How Can I Speed Up Customs Clearance for Imported Shipments

For importers in the United States, customs clearance can feel slow and inefficient. However, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) usually does a good job of clearing vetted shipments in a timely manner. Having realistic expectations and knowledge of what can cause clearance delays will make you well-prepared to avoid unnecessarily slow clearance of imported shipments.

Key Takeaways

• Customs clearance usually takes 24-78 hours after submission of form 3461 for entry/immediate delivery of imported shipments.
• Inaccurate harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) classification(s), inconsistent information, and certain shipping practices heighten your shipment’s risk of inspection and subsequent delays.
• Importers can work through licensed customs brokers to take advantage of the brokerage’s working relationship with CBP, increasing the chance that a shipment will pass customs without issue.

Join us as we review the length of time it takes for shipments to clear US customs and how you can speed up the process while avoiding delays.

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How Long Does Customs Clearance Usually Take?

If you’re new to importing, maybe you assume that something as complex as international shipping via ocean liner combined with government bureaucracy translates to agonizingly long waiting periods for imported shipments. In practice, once you submit form 3461 to CBP (which should be sent to you by the ocean liner about five days prior to its arrival in port), your shipment will usually be approved within one to three days. That means in some cases, your shipment could be cleared by CBP before it ever leaves the boat.

Considering how much effort and knowledge it takes to keep the cogs of international shipping and customs clearance spinning, it’s safe to say most importers consider 24-72 hours a sufficient time table for clearance. Therefore, “speeding up” customs clearance isn’t nearly as important or effective as making sure nothing is slowing it down in the first place.

Related: What Documents Do I Need to Import and Export?

How to Ensure Fast Customs Clearance: Avoiding Mistakes

Timely and accurate submission of paperwork is arguably the number one factor in ensuring that shipments clear customs on time without crippling delays. Some inaccuracies CBP keeps a particular eye out for include:

• Using the Wrong HTS Code(s): This is an easy mistake for inexperienced importers to make given the complexity of the HTS itself. CBP will pull and inspect shipments they suspect of having incorrect HTS classifications. 
• Missing Documentation: This may include permits or licenses from a partner government agency (PGA) depending on the commodities you import.
• Misreporting Weight and/or Quantity: Whether intentional or not, under-reporting your quantity of goods ordered will look like an attempt to lower tariffs by CBP, and they’ll respond with appropriate fines.  
• Incorrect Country of Origin: CBP could fine your shipment up to 40% ad valorem if they even suspect your goods have been transshipped with intent to deceive as to their true country of origin. 

Importers can, with some experience, learn how to fill out this paperwork accurately. What an importer can’t do is establish a sterling reputation with CBP within one or two shipments, and that’s why so many US importers work with a licensed customs broker. Shipments overseen by licensed brokers are less likely to draw attention from CBP than those which have only been handled by laymen and amateurs.

At the end of the day, if you want to speed up customs clearance, what you really want to do is avoid situations that cause delays. You can make this easy by working with a broker or brokerage firm that has a good relationship with CBP. This is the most reliable and legal way to keep your shipments moving unhindered.

Related: CBP Clearance Process: A Guide for Importers

Fast and Compliant Importing With USA Customs Clearance

Clearing US customs quickly and without issue is a must for any aspiring importer. At USA Customs Clearance, our brokers have decades of combined experience helping businesses owners like you get their imported goods into the country. 

Trust us with services such as:

• Secure customs brokerage
• One-on-one consultation sessions with licensed customs brokers
• Securing your business’s private information
• And more

Accelerate your business’s growth. Call us at (855) 912-0406 or fill out a contact form online today!