What Happens During a U.S. Customs Hold

A U.S. customs hold often creates confusion because the shipment appears to stop without explanation. The shipment arrives, and the tracking status changes, but movement pauses. At that point, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs something clarified before clearance can continue.

In most cases, the hold appears in ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) and may not be fully visible through standard carrier tracking updates.

This post explains what happens during a U.S. customs hold and why these holds occur so often in real import situations.

What a U.S. Customs Hold Means

A customs hold means U.S. Customs has paused the clearance process. Customs places a hold when it needs:

• More information
• Clearer documentation
• Confirmation of classification or value
• Verification of responsibility
• Confirmation of Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements

A hold does not automatically mean a violation or seizure. It signals that the review is incomplete. However, unresolved holds can escalate into enforcement action if compliance is not demonstrated.

Why U.S. Customs Places Shipments on Hold

In our experience, holds usually occur for a few specific reasons.

Unclear Product Descriptions

Customs cannot review a shipment when product descriptions are too general. Descriptions must explain:

• What the product is
• What materials it contains
• How it is used
• Its condition (finished product, component, sample, or prototype)
• The country of origin reported is suspected to be incorrect 
• Values reported do not align with fair market value
• The cargo or shipping materials may include pesticides or may not be properly treated or heat-stamped 

Vague descriptions trigger follow-up questions and hold. Generic terms such as “parts,” “accessories,” or “equipment” often lead to clarification requests.

Classification Questions

HTS classification (HTSUS) determines duty rates and the treatment for compliance. Customs places a hold when:

• Classification does not clearly match the product
• Documentation lacks detail to support classification
• Multiple classifications appear across documents
• The declared classification does not account for applicable trade remedies (such as antidumping or IEEPA tariffs)

Classification questions often require clarification before release. CBP may reclassify the goods and assess additional duties if the original classification is unsupported.

Value Concerns

Customs reviews the declared value closely. Holds occur when:

• The declared value seems unusually low
• The invoice does not explain pricing
• Supporting documentation is missing
• Related-party transactions or assists are not clearly disclosed

Customs must confirm the value before calculating duties and fees. CBP may request purchase orders, contracts, or proof of payment to verify declared value.

Importer of Record Issues

Customs needs to know who takes responsibility for the import. Holds occur when:

• Importer information is missing
• Responsibility appears inconsistent
• No party responds to requests
• Power of Attorney (POA) documentation is not properly established

Without a responsible importer, clearance cannot move forward. Entry filings may be rejected if the importer's authorization is incomplete.

What Happens While the Shipment Is on Hold

During a customs hold, U.S. Customs may:

• Review documents in detail
• Request additional information
• Schedule an inspection
• Reassess duties or value
• Issue a Request for Information
• Issue a Notice of Action

The shipment will not proceed until customs receives clear answers. Storage, demurrage, and examination fees may accumulate while the hold remains in place.

Why Holds Feel So Sudden

Holds feel sudden because:

• The shipment already crossed the border
• Delivery seemed close
• Tracking updates lack detail
• Timelines matter

Most holds result from a lack of clarity earlier in the process.

What Gets a Shipment Released

Clear and complete responses shorten hold time. Shipments move again when:

• Documentation answers all questions
• Classification matches the product
• Value aligns with supporting information
• The importer's responsibility is clear
• Duties and fees are addressed

A shipment’s physical arrival does not guarantee legal release.

How to Reduce Customs Hold Risk

Preparation reduces last-minute disruption. Imports face fewer holds when:

• Product descriptions stay specific
• Classification remains accurate
• Documentation stays consistent
• Duties and fees are planned early
• Partner Government Agency requirements are reviewed before shipping
• Country-of-origin marking compliance is confirmed before export

The Most Important Takeaway

A U.S. customs hold pauses clearance until customs gains confidence in the shipment details.

Clear documentation, accurate classification, and defined responsibility help shipments move through review faster.

Customs release depends on demonstrated compliance—not shipment urgency.

Want to Estimate Duties Before a Hold Happens?

Accurate classification and duty planning reduce surprises that lead to holds. They also reduce the likelihood of post-arrival reassessments.

Use the BorderBuddy duty and 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 shipping.

BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods with the correct HTS classification, which determines duty rates on U.S. imports. Accurate classification strengthens both compliance and cost predictability.

What to Read Next

People dealing with customs holds often ask next:

• What happens if something is wrong with a U.S. import?
• What happens if U.S. Customs inspects your shipment?
• Common documentation mistakes in U.S. imports
• What documents are required for U.S. customs clearance

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. In U.S. imports, clarity is what moves a shipment off hold.