How Customs Clearance Actually Works in the United States

Importing goods into the United States often feels straightforward until the shipment reaches U.S. Customs. At that point, questions come up quickly:

• “Do I need a broker for this?”
• “What documents does U.S. Customs require?”
• “Why is my shipment being held?”
• “How long does clearance actually take?”

Most confusion comes from one simple reality: Customs clearance is not automatic.

This post explains how customs clearance actually works in the United States, based entirely on the same real issues and misunderstandings that repeatedly surface with our customers.

What “Customs Clearance” Means in the U.S.

Customs clearance is the process by which the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines whether goods can legally enter the United States. CBP is trying to confirm:

1. What is being imported
2. What is it worth
3. Where it came from
4. Who is responsible for it
5. Whether it is admissible under U.S. rules

If any of those points are unclear, the shipment slows down or stops.

Step 1: The Shipment Is Declared for Entry

When goods arrive in the U.S., they must be declared for entry. That declaration usually includes:

• A description of the goods
• The value
• The importer information
• Supporting documents
• Country of origin
• Partner government agency (if applicable)

Clearance cannot begin until the shipment is properly entered into the system. In most cases, an official entry must be filed through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system and linked to an Importer of Record.

Step 2: Documents Are Reviewed

CBP reviews the submission to confirm:

• Goods are described clearly
• Value makes sense
• Classification is consistent 
• The importer's responsibility is clear

Many shipments slow down here because the paperwork answers some questions, but not all. This is where “it’s in customs” often begins. CBP may also need additional review from other federal agencies such as the FDA, USDA, EPA, or FCC, depending on the goods.

Step 3: Duties, Taxes, and Fees Are Assessed

Once CBP understands the shipment, duties and fees may apply depending on:

• The type of goods
• Their classification
• Their origin
• Applicable tariffs or trade measures

A common misconception is that import charges are always simple or predictable. In practice, costs can change if the value or classification is questioned. Commercial shipments generally require an active customs bond before CBP will authorize release.

‍Step 4: CBP May Request More Information

A frequent point of frustration is being asked for more documents after submission. This usually happens because:

• Descriptions are too generic
• Value requires clarification
• Information conflicts across documents
• The goods require closer review

These requests are part of the clearance process, not an exception. CBP requests may come through formal notices (such as a CF28 Request for Information) or through the broker or carrier handling the entry.

Step 5: Inspection or Hold May Occur

Some shipments are flagged for:

• Additional review
• Inspection
• Compliance checks

A hold does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It usually means CBP needs verification before release. Some holds are triggered by risk indicators, including product type, origin, routing patterns, or heightened enforcement priorities.

Step 6: Release and Delivery

Once CBP is satisfied and any required payments are addressed, the shipment is released. At that point:

• Customs clearance is complete
• The carrier can continue the final delivery

Most serious delays occur when issues are discovered late rather than planned for in advance. Even after release, CBP may still review an entry later through audit, reassessment, or post-entry enforcement.

Who Is Responsible For U.S. Customs Clearance?

One of the most consistent misunderstandings in U.S. imports is responsibility. Even when a broker or carrier is involved, the importer remains responsible for:

• Accuracy of the declaration
• Supporting documentation
• Duties and fees owed
• Responding to CBP questions

Responsibility must be clear or clearance stalls. Using a customs broker does not transfer legal liability. CBP holds the importer of record accountable for compliance. Importers are also required to retain entry records for five years in case CBP audits the shipment after release.

The Most Important Takeaway

U.S. customs clearance works smoothly when:

• Goods are clearly described
• Documents support value and origin
• Responsibility is established upfront
• Costs are anticipated before shipping
• A customs bond is in place
• Required Partner Government Agency (PGA) reviews or filings are handled before arrival

When those pieces are unclear, delays and questions follow.

Want to Estimate Import Costs Before Shipping?

One of the easiest ways to reduce surprises is to understand duties and taxes early.

Use the BorderBuddy duty & tax calculator to get a quote. It helps you estimate expected duties, import taxes and fees, potential tariff-related charges, and total landed cost before the shipment reaches the border. 

BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods under the correct HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code, a key factor in determining the duty rate applied to an import.

What to Read Next

People learning how U.S. customs clearance works usually ask next:

• Do I need a customs broker to import into the U.S.?
• What documents are required for U.S.customs clearance?
• What happens if U.S. customs inspects your shipment?
• What is the U.S. de minimis threshold, and how does it work?

Still Need Help With Your Import?

If you still didn’t find what you were looking for, BorderBuddy is here to help.

• Call us at 1 (877) 409-8163
• Or email us anytime at service@borderbuddy.com

Our team can help you get clear answers and avoid delays at the border.

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