Why Does My Shipment Always Get Stuck at Customs? 7 Critical Pitfalls and Solutions

Master these customs clearance strategies to avoid costly delays and keep your international shipments moving smoothly

“Why does my shipment always get stuck at customs?” has become a core pain point for foreign trade enterprises. As a professional service provider with 15 years of experience in international logistics, we have identified the seven most easily overlooked customs clearance pitfalls and solutions to help you establish a full-link risk control barrier!

The 7 Most Common Customs Clearance Pitfalls

1. Defects in Declaration Information

Problem: The product name, quantity, or value certification documents provided by the shipper are incomplete or incorrect
Impact: Triggers the customs manual inspection process
Solution: Supplement and submit certified cargo value certificates (such as purchase contracts, payment records)

2. Risk of Trademark Infringement

Problem: The shipment bears unauthorized brand logos
Impact: Customs detains the shipment for intellectual property inspection
Solution: Prepare brand authorization letters in advance (electronic versions must include legally valid seals)

3. Tariff Payment Disputes

Problem: The consignee refuses/delays tax payment, or the logistics provider is unable to advance funds
Impact: The shipment is detained in the customs supervision warehouse, resulting in storage fees
Solution: For large shipments, it is recommended that the consignee pay taxes at the local customs; small-amount taxes can be entrusted to the logistics provider for payment on behalf

4. Abnormal Declared Value

Problem: The declared value is significantly lower than the actual cargo value (e.g., a $500 shipment is declared at $50)
Impact: Customs initiates a valuation process, causing a delay of 3-5 working days
Solution: Resubmit a commercial invoice that conforms to the actual trade situation, attached with a third-party price evaluation report

5. Flaws in Commercial Invoices

Problem: Vague product names (e.g., “accessories” without specifying specific uses) or incorrect HS codes
Impact: The customs clearance system automatically transfers to manual inspection
Solution: Supplement the 10-digit accurate HS code and the product name with Chinese-English comparison as required by customs

6. Prohibited Goods Control

Problem: The shipment contains components prohibited from import by the destination country (e.g., plant seeds, lithium battery-containing items)
Impact: High-risk detention or mandatory return shipment
Solution: Immediately contact a local licensed customs clearance agent; for some sensitive items, a special import permit can be applied for

7. Failed Consignee Connection

Problem: Invalid contact information or the consignee has been out of the country for a long time
Impact: Tax notices/inspection requirements cannot be delivered
Solution: Provide an alternative contact person and local receiving address; it is recommended to prepay tariffs to avoid cash-on-delivery

Key Operating Principles for Smooth Customs Clearance

1. Declare valuable items at 100% of their actual value, with an allowable fluctuation error of 5%
2. Branded goods must be accompanied by a copy of the authorization letter in the box (it is recommended to use a transparent document bag and attach it to the outer packaging)
3. Choosing the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) term can avoid the risk of the consignee paying taxes
4. Commercial invoices must indicate the country of origin and material composition

Choose us, and let global ports give green lights to your shipments!