7 Common Reasons Shipments Get Delayed at Customs

Customs delays are one of the most frustrating aspects of international freight — particularly because they often occur after 25–35 days of transit, right when you’re expecting delivery. Most customs delays are avoidable. They result from documentation errors, compliance gaps, or missing certifications that could have been addressed before the shipment left China. This article covers the seven most common causes, with specific fixes for each.

For up-to-date numbers on a specific lane while you read this guide, you can check current China to Nigeria air freight rates — pricing is refreshed live from the carrier feed.

1. Inaccurate or Incomplete Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is the primary document customs uses to assess duty. Common problems:

• Value understated (“gifting” or “sample” declarations on commercial shipments)
• Vague product description (“miscellaneous goods” instead of specific product names)
• Missing buyer or supplier details
• Currency not specified
• Discrepancy between invoice value and declared customs value

Fix: Use a properly structured commercial invoice with full product descriptions, HS code reference, correct commercial value, complete party details, and explicit currency. Have your freight forwarder review the invoice before shipment.

2. Incorrect HS Code Classification

HS codes are the foundation of customs — every product has a specific code that determines the applicable duty rate. Misclassification causes customs to query the declaration, potentially holding the shipment pending reclassification and duty reassessment.

Fix: Classify using the most recent edition of the Harmonized System (updated every 5 years by the World Customs Organization) and verify against the specific tariff schedule of the destination country. When in doubt, request a binding tariff ruling from the destination customs authority before importing at volume. This provides legal certainty on classification.

3. Missing or Non-Compliant Product Certifications

Many product categories require destination-country certifications that must accompany the goods at import:

• CE marking for EU/UK (electronics, toys, machinery)
• SASO CoC for Saudi Arabia
• PVOC/KEBS certificate for Kenya
• SON SONCAP for Nigeria
• FCC/UL for US electronics

Fix: Build a certification checklist for each destination market and each product category before the first shipment. Missing certificates are not always caught at the quoting stage by freight forwarders — the compliance obligation falls on the importer.

4. Physical Examination Hold

Selected shipments are physically examined by customs officers. This adds 1–5 business days and is largely outside your control — selection is risk-based and sometimes random.

Fix: While you can’t prevent examination selection, you can reduce its probability over time by building a consistent, compliant import history. First imports from new suppliers or new product categories are higher risk. Ensure the physical cargo matches the manifest exactly.

5. Prohibited or Restricted Items in Shipment

Including restricted items (even inadvertently) in a shipment can cause the entire container to be held pending investigation.

Fix: Maintain a prohibited/restricted goods list for each destination country. Common issues include: counterfeit goods, goods infringing IP rights, plants or plant material without phytosanitary certificates, animal products without CITES permits, and dual-use goods without export licenses.

6. Anti-Dumping Duty Disputes

If your goods fall under an anti-dumping order and you haven’t accounted for this in your customs entry, customs will hold the shipment and issue a supplemental duty assessment. Anti-dumping duties on Chinese goods in major markets can range from 10% to over 200%.

Fix: Always check anti-dumping status for your specific HS code in your destination market before importing. Resources: US Anti-Dumping database (USDOC), EU Trade Defence Instruments database.

7. Customs Examination Due to Under-Declared Value

Customs systems flag shipments where the declared value appears implausibly low for the declared product type. This is one of the most common reasons for customs holds on goods from China where suppliers have historically under-declared values.

Fix: Declare accurate commercial values. The short-term “saving” on duty through under-declaration is vastly outweighed by: customs holds, penalty assessments (typically 2–4× the duty owed), importer of record legal liability, and supply chain disruption.

Related DDP Shipping Pages

For real-world pricing and country-specific guides, see the live rate pages below:

• What DDP shipping actually means
• DDP vs traditional freight for FBA
• Check current China to Nigeria air freight rates
• See live China to Saudi Arabia air freight rates
• Compare China to UAE sea freight options
• View live China to Australia air freight prices

FAQ

How do I know if my shipment is being held at customs?

Your freight forwarder or customs broker should notify you immediately if a hold is placed. If you’re self-clearing, check the customs authority’s cargo tracking system — most have online query tools. For air freight: check with the handling agent at the destination airport.

Can I speed up customs clearance?

For examination holds: limited options — provide complete documentation quickly when requested. For AEO/C-TPAT certified importers: expedited clearance lanes may apply. For routine clearance: Ensure all documents are provided to your broker immediately after cargo departure so the entry can be filed before cargo arrives.