What Happens if Something Is Wrong With a U.S. Import

Many U.S. imports move smoothly until one issue interrupts the process. That issue may seem small at first. Then, clearance stops. When something goes wrong with a U.S. import, U.S. Customs and Border Protection pauses the process until the problem is resolved. 

This post explains what happens when something is wrong with a U.S. import and how these situations typically unfold.

How U.S. Customs Identifies a Problem

U.S. Customs reviews every import to confirm that the information submitted makes sense. Problems usually appear when:

• Product descriptions lack clarity
• Documentation conflicts across forms
• Classification does not match the goods
• Reported values raise questions
• Importer's responsibility remains unclear
• U.S. Customs flags the shipment once it encounters unanswered questions
• Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements are missing or incomplete

U.S. Customs flags the shipment once it encounters unanswered questions. This may result in a hold status within ACE

What U.S. Customs Does When an Issue Appears

When U.S. Customs identifies a problem, several actions may follow. U.S. Customs may:

• Pause clearance
• Request additional information
• Review documents more closely
• Examine the goods
• Reassess duties or value
• Issue a Request for Information via customs form 28
• Issue a Notice of Action via customs form 29
• Place the shipment on intensive exam or enforcement hold
• Can demand redelivery to the port for an additional exam even if the cargo has already imported into the United States

The shipment does not move forward until U.S. Customs receives clear and complete information.  In some cases, goods may be refused entry, exported, or destroyed if compliance cannot be demonstrated.

Common Problems That Trigger Customs Action

Based on repeated import scenarios, problems most often involve:

Unclear Product Descriptions

Generic descriptions slow review. U.S. Customs needs enough detail to understand what entered the country. Descriptions should explain:

• What the product is
• What it is made of
• How it is used
• Its condition (finished product, component, sample, or prototype)

Terms such as “parts,” “accessories,” or “equipment” frequently trigger clarification requests.

Classification Errors

Classification drives duty rates and compliance treatment. When the HTS classification does not match the product, U.S. Customs raises questions. Incorrect classification often leads to reassessment or delay.

If CBP determines the classification is incorrect, it may reclassify the goods and assess additional duties, penalties, or trade remedy exposure.

Value Concerns

U.S. Customs reviews the value to confirm that it aligns with the goods. Value issues arise when:

• The price appears unusually low
• The invoice does not explain the transaction
• Documentation lacks supporting detail
• Assists, royalties, or related-party transactions are not properly disclosed

When the value remains unclear, clearance stops. CBP may request supporting documents such as purchase orders, contracts, or proof of payment.

Responsibility Gaps

U.S. Customs needs a clearly identified importer of record (IOR).

If responsibility remains unclear, U.S. Customs cannot finalize clearance or collect duties and fees. An unclear or improperly authorized importer of record may result in entry rejection.

What Happens Next Depends on the Response

Clearance resumes when the responsible party:

• Provides complete answers
• Corrects documentation consistently
• Confirms classification and value
• Addresses duties and fees
• Submits requested documentation within CBP’s specified response timeframe

Delays grow longer when responses arrive slowly or only partially resolve the issue. Failure to respond can escalate the matter to enforcement review.

Why Problems Feel Urgent

Import problems feel urgent because:

• Shipments feel close to completion
• Delivery timelines matter
• Storage and handling costs increase
• Options narrow over time
• Demurrage, detention, and examination fees may accumulate daily

Early clarity prevents escalation. Post-arrival corrections are significantly more costly than pre-import compliance planning.

How to Reduce the Impact of Import Problems

Imports face fewer disruptions when:

• Product details stay specific
• Classification stays accurate
• Documentation remains consistent
• Partner Government Agency requirements are reviewed before shipping
• Country-of-origin marking compliance is confirmed prior to export
• Ensure proper manufacture documentation can be obtained such as manufacture affidavits

Preparation reduces the chance of last-minute issues. Pre-entry review with a licensed U.S. customs broker can significantly reduce enforcement risk.

The Most Important Takeaway

When something goes wrong with a U.S. import, U.S. Customs pauses the process until the situation is clarified. Clear documentation, correct classification, and defined responsibility move imports forward.

CBP’s role is enforcement of U.S. import laws—not shipment facilitation—so compliance must be demonstrated before release.

Want to Estimate Duties Before Problems Appear?

Accurate classification and cost planning reduce surprises.

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 under the correct HTS code, which determines duty rates and influences customs reviews. Accurate classification reduces both financial exposure and clearance delays, it is the responsibility of the importer to ensure accurate classification is being declared.

What to Read Next

People dealing with import problems often ask next:

• What happens if U.S. Customs inspects your shipment
• What documents are required for U.S. customs clearance
• Formal entry vs informal entry into the U.S.
• Common documentation mistakes that delay U.S. imports (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.