Customs Clearance Delays? What Cross-Border Shippers Must Know and How to Avoid Them

In U.S.–China international logistics, “destination customs clearance” is a crucial step that every shipment must go through.
Yet many exporters and e-commerce sellers wonder:

Why do some shipments clear in two days, while others take 10 days—or even weeks?

As U.S. customs enforcement tightens and global trade volumes surge, clearance delays have become an invisible cost in trans-Pacific logistics.
This article breaks down the latest data, root causes, business impact, and practical strategies to help your cargo pass customs smoothly and on time.

1. Industry Update｜Customs Clearance Delays Become the “New Normal”

According to 2025 Q2 data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and major port associations:

Average clearance time at key U.S. ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York) has risen from 2.1 days to 3.0 days;

The inspection rate has increased to 12.4% (up 35% year over year);

Shipments originating from China account for 46% of total delays, especially in electronics, apparel, and household goods.

China Customs data shows that over 60% of clearance delays are caused by documentation issues, while the rest are linked to product compliance, policy changes, or consignee errors.

In short: customs clearance delays are no longer random—they’re a major logistics risk that every exporter must manage.

2. Root Causes｜Why Clearance Gets Delayed

Almost all clearance delays come down to two factors: incorrect documents and problematic goods.

🔹 Document Issues (Most Common – Over 60%)

Incorrect commercial invoice: vague product descriptions (“gift,” “parts”), undervalued declaration, or mismatched quantities and weights.

Missing required documents: certificates of origin, FDA or CE certificates, phytosanitary or quarantine documents, brand authorization letters.

Incomplete consignee information: missing company name, tax ID, or address.

🔹 Cargo-Related Issues

Trademark infringement or counterfeit products: goods resembling branded items may be detained or destroyed.

Prohibited or restricted items: such as food, pharmaceuticals, batteries, powders, or liquids without proper certification.

Labeling or packaging non-compliance: missing local-language labels or safety marks like CE/FCC.

🔹 External Factors

Random customs inspections, peak seasons (Black Friday, Christmas), or temporary policy/system updates.

Consignee-related issues such as unpaid duties or unreachable contact information.

3. Impact｜How Delays Hurt Your Supply Chain

For cross-border businesses, clearance delays translate into both time and cost losses.

Even a minor invoice mistake could cost not just a few hundred dollars—but the rhythm of your entire supply chain.

4. How to Prevent and Handle Customs Delays

✅ Before Shipping: Prevent the Problems

Prepare complete, accurate, and truthful documentation.

Use clear product names (e.g., “Women’s Cotton T-shirt” instead of “Clothes”), real values, and correct quantities.

Confirm destination country requirements in advance.

Check for FDA, CE, FCC, or plant and animal quarantine certifications.

Work with an experienced freight forwarder.

A professional forwarder familiar with U.S. customs can foresee potential risks and guide you through documentation.

Stay in close contact with the consignee.

Make sure the recipient’s contact information is valid and they’re aware of the shipment’s arrival schedule.

🔁 During Clearance: Respond Quickly and Professionally

Track customs status through official platforms; investigate any “Pending Inspection” alerts.

Provide additional documents promptly if requested by customs or your logistics provider.

Be patient with routine checks or peak-season slowdowns—they’re part of the process.

5.Customs Clearance Is About Compliance and Communication

The essence of a smooth clearance lies in reducing information gaps and compliance risks.
To achieve fast customs release, you must:

Before shipping: Ensure complete documents, truthful declaration, and compliant products.

During clearance: Maintain transparent communication and fast response.

Mindset: Expect occasional inspections—especially during U.S. holiday seasons.

Spending time preparing before shipping is the most cost-effective way to prevent clearance delays.

6.Faster Clearance Starts with the Right Partner

Customs delays are not inevitable—they’re preventable with expertise and preparation.

If your shipments to the U.S. often face clearance issues, detention, or inspection delays,
our team offers over 10 years of experience in U.S.–China customs clearance and transshipment operations.

✅ Our Services Include:

Matson / ZIM / COSCO sea freight and oversized cargo operations

Professional customs brokerage and bonded warehouse coordination

U.S. FBA and overseas warehouse fulfillment

Compliance-focused declaration to reduce inspection risk

📞 Contact us today to make your customs clearance faster, safer, and more efficient—
so your cargo reaches your customers without delay.