A 2026 DP World study found that customs-related challenges are a leading source of business disruption. Every executive surveyed ranked customs among their top three causes of delays, and 60% identified it as the single biggest factor.
The effects of those disruptions ripple across operations, leading to unexpected costs, additional administrative work, and erosion of customer relationships.
While some customs inspections are unavoidable, many clearance delays stem from preventable shipment preparation errors, such as missing documentation or product misclassification.
As customs requirements change across markets, preparing shipments easily and accurately can reduce delays and keep international deliveries on schedule.
Key takeaways
- Accurate product classification and complete documentation are among the most important steps in reducing the risk of customs delays.
- Because customs requirements can change over time, businesses should confirm applicable import requirements before every international shipment.
- A final review of shipment information before creating a shipping label can help identify and correct discrepancies before they delay customs clearance.
Why is customs clearance difficult to navigate?
Navigating customs clearance is difficult because it depends on interconnected factors — many of which are determined before a shipment reaches the border. Complex rules, shifting requirements, and fragmented information sources can all create issues that delay clearance.
1. Multiple factors are involved. Clearance delays often stem from decisions made long before a shipment reaches customs. How a product is classified, what documentation is submitted, and whether required information is complete can all influence customs clearance.
2. The rules are complicated. Requirements can vary based on the product, destination market, and shipment type. This makes it difficult to determine which documentation and import requirements apply to a given shipment.
3. Requirements can change over time. Customs requirements are never static and constantly evolving. For example:
- New import requirements may require businesses to provide additional documentation for certain products or shipment types.
- Enforcement priorities may shift, leading customs officials to pay closer attention to certain product categories, countries of origin, or shipment types.
- Governments may implement new trade measures that affect how shipments are processed.
As requirements change, businesses may unknowingly rely on outdated guidance, increasing the likelihood of documentation gaps and other issues that can delay customs clearance.
4. Systems are siloed. Compounding the challenge, the information needed to support those decisions is often spread across customs authority websites, carrier guidance, trade regulations, and internal systems.
The bottom line: Due to all these factors, issues that could have been resolved before shipping may only surface during customs clearance, creating more time-consuming and costly issues.
How to reduce the risk of customs delays and shipment holds
1. Classify products accurately before shipping
Why it matters: Product classification is one of the first decisions businesses make when preparing an international shipment. Classifications influence duties, taxes, documentation requirements, and how customs authorities process shipments, making them a critical starting point for shipment preparation.
How to reduce the risk:
- Review classifications when shipment details change: Introducing new products, changing suppliers/sourcing locations, or expanding into new markets may affect how goods are classified.
- Resolve classification questions before preparing shipment documentation: Confirming classifications early can help avoid last-minute paperwork updates and reduce the risk of documentation inconsistencies.
2. Confirm current customs requirements before every shipment
Why it matters: Requirements can change over time, making it important to confirm which customs rules apply before every shipment. Doing so can help reduce the risk of documentation gaps and other avoidable delays.
How to reduce the risk:
- Review destination-specific requirements for every shipment: Even if you ship to the same market regularly, new import requirements, trade measures, and/or enforcement priorities may change documentation requirements or how shipments are processed.
- Confirm requirements before preparing shipment documentation: Understanding what’s required upfront gives your team time to gather the necessary information and address potential gaps before shipping.
3. Prepare documentation before shipping
Why it matters: Customs authorities use shipment documentation to determine whether a shipment meets applicable import requirements and can proceed through the clearance process.
How to reduce the risk:
- Gather required shipment information before preparing customs documentation: Collect details such as product descriptions, quantities, country of origin, and declared values early. This provides your team ample time to address missing information prior to shipping.
- Confirm required documentation is complete before the shipment is finalized: Depending on the shipment, customs authorities may require additional documentation beyond standard shipping paperwork. Identifying those requirements early can help prevent last-minute delays.
4. Validate shipment information before creating a shipping label
Why it matters: Even small discrepancies in shipment information can trigger additional customs review or requests for clarification, making it important to validate shipment information before creating a shipping label.
How to reduce the risk:
- Compare shipment information against supporting documentation: Verify that shipment information is accurate and consistent across all documents before creating a shipping label.
- Resolve discrepancies before creating a shipping label: Correcting errors before shipment information is submitted can help reduce the likelihood of additional customs review or clearance delays.
Customs pitfalls to avoid
Even businesses with established international shipping processes can make mistakes that increase the risk of customs delays. Keep these common pitfalls in mind when preparing shipments.
Relying on outdated customs requirements
Customs requirements can change over time, so guidance from a previous shipment may no longer apply. New documentation requirements, trade measures, or changes in enforcement priorities can affect how a shipment is processed.
Do not assume that the same documentation or import requirements will apply simply because you have shipped the same product or to the same market before.
Providing vague or incomplete product information
Descriptions that are too general may not give customs authorities enough information to understand what a shipment contains. Avoid vague terms such as “parts,” “samples,” or “accessories” when a more precise description of the goods can be provided.
Overlooking inconsistencies across shipment documents
Small differences in product descriptions, declared values, or other shipment information can lead to additional customs review. Avoid finalizing a shipment until information has been checked for accuracy and consistency across supporting documentation.
Help reduce the risk of customs delays with Global Trade Navigator
Preparing international shipments requires managing a wide range of information throughout the shipping process. If your business ships internationally at scale, staying current on changing requirements and preparing complete, accurate shipment information can be both time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Global Trade Navigator gives you the information and tools you need to prepare international shipments more efficiently by helping you:
- Access customs requirements and clearance guidance before shipping
- Understand product classifications, duties, taxes, and fees
- Prepare customs documentation with greater confidence
- Gain greater visibility into import activity
- Plan shipments in a sandbox environment before creating a label
Get in touch with FedEx to learn how Global Trade Navigator can help your business navigate international shipments more confidently while reducing the risk of customs delays.
