What Documents Are Required for U.S. Customs Clearance?

One of the fastest ways for an import into the United States to stall or stop in its tracks is simple:

U.S. Customs does not have the required documentation to clear the shipment.

Many imports reach the border with shipping paperwork, but customs clearance requires something more specific:

• Clear descriptions
• Consistent values
• Defined responsibility
• Supporting documents that match and accurately describe the goods

This post explains what documents are required for U.S. customs clearance, based entirely on the same document issues and misunderstandings that repeatedly appear in real import scenarios.

The Core Document: The Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is the foundation of U.S. customs clearance.

CBP relies on the invoice to understand:

• What is being imported
• What is it worth
• Who is buying and selling
• How duties should be assessed

Most customs document problems begin when the invoice does not clearly explain the shipment.

Why “An Invoice Exists” Is Not Always Enough

A shipment can still be delayed even when an invoice is attached. Delays happen when invoices include:

• Vague product descriptions
• Missing totals or currency
• Values that don’t align with the goods
• Buyer or importer details that are unclear
• Information that conflicts with shipping paperwork

Customs does not just need an invoice. Customs needs an invoice that answers the right questions. In many cases, CBP delays occur not because paperwork is missing, but because the documentation is incomplete or inconsistent.

Importer Information Must Be Clear

U.S. customs clearance requires knowing who is responsible for the import. If the importer's details are unclear, customs cannot finalize:

• Entry processing
• Duty assessment
• Requests for clarification

Responsibility must be established early, or clearance slows down. CBP must be able to identify the Importer of Record and confirm that an active customs bond is in place when required. Importers are also required to retain customs entry records for five years in case CBP audits the shipment after release.

Product Description and Accurate Classification 

One of the most common document-related issues is that the goods are not described clearly enough for classification. Descriptions like:

• “Clothing” 
• “Parts”
• “Kitchen items”
• “Merchandise”
• “Toys”
• “Electronics”
• “Machinery”

They are often too generic. A good product description clearly explains what the item is, what it is made of, and how it is used.

• “Men’s cotton knit t-shirts, short sleeve, made in Vietnam”
• “Steel automotive brake rotors for passenger vehicles”
• “Stainless steel kitchen knives, 8-inch chef knife set”
• “Plastic educational building blocks for children ages 3+”
• “Bluetooth wireless headphones with Li-ion battery, for consumer audio use.”
• “Electric industrial water pump, 2 HP, for agricultural irrigation”

CBP needs documentation that supports correct classification, because classification determines duty treatment. The correct HTS code is the primary factor in determining duty rates, admissibility, and whether additional tariffs apply.

Supporting Documents May Be Required

Depending on the shipment, U.S. Customs may request additional documentation after submission, such as:

• Proof of value
• Origin-related details
• Compliance information
• Clarifications tied to the type of goods

These requests typically appear when the initial documents do not provide enough clarity for clearance. Some shipments also require review by other federal agencies, such as the FDA, USDA, EPA, or FCC, which can trigger additional documentation requirements. For regulated goods, clearance depends not just on duties, but on whether the product is legally admissible under U.S. rules.

Why Customs Requests More Documents After Submission

Many people assume that submitting paperwork ends the process. In reality, CBP may request more information when:

• Values raise questions
• Descriptions are too broad
• Documentation is inconsistent
• The shipment is selected for review

Follow-up requests are part of clearance when details are incomplete. These requests may come through formal CBP notices, such as a CF28 Request for Information.

The Most Important Takeaway

U.S. customs clearance depends less on the number of documents and more on whether the documents clearly explain:

• What the goods are
• What are they worth
• Who is responsible
• How they should be classified

Delays often happen when the documents are present, but key details don’t align clearly enough for customs review. In today’s environment of heightened enforcement and additional duty exposure, documentation accuracy matters more than ever.

Want to Estimate Duties Before Shipping?

Documentation and classification directly affect duty rates.

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

BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods under the correct HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classification, a key factor in determining duty rates on US imports.

What to Read Next

People asking about US customs documents often ask next:

• What happens if US customs inspects your shipment? (coming soon)
• What Is the US De Minimis Threshold and Why Has It Been Suspended? (coming soon)
• Common documentation mistakes that delay US imports. (coming soon)
• Formal entry vs informal entry into the US. (coming soon)

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.