How to Find Customs Hold Charges and Clear Your Shipment

A U.S. customs hold can add inspection, storage, demurrage, and transportation charges on top of duties and taxes. If you’re deciding what to do if your shipment is stuck in customs, first identify the reason for the hold, then respond promptly to requests for documents or clarification.

Getting the shipment released matters, but resolving the hold and limiting added charges go hand in hand. This guide covers common causes, possible charges, and ways to address missing paperwork, inspections, tariff classification, or declared-value questions. It also explains how a customs broker can communicate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, submit corrections or additional filings, and help move clearance forward.

Commercial documents needed for customs entry

U.S. customs holds can last from a short document review to several days or longer. A document review typically takes 1-2 business days, an examination 2-4 business days, and a Partner Government Agency hold 5-7+ business days. Duties, taxes, or inspection charges may be due before release; a customs broker can advise on duties, while payment instructions should come from the relevant invoice or notice.

1. Match the commercial invoice to the shipment. Confirm it identifies the goods, seller, buyer, quantity, value, currency, and country of origin for each product. For example, an invoice describing “electronic components” may not explain which specific items are in the carton. Precise descriptions help customs assess the entry and identify whether additional agency requirements apply. U.S. Customs and Border Protection oversees customs processes in the United States.
2. Confirm the country of origin for each item. Origin means where a product was manufactured, produced, processed, or grown, not necessarily where it was shipped from. A product shipped from Canada may have been made elsewhere. Packing, painting, or washing parts alone does not determine origin; substantial transformation criteria apply. Keep origin information consistent across the invoice and entry documents.
3. Compare the packing list with the physical shipment details. The list should show each package’s quantity, weight, and measurements. If the invoice lists 12 units but the packing list shows 10, the discrepancy can prompt questions or a request for corrected paperwork. Align package counts and item descriptions before submitting documents, and clearly identify any packages with different contents. For specialized shipments such as household goods or corporate moves, experienced movers like Asiatic International Relocation emphasize comprehensive, itemized packing inventories to avoid discrepancies during customs reviews.
4. Check the bill of lading’s routing and notify party. The carrier issues this document to show freight ownership and transportation details. Its notify party should identify who receives the arrival notice and commercial documents, often the importer’s customs broker. If that party is missing or incorrect, document transfer and entry filing can be delayed, while storage charges may accrue.
5. Prepare product-specific agency declarations. Some goods may require a TSCA declaration, a Dangerous Goods Declaration, or forms for agencies such as EPA, FCC, or FDA. Match the required paperwork to the actual product and shipment. For instance, electronics may raise different agency questions than food or agricultural goods. Missing declarations can leave an entry awaiting information rather than release.
6. Send complete, consistent records with any requested clarification. Gather the invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and applicable agency forms in one submission. If CBP requests a correction, respond promptly and identify exactly which document or detail has changed. Consistent descriptions, quantities, values, and origin details help address common paperwork gaps and keep the review focused.

Common reasons customs holds shipments

1. Identify whether CBP selected the shipment for review. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may choose cargo for document review or physical examination. Selection alone doesn’t establish that the shipment violated a requirement. A review may seek clarification about the goods, the entry, or information supplied for release. Ask the carrier or broker what status or request prompted the hold, then direct your response to that specific issue.
2. Look for inconsistencies across the entry information. Customs may need clarification when shipment details conflict or leave key questions unanswered. For example, an invoice description may not clearly match the product or the declared value may appear inconsistent with the goods. Identify the questioned detail and provide a clear explanation or corrected record, rather than sending unrelated paperwork that doesn’t address the review.
3. Determine whether the product involves another government agency. Food, agricultural goods, medical devices, electronics, and textiles may require additional approvals or regulatory compliance for U.S. import. A shipment can therefore remain on hold while the relevant requirement is addressed. Identify the product category and the agency named in the request, then provide the applicable information or documentation for that specific item.
4. Check whether shipment data was filed accurately and on time. Importers can reduce delay risks by submitting accurate, timely Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Automated Manifest System (AMS) information. A late ISF can incur a penalty of up to $10,000 per shipment. Compare the filing details with the shipment records, identify any missing or incorrect information, and arrange a correction through the responsible filing party.
5. Separate a customs hold from a carrier or document-transfer delay. A shipment may appear stuck when the carrier’s arrival notice or entry documents haven’t reached the appropriate party. For example, a missing notify party on the bill of lading can delay document transfer and entry filing. Confirm whether CBP placed the hold or whether the shipment is waiting for communication, paperwork, or an entry submission.
6. Respond to the specific request, not just the hold status. Note the agency or customs office involved, the information requested, and the shipment reference. Send a complete response addressing each listed point, and retain the submitted records and correspondence. If the hold involves a customs-entry issue that needs coordinated attention, discuss your shipment’s clearance needs through the appropriate channel.

Possible inspection, storage, and demurrage costs

1. Separate customs charges from shipment-handling costs. A customs hold can involve duties, taxes, inspection charges, storage, demurrage, detention, and transportation to an inspection site. These are distinct cost categories, not one combined customs fee. Identify each charge on its notice or invoice, then record the party billing it and the event that triggered it. That breakdown helps explain the shipment’s growing landed cost.
2. Estimate examination costs by inspection type. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may require intensive exams like CET, tailgate, or VACIS, which add specific fees based on container size and labor. These are examination costs, not estimates for freight or customs brokerage. Check the charge description to distinguish inspection expenses from separate handling, storage, or transport costs.
3. Track free time against the shipment’s arrival. U.S. ocean containers typically have 2-3 days of terminal free time. U.S. air cargo typically has less than a day. Once applicable free time expires, storage or demurrage charges may accrue while cargo remains at the terminal. Use the arrival notice and terminal status to establish when free time began and whether customs release or another delay is preventing cargo movement.
4. Account for inspection transport and extended holds. Customs examinations can take several days to a few weeks. Selected shipments may also incur transportation costs to an inspection site, alongside examination fees and storage or demurrage. For example, a container moved for examination may have both inspection-related expenses and terminal charges. Keep each item separate, since the inspection itself and the time cargo remains stationary create different costs.
5. Review who is responsible for each invoice. In nearly all cases, the U.S. importer is responsible for customs-hold demurrage, detention, storage, examination fees, filing penalties, and bond-related expenses. A carrier, terminal, or other party may issue a separate invoice. Compare each bill with the shipment reference, charge period, and service described. This makes it easier to identify overlapping items or charges tied to different stages.
6. Prioritize release steps that limit additional days. When figuring out what to do if shipment is stuck in customs, you must confirm which outstanding requirement blocks release, then address that item and coordinate the next movement. If the bill of lading lacks a proper notify party, storage can accrue while the carrier or forwarder transfers cargo information for entry filing. Prompt coordination helps prevent avoidable time at the terminal.

Steps to resolve a customs hold

Use the shipment’s current status to identify the specific requirement for release. Keep the shipment reference and customs correspondence together as you work through the issue.

1. Check the Customs Status

   Check the carrier’s tracking record, arrival notice, or broker update to locate the shipment and confirm its latest status. Match the tracking or entry reference to the correct shipment, then look for a request, examination notice, or release update. If the status only says “held,” ask the carrier or broker whether customs needs information or is still reviewing the shipment.

2. Respond to Customs Document Requests

   Send the requested documents or clarification promptly, addressing each point in the notice. Without a response, the review may remain incomplete, delaying release and allowing storage or other shipment charges to accrue. Documentation issues may be resolved within a few days, depending on the correction and review required.

3. Identify the hold’s cause. Separate a document request from a physical examination or an agency review. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may hold cargo while requesting information or completing a review before release. Note the requesting authority, the specific issue, and any response instructions so the next action addresses the actual hold.
4. Submit accurate corrections through the filing party. If an invoice, entry detail, or supporting document needs correction, provide the exact revised information and explain what changed. A customs broker can communicate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, submit corrections or additional filings, and guide importers through compliance requirements. Avoid sending inconsistent versions without identifying the current record.
5. Resolve duties and coordinate release. Confirm which outstanding duties, taxes, or inspection charges must be paid before release, and follow the payment instructions on the applicable notice or invoice. A customs broker can advise the importer on duties to be paid and arrange delivery, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Keep payment records with the entry documents.
6. Track the release through final movement. After the requested information is submitted, continue monitoring status updates from the carrier, broker, or customs authority. Customs release and physical delivery are separate milestones: confirm when the cargo is released, then coordinate its onward movement with the responsible carrier. Retain the release confirmation and shipment references together for follow-up.

Tariff classification and declared-value issues

1. Review the classification assigned to each product. A customs hold can result when a shipment’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification is incorrect. The HTS classification identifies the product category used in the customs entry to determine duty owed. Don’t rely on a broad description alone: two products that appear similar may have different characteristics relevant to their classification. Identify the specific item customs questioned before correcting the entry.
2. Confirm that every invoice item has an HTS classification. U.S. importers’ commercial invoices must include an HTS classification for each item under the Codes of Federal Regulation. If an invoice lists several products under one general description, the entry may lack the item-level detail needed for review. Match each classification to its corresponding product description, quantity, and line item so the information is clear and consistent.
3. Compare declared value with the transaction records. A hold may occur when declared value appears too low or inconsistent. Check that the invoice value reflects the goods described and the stated quantity. For example, if the invoice lists 20 units but the declared total appears to cover fewer, the figures may prompt questions. Supply a corrected invoice or supporting explanation that addresses the discrepancy directly.
4. Review all invoice details as one connected record. A U.S. import commercial invoice should accurately identify the goods, buyer, seller, shipper, ship-to location, quantity, weight, value, currency, country of origin for each product, and classification. Compare these fields across the entry documents. A mismatch in currency, shipment quantity, or ship-to details can make an otherwise accurate value difficult to interpret.
5. Respond to the specific classification or value question. If customs asks why an HTS classification or declared value was used, provide the relevant item description and records supporting the entry. Keep the response focused on the questioned product and figures. Correct inaccurate information through the responsible filing party, and make sure revised documents match the correction. Avoid submitting different values in separate documents without explaining the change.
6. Use an accurate entry to reduce avoidable delays. Importers can reduce customs-delay risks by checking paperwork for accuracy, using correct tariff classifications, and meeting applicable regulatory requirements. A customs broker can help assess duties and address entry corrections when classification or value questions stall clearance. For help resolving a U.S. entry issue, contact the customs team with the shipment details and the specific customs request.

Global4PL: Customs Brokerage

Global4PL provides Customs Brokerage for businesses resolving U.S. entry delays, document requests, or tariff and value questions. An Importer of Record (IOR) is the company legally responsible for importing goods, including customs paperwork and duties and taxes. An Exporter of Record (EOR) is responsible for export compliance, documentation, and customs clearance for outbound shipments. Global4PL is the only IOR/EOR service provider that is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, connecting import responsibilities with customs clearance support. If a shipment needs entry corrections or help responding to customs questions, contact Global4PL to discuss your customs clearance needs.

Build a Clear Customs Escalation Path

A customs hold can expose gaps in your shipment process, such as unclear responsibility for entry documents, customs responses, or release coordination. Use the incident to clarify who receives notices, provides accurate shipment information, and coordinates next steps with the carrier. A defined escalation path gives your team a practical reference for future exceptions, instead of relying on improvised decisions when cargo is delayed.

If you’re deciding what to do if your shipment is stuck in customs, focus first on the specific information or action needed for release. Then consider whether customs support can help manage the response and keep the next steps aligned. Global4PL can discuss your shipment’s clearance requirements and the support that fits your situation.

Contact Global4PL for customs support and take the next step toward resolving your shipment issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the additional charges associated with customs holds?

Possible extra charges include examination, storage, demurrage, detention, and transportation to an inspection site. Keep these separate from duties and taxes, which relate to the import entry. Review each invoice’s charge description, billing period, shipment reference, and responsible party. For example, a terminal storage bill and an examination invoice may cover different services, even if both result from the same customs hold.

What is a customs hold?

A customs hold pauses the release of imported goods while U.S. Customs and Border Protection reviews the entry, examines cargo, or requests information. The shipment remains under customs control until the outstanding review or requirement is addressed. The hold alone does not explain the cause. Check the relevant notice or status update to see whether customs needs documents, clarification, or access to the goods.

When will customs holds become a problem?

A hold becomes an operational problem when it disrupts a planned delivery, production schedule, customer commitment, or inventory plan. It can also increase terminal charges if cargo remains in storage after free time ends. For example, a delayed component needed for an assembly run may affect other shipments before the customs review creates a direct cost.

Who pays these costs in the U.S.?

In nearly all cases, the U.S. importer is responsible for customs-hold demurrage, detention, storage, examination fees, filing penalties, and bond-related expenses. Responsibility for a particular invoice depends on the charge and the parties’ arrangements. Review the bill of lading, service agreement, and invoice details to distinguish importer obligations from charges billed separately by a carrier, terminal, or other party.

Why Is Your Shipment Stuck in Customs?

Customs may hold a shipment while requesting more information, examining cargo, or requiring an import-related agency review. The goods, entry details, and supporting records help determine which issue applies. A status notice requesting documents calls for a different response than an examination notice. Focus your response on the reason stated.

Why is my shipment stuck in U.S. customs?

Common causes include incomplete or inconsistent entry information, questions about tariff classification or declared value, examinations, and requirements involving another government agency. If you’re deciding what to do if a shipment is stuck in customs, use the latest notice to identify the issue and follow its response instructions. If tracking is unclear, ask the carrier or customs broker whether the cargo is awaiting a decision, documents, or an entry filing.

What documents or information may customs require to release a shipment?

Depending on the goods and the issue under review, customs may request a corrected invoice, product details, proof supporting declared value or origin, or agency-specific forms. The bill of lading and packing list may also clarify routing, package counts, and cargo details—a standard practice highlighted by international relocation specialists like execu-move.co.za when preparing itemized inventories for cross-border transit. To determine what to do if a shipment is stuck in customs because of paperwork, address the specific request and keep revised records consistent with the entry.

How do I contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection about a delayed package?

Start with the carrier’s arrival notice or customs communication, which may identify the responsible office or provide instructions. Have the tracking number, entry reference, importer details, and exact issue ready. For commercial cargo, the customs broker or filing party can communicate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and submit the requested information. Avoid sending sensitive documents through unverified channels.