[JackMcMack]

Was this before the introduction of the IOSS rules? I can't imagine picking something up directly at customs. International shipping volume has increased a lot, customs does not have the capacity to store much.

The new rules have actually made shipping from Aliexpress easier. VAT is displayed and payed to Aliexpress, they handle customs (as long as total order value is less than €150). In practice they consolidate packages from several sellers into one shipment where possible (although of course with a long-tail delay), and fly it to their new distribution center in Luik. Customs has a small presence, but because VAT is paid they're mostly concerned about other things such as counterfeits.

Last-mile shipping is then done by postal service, without any additional fees.

[rcme]

This was in 2015, but it looks like the zollamt will still hold packages for you today [0]. See "Collecting the consignment from a customs office"

https://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-individuals/Postal_consignmen...