What Happens When Your Shipment Gets Held at Customs (and How to Avoid It)
A customs hold happens when a shipment is stopped at the border for additional checks before it is released. It can be caused by incomplete paperwork, incorrect commodity codes, missing licences, or a random compliance check. Most holds are resolved within days, but the cost and delay can be avoided with the right preparation.
Why Shipments Get Held at Customs
Customs authorities hold shipments to verify that the goods, documentation, and declared value all match. A hold is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. It simply means more information or a physical check is needed before release.
The most common reasons include:
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation, such as a commercial invoice that does not match the packing list.
- Incorrect commodity codes, which can trigger the wrong duty rate or flag the shipment for review.
- Missing licences or certificates, particularly for regulated goods like food, chemicals, or electronics.
- Random compliance checks, which are carried out regardless of how well a shipment has been prepared.
- Discrepancies in declared value, which can prompt customs to query whether duty has been correctly calculated.
What Happens Once a Shipment Is Held
Once a hold is applied, the shipment is moved into an inspection queue. Depending on the reason, customs may request additional documents, schedule a physical inspection, or refer the shipment for a more detailed compliance review.
During this time, the importer or their customs agent is usually contacted to provide clarification or missing paperwork. The shipment will not be released until the query is resolved, which means storage charges at the port or terminal can start to accumulate.
Most holds are resolved within a few working days once the requested information is provided. Complex cases involving licensing or valuation disputes can take longer.
How to Avoid a Customs Hold
Most customs holds are preventable. The shipments that move through fastest are the ones prepared with accuracy and attention to detail before they ever leave origin.
Get the Paperwork Right the First Time
Commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin all need to match exactly. Even small inconsistencies, like a quantity mismatch between the invoice and the packing list, can trigger a hold.
Use the Correct Commodity Codes
Every product needs to be classified under the correct commodity code. Getting this wrong does not just risk a hold. It can also mean paying the wrong rate of duty, which creates problems later if customs identifies the error.
Check Licensing Requirements in Advance
Certain goods require specific licences or certificates before they can be imported. Checking these requirements before the shipment leaves origin avoids a hold that could otherwise have been prevented entirely.
Work With an Experienced Customs Agent
An experienced freight forwarder or customs broker will know which details customs authorities scrutinise most closely, and can review documentation before a shipment departs to catch issues early.
Reducing the Risk Before It Becomes a Problem
Customs holds are rarely caused by one single mistake. They are usually the result of small inconsistencies that go unchecked before a shipment leaves origin. Working with a logistics partner who reviews documentation carefully and understands the detail customs authorities look for is the most reliable way to keep shipments moving.
Campbell McCleave has been managing customs documentation and compliance for businesses since 1983. If you want a second pair of eyes on your next shipment’s paperwork, get in touch before it leaves origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a customs hold usually last?
Most customs holds are resolved within a few working days once the requested documentation or information is provided. More complex cases, such as licensing or valuation queries, can take longer.
Who pays for storage charges during a customs hold?
Storage and demurrage charges that accumulate during a hold are typically the responsibility of the importer, though this can depend on the terms agreed with the shipping line or terminal.
Can a customs hold be appealed?
Yes. If an importer believes a hold or a duty assessment is incorrect, they can raise this with customs directly or through their customs agent, who can present supporting evidence to resolve the query.