Customs holds and delays

A customs hold means the authorities have paused your shipment's release to review it before it can move. Holds are routine and often random — most clear on their own or with a quick document, though a physical exam takes longer. The best defences are accurate paperwork and correct classification up front. While a shipment is on hold, its release date is uncertain, so watch the timeline and stay in touch with your Prime Freight team.

Customs reviews imports to confirm they're declared correctly, admissible, and that the right duties are paid. A hold can be triggered by:

• Random selection. A share of shipments is held for review with no problem behind it.

• Document review. The commercial invoice, packing list, or other paperwork is missing, incomplete, or doesn't match the goods.

• Classification or duty questions. The declared HTS code or value needs to be verified.

• Other-agency requirements. Certain goods need clearance from a partner government agency (for food, electronics, or regulated products, for example).

• Security screening. Ocean imports depend on a timely Importer Security Filing (ISF); a late or inaccurate filing can trigger a hold.

• Document holds usually clear quickly once the requested paperwork is provided.

• Exams take longer because the cargo is physically inspected. There are lighter, non-intrusive scans and full inspections where the container is opened and unpacked; the deeper the exam, the longer it takes. See Customs exams and holds for how each type works.

• Costs can apply. Exams may carry fees, and time spent on hold still counts against your free time at the terminal — so a hold can lead to demurrage and detention charges even though the delay wasn't yours.

• Release timing is uncertain while a hold is open. The shipment moves again once customs releases it.

• Get paperwork right the first time. Accurate, matching documents are the single biggest factor. See The commercial invoice and packing list.

• Classify correctly. A correct HTS code and honest declared value avoid the questions that trigger a hold.

• File on time. Make sure your ISF and any other-agency requirements are handled before arrival.

• Respond fast. If customs or your broker asks for something, provide it promptly — the shipment can't move until they have it.

We work with your customs broker to file correctly and to answer questions the moment they come up, so a hold clears as fast as possible. You'll see the shipment's current status on the timeline in Track your shipments. If a hold is holding up a deadline or you're unsure what's needed, contact your Prime Freight team and we'll chase the release. For a closer look at exam types and what physically happens to your cargo, read Customs exams and holds.

• What to do if your shipment is delayed

• Customs exams and holds

• Demurrage and detention

• Track your shipments