Documentation
Incomplete Paperwork
Incorrect commercial invoices, missing Certificates of Origin, or discrepancies between the bill of lading and packing list.
Customs Resolution
Stuck Shipments: Fast Clearance & Recovery
Is your shipment held at customs? We provide immediate intervention, IOR support, and compliance management to release delayed goods and avoid costly storage fees.
Urgent Clearance
Missing Docs Support
Duty Payment
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Updated: April 2, 2026
Common Causes
Why Shipments Get Stuck
Identifying the root cause is the first step to resolution. Most delays stem from documentation errors, unpaid duties, or regulatory non-compliance.
Finance
Unpaid Duties & Taxes
Shipments held until import duties and VAT are settled. This is common when DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms are not clearly defined.
Regulation
Restricted Items
Goods requiring special permits (e.g., medical devices, dual-use tech) that were shipped without prior approval.
Valuation
Customs Issues
High-value shipments flagged for undervaluation or misclassification (HS Codes), triggering audits and inspections.
Our Process
How We Fix Stuck Shipments
- Identify the Delay — We contact the carrier and customs to determine if the hold is due to documents, duties, or inspection.
- Documentation Rescue — We quickly prepare or correct missing paperwork, including permits and updated invoices.
- Financial Settlement — We can pay outstanding duties and taxes directly to customs to release the hold.
- IOR Intervention — If compliance is the issue, we step in as the Importer of Record to assume liability and clear the goods.
Prevention Strategy
We help you avoid future delays by ensuring accurate documentation, prepaying duties via DDP, and verifying compliance before shipping.
FAQ
Questions about Delayed Imports
What is a stuck shipment?
A stuck shipment is freight detained during transit or at customs due to documentation
errors, compliance failures, unpaid fees, or carrier issues.
How long can customs hold a shipment?
Customs can hold a shipment from a few hours to several weeks depending on the issue.
Inspections and missing permits cause the longest delays.
Can an IOR help release my goods?
Yes! An Importer of Record (IOR) can step in to handle compliance, licensing, and duty
payments, often releasing shipments that are stuck due to a lack of local entity.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties can include heavy fines, daily storage fees, seizure/confiscation of goods,
and potential blacklisting from future trade.
Shipment stuck at the border?
Contact us immediately. Our compliance team specializes in resolving customs holds quickly.
Resolve Delay Now