What To Do When Your Container Is on Hold?

As a business owner or logistics manager, stucking of your container at customs can be stressful and costly. It can effort you not only money but also lost business opportunities. The reason for holding the container can be varied, but the damage to your business can be the same.

container on hold - customs clearance

Reason for holding containers at customs:

When we talk about the reasons for holding containers at customs, there are several factors that can contribute to it. Some of these include:

Incomplete or incorrect paperwork:

According to our experience, the most common reason for holding containers at customs is incomplete or incorrect paperwork. As the international trading required complex documentation such as bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin – even a small error or missing document can lead to delay in customs clearance. These documents are necessary for customs officials to verify the cargo and ensure its compliance with import regulations.

Random inspection:

The bigger the container, the more chances of it being pulled for a random inspection. Customs officials have the authority to randomly inspect any shipment coming into the country, including containers. These inspections may involve checking the cargo, documents, and even x-ray scanning the container. That is why, it take sometime to clear the shipment and releases it for delivery.

Prohibited or restricted goods:

In United Kingdom, every field has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the importation of goods. For an example, PEACH import control system in UK controls the plant and fresh fruits imports. Similarly, POAO (Products of Animal Origin) like meat and dairy products must meets the sanitary requirements. Every field have their own certificated and licence. If the goods do not comply with these regulations, they may be held at customs until proper permits and documentation are obtained.

Other reasons for holding containers at customs may include suspicion of illegal activities, incorrect or missing tariff codes, and discrepancies in inventory. Regardless of the reason, it is important as a business owner or logistics manager to be proactive in avoiding these situations.

Tips for avoiding delays at customs:

  1. Double check all paperwork and ensure it is complete and accurate.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of each country you are importing goods from or exporting to.
  3. Maintain good communication with your customs broker or freight forwarder to stay updated on any changes in regulations.
  4. Consider using trusted and experienced customs brokers or freight forwarders who have a good track record of successful customs clearance.
  5. Have all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates ready before shipping to avoid any delays.
  6. Use proper labeling and packaging methods to avoid any suspicion of illegal activities.
  7. Enter through popular ports like Southampton, Felixstowe, and Immingham which have a good track record of efficient and timely customs clearance.
united kingdom container ports

We understand that delays at customs can be frustrating and costly, that’s why we are here to help. With our expertise and knowledge, we can assist you in navigating through the complex customs clearance process and ensure timely delivery of your goods. Contact us today for all your shipping needs. So, it is important to be aware of the potential reasons for container holds at customs and take necessary precautions to avoid them.

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