Your air shipment cleared customs within hours, but your ocean freight? Still stuck.
Or maybe it’s the other way around.
Why the difference?
Customs clearance in the U.S. isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The timeline can vary depending on the mode of transport, paperwork, port of entry, and even the type of goods you're shipping.
In this blog, we’ll break down how long it really takes to get through U.S. Customs for both air and ocean shipments and more importantly, what you can do to move things along faster.
What Happens During the U.S. Customs Clearance Process?
Before we dive into how long U.S. customs clearance takes, it’s important to understand what actually happens during the customs clearance process.
The customs authority, which is the government agency responsible for regulating import and export activities, oversees the entire custom clearance procedure.
Customs clearance applies to both imports and exports and is required for goods crossing international borders as part of an international shipment.
Let’s quickly walk through what typically happens when your shipment hits U.S. soil.
Step 1: Arrival at Port or Airport
Your international shipment reaches the U.S. from its origin country and is now in line for customs clearance.
Step 2: Customs Declaration Form and Document Check
A customs officer reviews your shipping documents—commercial invoice, packing list, ISF (for ocean), bill of lading, and shipping label—to ensure everything matches and is compliant. The shipping label is especially important for verifying shipment details during customs clearance.
Step 3: Duty & Tax Calculation
Customs calculates duties and taxes based on the declared value, product classification using the Harmonized System, and country of origin.
After calculation, paying taxes and duties and ensuring you pay duties are essential steps in the customs clearance process.
These charges help protect domestic industries and may include various fees such as processing, inspection, or brokerage fees.
Step 4: Release or Inspection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for clearing or inspecting shipments.
If all’s in order, your cargo is cleared!
If something raises concern, imported goods may be held by CBP for a physical inspection.
These inspections can result in customs clearance delays if documentation is incomplete or issues are found.
Step 5: Final stage
Once everything is verified and payments are cleared, CBP releases the cargo.
Your freight forwarder or customs broker will coordinate the final delivery to your warehouse or destination, ensuring the goods reach their final destination after customs clearance.
Factors Affecting Customs Clearance Time
Several key factors can influence how long it takes for your goods to clear customs, and understanding these can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure compliance with all customs regulations.
1. Accuracy of Customs Documentation
Accurate customs documentation is the foundation of a smooth customs clearance process.
Any errors or omissions in your commercial invoices, customs declaration forms, or bills of lading can trigger questions from customs authorities, leading to delays or even holds.
Double-checking all paperwork before your shipment arrives is essential for successful customs clearance.
2. Type of Goods
The nature of the goods being imported or exported plays a significant role in clearance times.
Items like perishable foods, hazardous materials, or restricted products often require additional supporting documentation or may be subject to more thorough inspections by customs officers.
Knowing the specific requirements for your product category can help you prepare the necessary paperwork in advance.
3. Country of Origin
The country of origin can impact how quickly your shipment moves through customs.
Some countries have trade agreements with the U.S. that can reduce duties and taxes or streamline customs procedures, while others may be subject to stricter scrutiny or higher tariffs.
Understanding the relationship between the exporting country and the U.S. is crucial for regulatory compliance.
4. International freight forwarder
Partnering with an experienced international freight forwarder can make a significant difference in how efficiently your shipment clears customs.
Freight forwarders are experts in customs regulations, international shipping regulations, and the administrative tasks related to customs clearance.
They can help ensure your documentation is accurate and that you’re meeting all requirements for your imported or exported goods.
5. Customs Authorities
The efficiency and workload of customs authorities at your port of entry can also affect clearance times.
Some ports or airports process international shipments more quickly than others, depending on staffing, technology, and local regulations.
Being aware of these differences can help you choose the best entry point for your goods.
6. International Shipping Regulations
Compliance with international shipping regulations—including those governing taxes and duties, packaging, and labeling—is essential for clearing customs without delays.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in additional inspections, fines, or even the return of your shipment.
7. Payment of Duties and Taxes
Timely payment of all applicable duties and taxes is critical. Delays in paying customs duties or taxes and duties can result in your shipment being held by customs officials, incurring additional storage or inspection fees.
8. Inspection Fees
If your shipment is selected for a physical inspection, you may be responsible for inspection fees.
These inspections can add time to the customs clearance process, especially if customs officers need to verify the contents or value of your goods.
9. Trade Agreements
Trade agreements between countries can offer benefits such as reduced import fees or expedited customs procedures.
Taking advantage of these agreements requires proper documentation and an understanding of the specific terms, which can help speed up the customs process.
10. Local Regulations
Each destination country may have its own local regulations regarding packaging, labeling, and product standards.
Ensuring compliance with these local laws is essential to avoid delays or rejections at the border.
By understanding and proactively addressing these factors, both the sender and receiver can help ensure a smoother customs clearance process for their international shipments.
How Long Does U.S. Customs Clearance Typically Take?
Now that you’re clear on the customs clearance process, you might be wondering: how long does customs clearance actually take?
The duration is one key thing you should definitely have on your radar.
Depending on the shipping method and time of year, clearance can be lightning fast… or painfully slow.
🛑 Pro tip: Even if your shipment arrives on time, incomplete or incorrect documents can hold it up at customs. To know why your shipment is held in customs read
What to Do If Your Cargo Is Delayed in Customs
If your shipment is facing an extended delay or has officially been held by U.S. Customs, don’t panic.
Customs clearance delays are a common issue, often caused by incomplete documentation, inspection requirements, or misunderstandings of customs procedures, so it's important to understand the reasons behind them.
There’s a specific set of steps to follow based on the type of hold—whether it’s a document discrepancy, inspection, or an issue with a Partner Government Agency (PGA).
Want to know exactly what to do in each case?
Check out our full guide: What to Do If Your Cargo Is Held at U.S. Customs
Tips to Speed Up U.S. Customs Clearance with a Customs Broker
Customs delays can be costly, but many are avoidable. With the right preparation and proactive steps, you can move your cargo through the system much faster.
Utilizing customs clearance services can further expedite the process by navigating complex regulations and preventing unnecessary delays.
Here are some proven ways to stay ahead of delays and keep your supply chain flowing:
- ✅ Use a licensed freight forwarder
- ✅ File ISF and customs entries early (even before vessel arrival)
- ✅ Ensure all documents are accurate and consistent
- ✅ Choose the right HTS codes and declare correct value
- ✅ Monitor for CBP holds and respond quickly
- ✅ Use continuous customs bond for frequent imports
- ✅ Pre-clear cargo if applicable (e.g. low-risk airfreight)
- ✅ Use experts for handling international shipments to ensure smooth customs processes and avoid complications
- ✅ Prepare in advance to ship internationally, which helps avoid delays and unexpected fees
Closure
Got air freight moving fast but ocean shipments crawling? Or maybe you’re stuck figuring out why CBP placed a hold?
You’re not alone and the fix often starts before the cargo arrives.
✅ Are your documents 100% accurate?
✅ Is your ISF filed early?
✅ Do you have the right HTS codes and customs bond in place?
If you’re unsure about any of the above, it might be time to review your customs game plan.
Need help making that smoother?
Take a closer look at experienced freight partners who can simplify compliance and accelerate clearance even during peak season without any excuse.
Efficient customs clearance not only speeds up deliveries and reduces unexpected fees, but also directly boosts customer satisfaction by ensuring a smooth and reliable shipping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I need to do anything before my shipment arrives in the U.S.?
Yes. It is highly recommended to file customs entries early. For ocean freight, the Importer Security Filing (ISF) must be filed before the vessel's arrival to avoid significant delays.
2) What happens if I don't pay duties and taxes on time?
Late payments will cause your shipment to be held by customs officials. This will delay the release of your cargo and may lead to extra storage fees.
3) What is an HTS Code and why is it important?
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code is a system used to classify imported goods. Using the correct HTS code is critical because it determines the specific duty rate that customs will apply to your shipment.
4) What is a customs bond and when is it required?
A customs bond is a financial guarantee between an importer, a surety company, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is typically required for commercial shipments valued over $2,500 to ensure that all duties, taxes, and fees will be paid.
5) Who is responsible for paying import duties and taxes?
The importer is generally responsible for paying import duties and taxes. However, the responsibility can be defined by the shipping terms (Incoterms) agreed upon between the buyer and seller.