Message - “Your cargo is held at customs”
…..is the biggest fear factor in the shipping industry. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or supply chain manager, customs hold lead to stall deliveries, increase costs, and frustrate clients.
In this blog 11 common and advanced reasons for customs holds—and how you can prevent them using best practices and the right freight forwarding partner
11 Reasons for why cargo is getting held in customs
Customs holding the shipment can be due to various reasons, but below are the prime reasons of why a cargo is getting held at the customs.
Will cargo get held at customs due to incomplete or incorrect shipping documents?
Yes, incorrect or missing documents are the most common reason for customs delays.
Every country has strict import/export requirements, and even a small mistake in the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, or Packing List can trigger a red flag.
Even small mistakes in documents can lead to customs putting your cargo on hold. Examples of documentation errors:
- Wrong HS code (Harmonized System code)
- Incomplete consignee or shipper details
- Value discrepancies between documents
- Missing Importer Security Filing (ISF) for U.S. imports
Will cargo get held at customs due to unpaid import duties or taxes?
Yes, unpaid import duties or customs taxes can stop your shipment from being cleared.
If customs sees that duties haven’t been paid—or were calculated incorrectly—they won’t release the cargo until the payment is settled.
Common issues include:
- The importer of record hasn’t paid the assessed duties
- The payment method was rejected
- Under-valuation of goods led to a reassessment
Will cargo get held at customs due to customs inspection or examination?
Yes, customs may hold your cargo for inspection—even if all your documents are correct.
Cargo is sometimes selected for random or targeted inspections. This could be due to a mismatch in cargo description, suspicious packaging, or because it’s a high-risk commodity.
Types of inspections:
- X-ray scanning
- Physical examination (tailgate or intensive)
- Agricultural or FDA inspection (for food, plants, or chemicals)
Will my cargo get held at customs due to non-compliance with import regulations?
Yes, every country has its own import rules, and non-compliance can result in a customs hold.
Certain goods may require import licenses, permits, or certifications to enter into certain countries. If your shipment lacks the required compliance documents, customs will hold it.
Examples of regulated items:
- Electronics without FCC certification (USA)
- Food items without FDA approval
- Pharmaceuticals without proper labeling
- Dual-use or restricted items
Will my cargo be held at customs due to security or trade compliance issues?
Yes, customs checks shipments for national security risks and trade violations.
Sometimes, cargo is held due to security concerns or trade compliance violations, especially when shipping to or from countries under sanctions or export controls. Shipments flagged under the Automated Manifest System (AMS) or Import Security Filing (ISF) may also be delayed.
Common causes include:
- Incomplete ISF filings for U.S. ocean imports
- Suspicion of counterfeit or prohibited items
- Violations of international trade laws (e.g., sanctions)
Will my cargo get held due to a mismatch between ISF and AMS data?
Yes, if your Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Automated Manifest System (AMS) data don’t match, U.S. Customs may flag your cargo.
For U.S. ocean imports, Importer Security Filing (ISF) must align with the Automated Manifest System (AMS) data submitted by the carrier.
A mismatch in:
- Container number
- Vessel name or voyage number
- Shipper/consignee details
- Commodity descriptions
Can lead to your cargo being held or subjected to a "Do Not Load" (DNL) instruction.
Will my cargo get held due to post-clearance audit triggers (for repeat importers)?
Yes, frequent importers can face audits if there is a pattern of errors or inconsistencies.
Customs may hold current or future shipments if you're under audit for a previous entry. This is common if:
- You’ve had multiple valuation discrepancies
- You under-classified items to pay lower duties
- You’ve previously claimed incorrect free trade agreement (FTA) benefits
Will my cargo get held at customs due to customs intelligence targeting?
Yes, customs agencies use data analysis and targeting systems to flag high-risk shipments.
Modern customs systems are increasingly integrated with risk assessment algorithms and intelligence databases.
Your cargo might be flagged based on:
- Shipping to or from high-risk countries
- Consignee or consignor appearing on government watchlists (e.g., OFAC, BIS)
- Matches with known fraudulent or suspicious patterns (e.g., unusual shipping routes, abnormal quantities)
Will my cargo be held at customs due to intellectual property violations?
Yes, customs can detain shipments that may violate intellectual property rights (IPR).
Customs can seize or delay goods if they suspect IP infringement, especially for branded products like electronics, fashion, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Triggers include:
- Lack of brand authorization
- Country of origin mismatches
- Inconsistent branding or packaging
- Counterfeit branded goods
- Unauthorized logo use
- Trademark disputes
Will my cargo get held due to valuation discrepancies or transfer pricing audits?
Yes, if the declared value of goods looks too low or doesn't match the nature of the product, customs might hold the cargo.
Customs authorities may question the declared value of goods—especially in related-party transactions (e.g., between a parent company and its subsidiary).
This can trigger:
- Valuation audits
- Requests for supporting documents (POs, contracts, pricing justifications)
- Temporary holds pending internal customs review
Will my cargo get held at customs due to environmental, health, or safety compliance issues?
Yes, if your shipment contains goods that fall under environmental, health, or safety regulations, it can be held by customs for compliance checks.
This typically applies to items such as:
- Chemicals or hazardous materials
- Industrial machinery or electronics
- Consumer products like batteries or cosmetics
- Food, supplements, or medical devices
Your cargo may need to comply with standards from authorities such as:
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S.
- International standards like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) or RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Common triggers for a customs hold include:
- Missing or incorrect safety labeling
- Incomplete test reports or safety data sheets (SDS)
- Lack of proper product certification
- Non-compliance with chemical content limits
How a Freight Forwarder Can Help You Avoid Customs Holds
A freight forwarder is someone who values your shipment more than you. So they will make sure all the paperwork—like the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and ISF—is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
No missing HS codes or mismatched values to worry about. For U.S. ocean imports, they’ll ensure your ISF and AMS data line up perfectly so you don’t get flagged with a “Do Not Load” warning.
They also stay on top of things like permits, certificates, and agency rules (FDA, EPA, etc.), so your cargo isn’t delayed over compliance issues.
Lastly, even if your shipment gets held at the customs, they know exactly who to talk to at customs and how to fix it fast.
So a reliable freight forwarder doesn’t just move your cargo—they protect it from delays, fines, and headaches at every step.
Conclusion
Absolutely. Whether you're shipping commercial cargo for your business or household goods for personal use, all shipments must meet the same customs clearance requirements.
That means every package—big or small, business or personal—can face a customs hold
No matter the type of shipment, the best way to avoid customs delays is by working with an experienced freight forwarder who knows how to prepare documents, comply with regulations, and guide you through the clearance process.