The core reasons for seaborne cargo being detained by the destination country’s customs mainly fall into four categories: documentation issues, inaccurate declarations, cargo violations, and failure to meet regulatory requirements. The key to resolving these issues is to first identify the cause → quickly provide supplementary documents/make corrections → communicate compliantly → avoid secondary violations.
Next, Weefreight will provide a detailed analysis, hoping to be helpful to you.
I. Most Common Reasons for Customs Detention (in order of probability from highest to lowest)
- Missing/Incorrect/Inconsistent Documents (Highest percentage, easiest to resolve)
Core issues:
Missing essential documents: No bill of lading/telex release, no commercial invoice/packing list, no certificate of origin, no IPPC fumigation certificate, no FDA/CE or other certifications;
Conflicting document information: Inconsistencies in cargo description, HS code, gross weight/volume, and consignee/shipper information across the bill of lading, invoice, packing list, and customs declaration;
Invalid documents: Expired certificate of origin, uncompleted certifications (such as Middle East embassy/consulate certification), wooden packaging without IPPC marking, incomplete telex release;
Violation of pre-declaration requirements: Failure to file/incorrect filing of US ISF (10+2), delayed filing of EU ENS.
Typical consequences: Cargo detained pending submission of supplementary documents, customs clearance delayed by 3-15 days, resulting in storage fees/demurrage charges. 2. False Declaration / Under-declaration of Goods Value (Customs’ main target, serious consequences)
Core issues:
Under-declaration of goods value: Deliberately reporting a lower unit price/total price to evade taxes, significantly inconsistent with market prices, contracts, and payment vouchers;
Incorrect HS code classification: Deliberately/negligently classifying goods under a lower tax rate code, or inconsistent with the goods description (e.g., classifying “power tools” as “toys”);
Under-reporting of quantity/weight: Significant discrepancy between actual quantity/weight and declared quantity/weight, or splitting shipments to circumvent regulations;
False declaration of origin: Declaring goods as originating from China when they are actually from a third country, or forging certificates of origin.
Typical consequences: Customs valuation, payment of high back taxes + late payment penalties, fines (10%-50% of the goods value), and in serious cases, seizure and confiscation of goods, and blacklisting.
- Goods themselves are illegal / do not meet regulatory requirements (High-risk categories are subject to mandatory inspection)
Core issues:
Sensitive goods without certificates: Food/cosmetics/pharmaceuticals without FDA/health certificates, electrical/mechanical products/toys without CE/3C certification, batteries without UN38.3 certification, dangerous goods without MSDS/dangerous goods packaging certificates;
Infringement/counterfeiting: Unauthorized use of brand logos, patents, copyrights, and lack of brand authorization letters;
Prohibited/restricted items: Weapons, drugs, endangered plants and animals, counterfeit currency, and used equipment/machinery prohibited by some countries;
Packaging violations: Wooden packaging without IPPC fumigation, packaging inconsistent with the goods description, missing/blurred shipping marks;
Severe overweight/oversized shipments: Exceeding the weight and size limits of the shipping company/port, affecting loading and unloading safety. Typical consequences: Goods detained for inspection; minor issues result in supplementary documentation/rectification, while serious issues lead to return/destruction of goods + fines, and even legal liability.
- Consignee/Company Qualification Issues (Related risks, easily overlooked)
Core issues:
Consignee lacks import qualifications: No EORI number (EU), no FDA registration number (US), no import license (some countries);
Poor company credit: Consignee/shipper has a history of violations (under-declaration, goods detention, return of goods), and is under close monitoring by customs;
Incorrect consignee information: The consignee on the invoice/bill of lading does not match the actual importer, preventing customs clearance.
Typical consequences: Goods detained pending verification of qualifications, requiring supplementary authorization/registration documents, delaying customs clearance.
- Customs Special Actions/Policy Adjustments (Uncontrollable, but manageable)
Core issues:
Strict inspections during peak seasons: Customs increases inspection rates before Black Friday, Christmas, and Chinese New Year, focusing on under-declaration, infringement, and sensitive goods;
Special campaigns: Targeted actions against anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, infringement, environmental protection, safety, etc., leading to targeted goods detention;
Trade friction: During periods of strained relations between two countries, stricter regulations are imposed on specific categories (such as steel, photovoltaic products, and home appliances);
System upgrades: Customs system changes and rule adjustments lead to stricter initial reviews, easily triggering goods detention.
Typical consequences: Random goods detention for inspection; goods are released if no violations are found, otherwise processed according to regulations. 6. Other Reasons (Less Common but Easy to Overlook)
Third-party reporting: Competitors/brand owners report infringement or counterfeiting;
Manifest discrepancies: Discrepancies between the shipping company’s manifest and the customs declaration, requiring customs verification;
Payment anomalies: Discrepancies between the cargo value and payment vouchers, suspected money laundering/illegal foreign exchange transactions;
Special requirements at the port of destination: Some South American/Middle Eastern countries require additional documents (such as consular invoices, import licenses) that were not provided.
II. Solutions After Customs Detention (Arranged by “Urgency + Processing Steps,” practical and actionable)
Step 1: Identify the reason for customs detention within 1 hour (core prerequisite)
Immediately contact your customs clearance agent to obtain the customs detention notice and clarify:
Type of detention (document issues / declaration issues / cargo issues / qualification issues);
Customs requirements (supplementary documents / amendment / tax payment / inspection / return);
Processing deadline (e.g., submit supplementary documents within 7 days, otherwise the goods will be returned);
Estimated costs (inspection fees, storage fees, fines, amendment fees).
Key: Do not communicate blindly; first obtain the written reason for the detention to avoid making the situation worse. Step 2: Categorize and address issues based on their causes (Precise measures to avoid detours)
(I) Missing/Incorrect/Inconsistent Documents (Fastest solution, 1-3 days)
Missing documents:
Missing invoice/packing list: Immediately reissue the original stamped copy (scanned copy + express delivery of the original, some countries accept electronic copies);
Missing certificate of origin/certification: Immediately apply for a replacement from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade/Customs (e.g., CO/Form R), or expedite the process with the certification body (e.g., CE/FDA). Some countries allow post-issuance certificates (must be marked “post-issued”);
Missing IPPC fumigation certificate: For wooden packaging without fumigation, immediately arrange for fumigation and issuance of the certificate, or replace with non-wooden packaging (subject to customs approval);
Pre-declaration violations: US ISF/EU ENS, immediately amend/correct the declaration and pay late filing penalties (if any).
Inconsistent documents:
Minor discrepancies (e.g., spelling errors, difference of 1 item): Issue a letter of guarantee for document amendment, the customs broker applies to customs for amendment and resubmits the declaration;
Major discrepancies (e.g., incorrect HS code, inconsistent cargo value): Correct the documents and resubmit the declaration, cooperate with customs review, and provide contracts/payment vouchers to prove authenticity if necessary.
Invalid documents:
Expired certificate of origin/certification not done: Reapply for a valid certificate and submit it to customs for review;
Electronic release not completed: Immediately apply for electronic release from the shipping company, provide a letter of guarantee for electronic release, and synchronize with the destination port agent. (II) False Declaration / Under-declaration of Goods Value (Proactive Rectification, Minimizing Losses)
Under-declaration of goods value:
Provide genuine contracts, payment vouchers, logistics tracking information, and market price certificates to apply for re-evaluation by customs;
Pay supplementary customs duties + value-added tax + late payment penalties based on the price determined by customs, striving for leniency (avoiding fines);
If the under-declaration was intentional, cooperate sincerely and proactively pay the outstanding amount to reduce the penalty rate.
Incorrect HS code classification:
Provide product manuals, pictures, ingredient lists, and technical parameters to apply for correction of the HS code with customs;
Recalculate taxes based on the correct code and pay the difference in taxes to avoid being classified as “intentional tax evasion.”
False declaration of origin:
Provide raw material purchase certificates, production records, and processing procedures to prove the true country of origin;
If unable to prove the origin, taxes will be levied at the ordinary tax rate, or accept customs handling (such as return shipment).
(III) Non-compliant Goods / Failure to Meet Regulatory Requirements (Handled on a case-by-case basis, moderate difficulty)
Sensitive goods without permits:
Certification/permits can be obtained retroactively: Immediately apply for expedited processing (e.g., FDA registration, CE certificate), submit to customs for review, and strive for release;
If certification/permits cannot be obtained: Return the goods as required by customs (preferred option to avoid destruction), or destroy them locally (all costs + fines must be borne). Infringement / Counterfeiting:
With brand authorization: Immediately submit the brand authorization letter, patent certificate, and trademark registration certificate to prove legal use and apply for release;
Without authorization: Proactively apply for return shipment (to avoid higher fines), or destroy the goods as required by customs, bearing all costs;
Minor infringement (e.g., incorrect logo printing): Rectify and resubmit the declaration, striving for leniency.
Prohibited / Restricted Goods:
Absolutely prohibited goods (e.g., drugs, weapons): Cooperate with customs investigation, bear legal responsibility, and the goods will be confiscated;
Restricted goods (e.g., used equipment, food): Obtain an import license/quarantine certificate, or return the goods.
Packaging / Overweight and Oversized Violations:
Packaging issues: Replace with compliant packaging (e.g., no wooden packaging, add IPPC mark), repack and resubmit the declaration;
Overweight and oversized: Split the goods (into separate containers/LCL), or replace with a heavy-duty container/open-top container, and resubmit the declaration.
(IV) Consignee/Shipper/Enterprise Qualification Issues (Supplementing qualifications, 1-7 days)
Consignee without qualifications:
EU EORI number: Apply for registration immediately (1-3 days), and submit to customs;
US FDA registration number: Expedited registration (1-5 days), provide the registration number;
Import license: Apply to the relevant department of the destination country (e.g., Food and Drug Administration), or entrust a qualified importer to handle customs clearance (authorization required).
Poor corporate credit:
Provide proof of compliant operation and past customs clearance records, and apply to customs to lift the monitoring;
Entrust a professional customs clearance agent to communicate, promise subsequent compliant declarations, and strive for release. Header Error:
Provide a letter of guarantee for the consignee change + power of attorney, and the customs broker will apply to customs for a document amendment to correct the consignee information.
(V) Customs Special Actions / Policy Adjustments (Cooperate with inspection, please wait patiently)
Random Inspection and Seizure of Goods:
Provide complete documents + goods description, cooperate with customs machine inspection / manual inspection;
No violations: Wait for customs release (1-3 days), bear the inspection fee;
Problems found: Rectify according to the corresponding methods above.
Special Rectification and Seizure of Goods:
Understand the focus of the special action (e.g., anti-dumping, infringement), and provide targeted supporting documents (e.g., certificate of origin, non-dumping certificate);
Entrust a professional lawyer / customs broker to communicate with customs and strive for compliant handling.
Step 3: Cost and Responsibility Allocation (Avoid Disputes)
Costs caused by document/declaration problems (storage fees, demurrage fees, fines, document amendment fees): borne by the shipper/consignee (as agreed in the contract);
Costs caused by random inspection/special actions: According to trade terms, usually borne by the consignee, or shared by both parties through negotiation;
Costs caused by violations of the goods themselves (infringement/prohibited items): fully borne by the shipper, including return/destruction fees + fines.
Key: Clearly define customs clearance costs, delay responsibilities, and violation responsibilities in the trade contract in advance to avoid disputes after arrival at the port. Step 4: Subsequent Prevention (Avoiding Future Customs Detention)
Document Compliance: Before shipment, verify all documents to ensure consistency between documents and goods, and that all necessary documents are complete;
Accurate Declaration: Declare the value, HS code, origin, and quantity of the goods truthfully; do not under-declare or conceal information;
Goods Compliance: Obtain certifications/licenses for sensitive goods in advance, ensure packaging meets requirements, and do not ship infringing or prohibited items;
Complete Qualifications: The consignee should obtain EORI/FDA and other qualifications in advance, and choose reputable partners;
Choose a Professional Agent: Entrust a customs clearance agent familiar with the customs policies of the destination country to review documents in advance and mitigate risks.
(Note: The timelines mentioned above are for reference only; please refer to the actual situation for specifics. Thank you!)
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