
| 7 | Refused by receiver“Refused by recipient” | The receiver refused the shipment. If it cannot be delivered, it is returned to the sender, who pays the return costs. | Sender: contact the receiver to find out why the shipment was refused.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We ask FedEx why the shipment was refused and let you know what we hear. |
| 84 | Delay beyond FedEx's control“Delay beyond our control” | The shipment is delayed by a cause outside FedEx's control. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment. |
| 91 | Package oversized“Exceeds Service Limits – Oversized” | The package is too large for the FedEx network. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We check the status of your shipment and let you know as soon as possible. |
| 93 | Holding for payment“Holding for payment” | FedEx is holding the shipment until payment is made. This is usually import duties or VAT charged by customs that could not be collected from the receiver. Without payment, the shipment may be returned to the sender at the sender's cost. | Receiver: pay the outstanding charges to FedEx. Sender: contact the receiver so the charges get paid. |
| A28 | Delay beyond FedEx's control“Delay beyond our control” | The shipment is delayed by a cause outside FedEx's control. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment. |
| A47 | Pick up at FedEx location“FedEx redirected your package to a nearby FedEx location” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment and took it to a nearby FedEx location. It is held there for a limited time; after that it may be returned at the sender's cost. | Receiver: look up the address with the tracking number on the FedEx website and collect the shipment in time. |
| CD | Customs clearance delay“Clearance Delay Import” | The shipment is delayed at customs in the destination country. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country to check whether anything is needed to clear the shipment. Sender: usually no action is needed from you.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment. |
| DE | Delivery exception“Delivery exception” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment. Often this is because nobody was available or the business was closed. | Receiver: contact FedEx to arrange a new delivery. At a private address, FedEx usually leaves a note with the details. |
| RS | Return to sender“Return to Shipper” | The shipment is being returned to the sender. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender. |
FedEx clearance codes (R codes)
When your FedEx shipment shows a clearance delay, FedEx often adds an R code with the reason. Here's what they mean:
| Code | Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| R0001 | Documents needed from importer“Additional paperwork or information is required from importer.” | The shipment is held at customs because additional documents or information are needed from the receiver (importer). | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country to find out what is needed.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out exactly what customs needs. |
| R0002 | Documents needed from shipper“Additional paperwork is required from shipper.” | The shipment is held at customs because additional documents are needed from the sender. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out exactly what customs needs. |
| R0004 | Customs inspection“Goods are subject to regulatory review.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods before releasing the shipment. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0014 | Customs clearance delay“Clearance delay import” | The shipment is delayed in customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment. |
| R0017 | Returning to sender“Shipment being returned to shipper.” | The shipment is being returned to the sender. FedEx tracking does not say why. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out why the shipment is being returned and then contact you. |
| R0019 | Customs inspection“Goods are subject to regulatory review.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods before releasing the shipment. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0021 | Certificate of origin required“Shipment requires a certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce at the origin location. Certificate must include origin of goods (country of manufacture).” | Customs needs a Certificate of Origin to clear the shipment. It states the country where the goods were made and is issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin. | Sender: request the certificate from the Chamber of Commerce and provide it.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Email us the certificate and we will forward it to FedEx. |
| R0024 | Target gender required“The gender for which the shipment’s contents are made must be specified. For example: Men, Women, Children, Unisex.” | Customs wants to know who the contents are made for: men, women, children or unisex. | Sender: state for each item who it is made for.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Let us know and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| R0025 | Commercial Invoice required“Shipment requires a Commercial Invoice.” | A Commercial Invoice is needed to clear the shipment in the destination country. | Sender: make sure a complete Commercial Invoice is provided.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We send the commercial invoice to FedEx as soon as possible. |
| R0026 | Commercial Invoice incomplete“Commercial Invoice is incomplete.” | Customs says the Commercial Invoice is incomplete. | Sender: check the commercial invoice and add any missing details.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out which information customs is missing. |
| R0027 | Documents illegible“Documentation illegible. Shipment requires a complete Commercial Invoice.” | The documents cannot be read. Customs needs a complete Commercial Invoice. | Sender: provide a legible, complete commercial invoice.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out which information customs is missing. |
| R0029 | Additional paperwork required“Shipment requires additional paperwork.” | Customs needs additional documents to clear the shipment. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out exactly what customs needs. |
| R0037 | Refused by receiver“Importer has refused to accept the shipment.” | The receiver refused the shipment. If it cannot be delivered, it is returned to the sender, who pays the return costs. | Sender: contact the receiver to find out why the shipment was refused.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We ask FedEx why the shipment was refused and let you know what we hear. |
| R0040 | Special form from sender required“A specialized form/statement from the shipper is required.” | Customs needs a specific form or statement from the sender to clear the shipment. | Not sure what to do? Contact FedEx or the sender.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We find out which document is needed and let you know as soon as possible. |
| R0043 | Description of goods unclear“A detailed commodity breakdown with itemized description and values is required.” | Customs cannot classify the goods with the current description. A word like 'T-shirt' is often too short: customs may also want to know the fabric and who it is made for. | Sender: provide a detailed description in English for each item, with the value of each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the description and we will pass it on to FedEx. We can also help you with the commercial invoice. |
| R0044 | Value discrepancy“Shipment documentation indicates value discrepancy. Correct value of shipment is required.” | The value in the shipping documents does not match, for example between the shipping label and the Commercial Invoice. Customs needs the correct value. | Sender: state which value customs should use.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct value and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| R0045 | Value per item required“The value of goods for each item on the Commercial Invoice is required for clearance.” | Customs needs the value of each item on the Commercial Invoice to clear the shipment. | Sender: provide a commercial invoice that lists every item with its value.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the value per item and we will help you create or correct the commercial invoice. |
| R0047 | Proof of value required“A confirmation of the value of goods is required.” | Customs is holding the shipment because confirmation of the value of the goods is needed. | Sender: provide proof of the value.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Email us the proof and we will forward it. |
| R0048 | Currency confirmation required“Confirmation of currency is required.” | Customs wants to know which currency the values on the Commercial Invoice are in. | Sender: confirm which currency customs should use.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the currency and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| R0049 | Country of manufacture required“A verification of the country of manufacture is required.” | Customs needs to know the country where each item was made. This is missing from the Commercial Invoice. | Sender: provide the country of origin for each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the country per item and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| R0053 | Clearance instructions needed“In clearance process, please call for information.” | Customs needs instructions or answers from the receiver to clear the shipment. Without them, the shipment cannot be delivered and may be returned to the sender. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed. |
| R0055 | Clearance instructions needed“Clearance instructions from the importer are required.” | Customs needs instructions or answers from the receiver to clear the shipment. Without them, the shipment cannot be delivered and may be returned to the sender. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed. |
| R0056 | Importer ID number required“Shipment requires importer’s registration/identification number for clearance. (Examples include EIN, SSN, VAT, GST, RFC, and so on.)” | Customs needs the receiver's registration or identification number, such as a VAT number. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country and provide the number. |
| R0059 | Import licence or permit required“Import license or permit is required for clearance.” | The shipment is delayed because an import licence or permit is needed. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country and send them the licence or permit. |
| R0062 | Personal effects form required“A Personal Effects form or self-clearance is required.” | Customs needs a Personal Effects form, or the receiver has to clear the shipment themselves. Without instructions from the receiver, the shipment may be returned to the sender. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed. |
| R0063 | Power of Attorney required“A Power of Attorney (POA) or form letter, authorizing FedEx/Broker to clear the shipment on behalf of the importer, is required for clearance.” | A Power of Attorney (POA) is needed: an authorisation from the receiver that lets FedEx or a broker clear the shipment on their behalf. | Receiver: complete the POA and send it to FedEx. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed.Shipped with ParcelParcel? You can also send the completed POA to us and we will pass it on to FedEx. |
| R0066 | Form from receiver required“A specialized form/statement is required for clearance from recipient.” | Customs is holding the shipment. The receiver has to complete a specific form or sign a statement. If this does not happen, the shipment may be returned, which can involve costs. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed. |
| R0067 | Customs inspection“Goods are subject to regulatory review.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods before releasing the shipment. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0068 | Description of goods unclear“A description of goods is required.” | Customs cannot classify the goods with the current description. A word like 'T-shirt' is often too short: customs may also want to know the fabric and who it is made for. | Sender: provide a detailed description in English for each item, with the value of each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the description and we will pass it on to FedEx. We can also help you with the commercial invoice. |
| R0072 | Description of goods unclear“A more accurate description of goods for commodity classification is required for clearance.” | Customs cannot classify the goods with the current description. A word like 'T-shirt' is often too short: customs may also want to know the fabric and who it is made for. | Sender: provide a detailed description in English for each item, with the value of each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the description and we will pass it on to FedEx. We can also help you with the commercial invoice. |
| R0073 | Material breakdown required“Itemized breakdown of material/fabric contents is required.” | Customs needs to know what each item is made of, for example '100% wooden chair' instead of 'chair'. | Sender: state the material of each item on the Commercial Invoice, preferably in English.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the details per item and we will pass them on to FedEx. |
| R0074 | Broker details required“Detailed broker information is required.” | The shipment is being cleared by the receiver's broker, but FedEx does not have all of the broker's details. If this is not arranged in time, the shipment may be returned, which can involve costs. | Receiver: ask your broker to contact FedEx to arrange clearance. |
| R0081 | Receiver's business closed“Recipient business is not open.” | FedEx could not deliver the shipment because the receiver's business was closed. | Receiver: contact FedEx if you want to arrange a delivery. |
| R0084 | Receiver requested non-express clearance“Customer has requested non-express clearance.” | The receiver asked for the shipment not to go through FedEx's express clearance, for example to use their own broker. This needs instructions from the receiver; without them, the shipment may be returned to the sender. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country and give your clearance instructions. |
| R0085 | Customs inspection“Goods are subject to regulatory review.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods before releasing the shipment. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0089 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0102 | Clearance by the receiver's own broker“Unknown status: Non-FedEx broker.” | The shipment is not being cleared by FedEx but by the receiver's own broker or another route the receiver chose. This needs instructions from the receiver; without them, the shipment may be returned to the sender. | Receiver: contact FedEx in your country and give your clearance instructions or broker details. Sender: let the receiver know this is needed. |
| R0115 | Description of goods unclear“A description of goods is required.” | Customs cannot classify the goods with the current description. A word like 'T-shirt' is often too short: customs may also want to know the fabric and who it is made for. | Sender: provide a detailed description in English for each item, with the value of each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the description and we will pass it on to FedEx. We can also help you with the commercial invoice. |
| R0120 | In customs clearance“In Clearance Process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0123 | Non-toxicity statement required“A statement is required from the shipper to appear on the Commercial Invoice atesting to the non-toxicity of the goods shipped.” | The shipment cannot be cleared yet. Customs needs a statement from the sender on the Commercial Invoice confirming the goods are not toxic. | Sender: complete the required statement and add it to the commercial invoice. |
| R0136 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0137 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0138 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0139 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0140 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0141 | Material breakdown required“Itemized breakdown of product composition required.” | Customs needs to know what each item is made of, for example '100% wooden chair' instead of 'chair'. | Sender: state the material of each item on the Commercial Invoice, preferably in English.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the details per item and we will pass them on to FedEx. |
| R0142 | Description of goods unclear“Description provided is insufficient to classify commodity.” | Customs cannot classify the goods with the current description. A word like 'T-shirt' is often too short: customs may also want to know the fabric and who it is made for. | Sender: provide a detailed description in English for each item, with the value of each item.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the description and we will pass it on to FedEx. We can also help you with the commercial invoice. |
| R0146 | Not all pieces arrived together“All pieces have not arrived at clearance port together.” | The shipment consists of several packages that did not arrive at customs together. They may be delivered separately. | No action is needed. |
| R0152 | Customs inspection, agency closed“Goods are subject to regulatory review. Agency closed.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods, but the agency is currently closed. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0153 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0159 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. | No action is needed. |
| R0161 | Formal clearance required“The shipment needs to go through a formal clearance process and is therefore delayed.” | The shipment has to go through a formal clearance process and is delayed because of it. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0162 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. Customs may also inspect it during this step. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If more information is needed, we will contact you. |
| R0163 | Customs inspection“Goods are subject to regulatory review.” | Customs or another authority is reviewing the goods before releasing the shipment. This can be a random check. | No action is needed right now. Wait for the review to finish.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the review needs more information, we will contact you. |
| R0164 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. Customs may also inspect it during this step. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If more information is needed, we will contact you. |
| R0165 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. Customs may also inspect it during this step. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If more information is needed, we will contact you. |
| R0166 | In customs clearance“In clearance process.” | The shipment is going through customs clearance in the destination country. Customs may also inspect it during this step. | No action is needed right now.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If more information is needed, we will contact you. |
| R0169 | Manufacturer details required“Manufacturer name and address or manufacturer identification code (MID) for each commodity required.” | Customs needs the manufacturer's name and address, or the Manufacturer Identification Code (MID), for each item. | Sender: provide the manufacturer details or the MID, preferably in English.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the details and we will pass them on to FedEx. |
More about customs delays: package at customs.
No exception? How to read the rest
- Label created: The carrier has the shipment details but hasn't scanned the parcel yet. That happens at pickup or drop-off.
- In transit: The parcel has been scanned and moves from depot to depot. Every scan is a new line in the tracking. More about tracking scans.
- Exception: Something isn't going to plan: a delay, a customs issue or a failed delivery attempt. The carrier's message says what's going on; below you can see what each message means.
- Delivered: The parcel has been delivered. Often you can also see who signed for it.
Need help?
Waiting for a parcel? Contact the sender. They have the contract with FedEx and can have the shipment checked or give instructions.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? You see all your shipments in MyParcelParcel. If there's an exception we e-mail you an explanation and stay in touch with the carrier. Questions? Call +31 85 877 16 56 (Netherlands) or +32 3 808 70 99 (Belgium), or ask in the chat.
Statuses of other carriers: UPS, DHL Express, TNT. Or go to track & trace.
