What happens during a customs inspection and hold?
| Inspection Type | Frequency | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Random | 10-15% of shipments | Routine compliance check |
| Targeted | Risk-based | Discrepancies detected, high-risk items suspected |
Important: Random inspections can happen to anyone, regardless of compliance history.
๐ฆ Inspection Processโ
What Customs Officers Do:
-
Physical Examination
- Open and inspect package contents
- Verify items match customs declarations
- Check for prohibited or restricted items
-
Verification
- Compare actual items to declared descriptions
- Assess declared values against market prices
- Verify quantities and specifications
-
Assessment
- Confirm proper product classification (HS codes)
- Determine correct duty and tax amounts
- Identify any regulation violations
โฑ๏ธ Inspection Timelineโ
| Outcome | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Accurate declarations | 2-3 business days |
| Minor discrepancies | 3-5 business days |
| Investigation required | 5-14 business days |
๐จ Package Holdsโ
Common Hold Reasons:
- ๐ Additional documentation needed
- ๐ฐ Suspicious or inconsistent values
- ๐ซ Possible prohibited items requiring verification
- ๐ Random extended inspection
When Package Is Held:
- โ๏ธ You receive notification via email or SMS
- ๐ Specific requirements or questions provided
- โฐ 7-day deadline to submit requested information
- ๐ต Storage fees may apply after 7 days
โ ๏ธ Critical Informationโ
Storage Fees (Government Customs Warehouse)
- Free period: Usually 3-7 days
- After free period: $1-5 per day
- Varies by country and customs authority
Inspection Time Exclusions
- โ Does NOT count toward shipping time guarantees
- โ Does NOT count toward delivery estimates
- โ Considered customs clearance delay (normal process)
๐ก Best Practicesโ
If Your Package Is Held:
- โ Respond within 24 hours to all requests
- โ Provide clear, complete information
- โ Submit legible document copies
- โ Be available for follow-up questions
- โ Keep original receipts and invoices ready
To Minimize Hold Time:
- Declare all items accurately from the start
- Use detailed product descriptions
- Include all supporting documentation upfront
- Ensure declared values match purchase receipts
Pro Tip: Monitor your GoGoShip dashboard daily for customs status updates. Early response to inspection requests can reduce clearance time by 5-7 days.