Customs clearance can make or break any importer’s shipment timeline. Even small mistakes can turn a smooth process into days of delays, extra fees, and frustration. Understanding the most common pitfalls and how to prevent them can save time, money, and headaches.
1. Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation
This is the number one common cause of delays. Even a tiny mismatch can stop your shipment instantly.
Common Problems Include:
- Using the wrong HS Code
- Having an incomplete commercial invoice
- The packing list doesn’t match
- The product descriptions are too vague
- Signatures or certificates being missing
Why customs holds for these issues: They cannot verify the shipment’s identity, value, or classification when documents don’t match, so they pause the shipment until everything is corrected.
How to avoid issues clearing customs: Ask your supplier for documents before the vessel departs so your customs broker can check everything early.
2. AMS Filing Issues
AMS errors are more common than most realize; a single incorrect detail can lead to an automatic hold.
Typical filing mistakes include:
- Wrong consignee/shipper details were entered
- Missing or incorrect HBL and/or MBL
- Wrong piece count or weight
- Filing was done too late
- Missing MID number
Why customs holds for these issues: If AMS data is wrong or late, customs will flag your cargo because the manifest doesn’t accurately match. It is considered a security and compliance risk.
How to avoid issues clearing customs: Confirm all shipment details with your supplier and carrier before vessel departure to ensure correct and timely filing.
3. Not Having a Customs Bond in Place
Shipments can stall simply because the importer doesn’t have an active bond. Clearance can’t even begin until a bond is in place.
U.S. Customs requires importers to either:
- Have a continuous bond which is valid for 12 months OR
- Have a single-entry bond that is only valid for a single shipment
If no bond is available, a bond must be purchased. Approval of a bond can take hours or a full day, which, if your cargo has already landed it may then trigger extra questions from CBP.
Why customs holds for this issue: The bond is essentially a financial guarantee for the payment of duties, taxes, and penalties to the CBP. Without it, customs legally cannot process or release the shipment.
How to avoid issues clearing customs: At MTS Logistics, we recommend having a continuous bond in place if you import more than 1-2 containers a year. If you import rarely, notify your broker early on so they can arrange a single-entry bond before your cargo’s arrival.
The quickest moving shipments are the ones where all these mistakes are avoided. Pre-clearance will allow your cargo to flow smoothly without unnecessary fees and delays.
