Commercializing products worldwide comes with different challenges, especially when dealing with issues related to the shipment of your merchandise. Getting your packages stuck in customs borders can lead to delays and consequences that may put your business at risk. 

As professional custom brokers in Manzanillo, we are committed to providing you with the essential information to avoid any trouble in your importation and exportation processes. That is why in today’s article we will explain what happens when your shipment gets stuck in customs borders, the main reasons why this happens, and how to obtain clearance for your goods.

Once you are informed about this topic, you will prevent your business from losing revenue and avoid risking your customer’s buying experience by decreasing the possibility of your goods getting stuck during shipment.

If you want to know more, keep reading the following information we, as custom brokers in Manzanillo, prepared specially for you.  

What are the reasons your shipment can get stuck in customs borders? 

The first step in recovering your shipment from the customs border when they have it on hold is to identify why the authorities decided to stop the transit of your merchandise. There can be different reasons for this, and understanding the cause is essential to resolving the issue.

Therefore, in the following section, we will explain the most common reasons why customs detain shipments. This way, you will know how to address the problem and avoid any future issues, especially if you are not aware of the requirements for the import process. 

1.- Missing documentation 

Documentation is a critical aspect of the international shipment process, as customs authorities require detailed information about imported goods. 

Any merchandise with missing paperwork will be held in customs borders to maintain control over the entry and exit of products without jeopardizing international security and stability. 

Documentation is critical to the international shipment process, as customs authorities require detailed information about imported goods. 

Any merchandise with missing paperwork will be held in customs borders to maintain control over the entry and exit of products without jeopardizing international security and stability.

If your goods had incorrect paperwork when shipped or you omitted information on the documents, such as value or description of the products, number of pieces, weight, address, etc, that may be the main reason for the customs detainment.

2.- Outstanding duties and taxes 

When sending a package internationally, you must also consider the additional taxes and duties some countries impose on certain products. The merchandise that has unpaid duties gets detained at customs borders until the payment is cleared. 

However, there are some cases in which you can avoid this issue. Using a standard express carrier or postal service can help, as these services often cover taxes as part of their shipping process. They charge you a fee upon delivery, eliminating the need to deal directly with customs authorities. 

In case your merchandise surpasses the value of $2500, we recommend you contact professionals, such as a mexican custom broker, who can assist with arranging the payment of taxes and facilitating the release of your shipment. Otherwise, the process could become slow and expensive, resulting in resource loss.

3.- Importation permit required

As previously mentioned, proper documentation and information are essential to proceed with the shipment process for your goods. These documents may vary depending on the nature of the imported products, so it’s crucial to understand their specific requirements.

Some goods, particularly those subject to special regulations, may also require an Import Permit if they are included in the Import Control Lists of the destination country. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained before the goods can clear customs to avoid future problems.

You can seek assistance from custom brokers in Nuevo Laredo or nearby locations to expedite the process of obtaining an Import Permit if you plan to start commercializing your products. They can also advise you on the steps to recover your goods if you still need to secure prior approval.

4.- Under-declared value of goods

Customs authorities implement strict auditing procedures for imported goods to ensure compliance with regulations and to prevent fraud. One key aspect of this process is verifying that the declared value of the goods is accurate and consistent with the supporting documentation. If discrepancies are found, the shipment will be held until the value is clarified and adjusted.

It is crucial to ensure that all shipment documentation and the value of your goods are properly declared to avoid any disruptions to the import process.

5.- Fake or pirated products

Lastly, one of the key reasons customs may detain your shipment is if it contains pirated or counterfeit products, which are prohibited from entering most countries. Customs authorities have strict regulations against importing counterfeit goods to protect intellectual property rights. 

If your shipment includes such items, it will likely be seized and held until the situation is resolved. To avoid this, it’s essential to ensure that all products you are commercializing and shipping comply with the legal and regulatory standards of the destination country, especially concerning the protection of intellectual property.

Now that you understand the common reasons why your shipments can be detained at customs, you are better prepared to avoid these issues, saving you time, money, and stress when commercializing your products internationally. 

Need assistance with your import and export processes? Feel free to contact our professional customs brokers to ensure your shipments are completed smoothly, without delays or unexpected costs.