What is a Clearance Delay?

A “clearance delay” is the term used when packages or shipments are held at customs. If you’re shipping internationally or importing product across a border, the last thing you want is a clearance delay. 

In the day and age of fast, even free shipping, you can’t afford lengthy delays on the import side of things. Delays due to hang ups at customs mean one important thing: you can’t get a product on to your customer.

If you’re looking to avoid a costly clearance delay – import goods without the headache with ShipCalm’s guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about what a customs delay means (and how you can avoid it!). You’ll learn:

• How does the customs process work?
• Common reasons for US customs clearance delays
• High risk clearance delay terms

The Customs & Approval Process

The customs process can be confusing and frustrating. Even those very experienced in importing can sometimes wind up dealing with unavoidable mishaps. Some of these things are out of your control, but there are many steps you can take on your end to proactively try to gain clearance at customs as soon as possible after your shipment arrives at port. Understanding the steps in the process is key to avoiding the dreaded customs clearance delay.

Step 1: Importer security filing (ISF), commonly known as the 10+2, must be completed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

This step actually happens before products even leave the country from where they’re being shipped. International freight forwarding companies will file this for you. Here is information that should be included during this process:

From the Importer:

• Manufacturer
• Seller
• Buyer
• Ship-to party’s name
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator
• Importer of record
• Consignee number
• Country of origins
• Harmonized Tariff Number

From the Carrier:

• Vessel stow plan
• Container status message

Step 2: Get all documents together.

This can include:

• Bill of Lading (BL or BoL) – this is the receipt containing a list of all the goods in the shipment. It details the quantity and type of goods being shipped, along with the destination. The carrier gives the BoL to the consignee.
• Commercial Invoice (CI) – the CI notes the sold goods and the amount due. The legal document is between the customer and supplier, and it’s one of the most important documents used to clear customs. 
• Packing List – a packing list is used for customs to show the weight, quantity, carton count and dimensions. 

Step 3: Look for arrival notice from the transportation carrier.

The arrival notice is sent to the consignee and is issued by the freight carrier or agent. An arrival notice simply lets the consignee know about the arrival. Arrival notices are sent to the importer or broker once the goods are at the port. The importer has five days to prepare all required documents so the shipment can be cleared.

Step 4: Entry/Immediate Delivery Form filed.

With a customs bond, carriers can get the process moving more quickly. They file an Entry/Immediate Delivery form which, if approved, means importers may be able to get their goods released immediately upon arrival.

Step 5: File an Entry Summary.

Importers have five days from the time that goods arrive at the port, and ten days after submitting the Entry/Immediate Delivery form, to file what’s known as an Entry Summary. This document will clear goods while at customs.

Step 6: Receive Your Goods.

After the customs process is finally cleared, if the exporter has agreed to deliver goods to you, they will issue what’s known as a Delivery Order. This document goes to a freight forwarder and will essentially trigger the delivery of goods from the port of arrival in the United States to your specified location.

How to Avoid Clearance Delays: Fedex & DHL

Getting goods and products cleared through customs can be a time-consuming, exhausting process. There are a number of things that have to happen and steps that need to occur in a very specific order. Failing to follow these steps can result in a delay in timely delivery. There are a few common missteps to be aware of.

1. Improper Documentation

Improper documentation is probably one of the most common reasons for delivery delays when dealing with customs. And just having all your documents isn’t all that’s important – you must also fill out documents properly. 

In fact, 80% of all customs delays are due to missing or incomplete information or poor descriptions! 

Some of the mistakes include:

• Values, pages and quantities aren’t accurate or complete
• Product code isn’t correct
• Incorrect Harmonized Tariff Code used
• Commercial invoice missing
• Currency not specified

Documents that are required to clear customs:

• PO [from buyer]
• Certificate of Origin [issued by and exporter to confirm a product’s country of origin]
• Commercial invoice [legal document between customer and supplier)]
• Airway bill (Bill of Lading) [issued by carrier; shipper gets after receiving cargo]
• Packing list [created document how many items are in your shipment]

2. Poor Product Description

Inaccurate or poor descriptions will most likely cause delays. Carriers must report to the CBP and identify the goods being imported. So if product descriptions aren’t clear or accurate (or if they’re just vague), this will hold up clearance. A good example of this is listing: “parts” instead of “250 bolts.” The more specific, the less chance of a hold up. 

3. Incomplete Consignee or Shipper Information

Incomplete names and/or addresses can result in delays as the carrier will then need to spend time determining what to do with the shipment. 

4. Incorrect Quality or Value of Goods

Value or quantity that are under-represented in an attempt to avoid taxes and/or duties, or even just resulting from simple honest clerical errors, will almost always result in delays.

5. Outstanding Taxes or Fees

Fees or taxes that are not paid appropriately and in a timely manner will hold up your shipment. Shipments valued at more than $2500 can get tricky. You might need to consider a customs broker. Brokers will take care of taxes and get deliveries released. Keep in mind that even though enlisting their help will be an additional cost, it actually will most often end up costing less than if you try to navigate the process on your own.

6. Client Master File Data Missing

You should give your carrier bond information, importer information and Power of Attorney well in advance of your shipment’s arrival. This important step is the reason for a large percentage of delays at customs. The good news is you generally only have to do this step once, and then future imports can be covered. 

7. Packing Regulations Not Followed

Specific mandated packing methods may need to be followed based on the actual port of entry’s requirements. Be sure you understand how to properly pack shipments to ensure release.

High Risk Clearance Delay Terms

There are some high risk clearance delay terms that you should be aware of. Any of these will likely flag a shipment and potentially delay delivery.

Alcohol	Crossbow	Knife	Shellcase
Ammo	Dagger	Knives	Silencer
Ammunition	Dart	Knuckleduster	Silver
Analgesic	Diamond	Lighter	Skin
Animal	Dog Collar	Lithium	Slingshot
Armour	Drink	Magnesium	Snuff
Asbestos	Drug	Marine	Sodium
Axe	Explosive	Medicine	Spirit
Bacteria	Fire	Metal	Stungun
Baton	Firearm	Micro organism	Sulphur
Beer	Fireworks	Military	Supplement
Biological	Fish	Mine	Tablet
Blade	Flail	Missile	Tabs
Blowpipe	Flare	Motor bike	Taser
Bomb	Food	Nuclear	Throwing star
Bourbon	Fossil	Nunchakus	Tobacco
Brake	Fur	Pelt	Toothfish
Brandy	Fuse	Personal effects	Torpedo
Bullet	Gas	Pharmaceutical	Toxin
Cannon	Gem	Pill	Traditional medicine
Caps	Glazed	Pistol	Truck
Capsule	Gold	Plant	Uranium
Car	Grappa	Plutonium	Van
Carnet	Grenade	Port	Vegetation
Cartridge	Gun	Precious stone	Vehicle
Caviar	Handgun	Prescription medicine	Vitamin
Cement	Herb	Pyrotechnic device	Vodka
Chemical	Hormone	Refrigerant	Waste
Chewing tobacco	Household effects	Rifle	Weapon
Cigar	Household goods	Rocket	Whisky
Cigarette	Hydrogen	Rum	Wine
Clam	Insect	Scotch	Wood
Collar	Ivory	Seed	Zinc

Any Other Questions on Clearance Delays? Ask ShipCalm!

The right 3PL can help avoid clearance delays at customs. Experience and a deep understanding of the process means your shipments will clear without a hitch. Do you have questions about getting your goods cleared through customs? Reach out to ShipCalm today to learn more. We’re here to help!