Watch: 7 Customs Clearance Mistakes That Can Delay a Shipment
Video Transcript
“What customs mistakes can delay an international shipment?
This 35-second guide explains seven common customs-clearance errors that can cause inspections, shipment holds, storage charges and other avoidable costs:
One: using an inaccurate or outdated HS or tariff classification.
Two: writing vague commercial-invoice descriptions.
Three: submitting documents with mismatched quantities, weights or addresses.
Four: under-declaring the cargo’s customs value.
Five: missing permits, certificates or regulatory approvals.
Six: claiming preferential trade-agreement rates without valid origin evidence.
Seven: sending documents to the customs broker too late.
Before shipping, confirm that your product classification, description, customs value and supporting documents are accurate and consistent.
Check destination-specific regulatory requirements early and send complete files to your customs broker before arrival.
Requirements, filing deadlines and acceptable documents vary by country, cargo and transport mode.
Correct documentation can reduce preventable delays, but customs authorities may still select a shipment for inspection.”
