Must-Read Guide: How to Avoid U.S. Customs Clearance Pitfalls

What is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance refers to the formal process of importing, exporting, or transshipping goods across a country's borders in compliance with laws and regulations.

Goods can only be released after fulfilling obligations such as:
 ✔ Customs declaration
 ✔ Inspection
 ✔ Taxation
 ✔ Final clearance approval

During clearance, all goods remain under customs supervision and cannot circulate freely.

Two Ways to Clear U.S. Customs

① Clearance Under U.S. Consignee’s Name

  •   The U.S. consignee provides a Power of Attorney (POA) to the freight forwarder’s U.S. agent.

  •   A BOND (customs surety) must be secured by the consignee.

② Clearance Under Chinese Shipper’s Name

  •   The Chinese shipper submits a POA to the origin freight forwarder, who forwards it to the U.S. agent.

  •   The U.S. agent helps the shipper obtain an Importer of Record (IOR) number and purchases a BOND.

U.S. Customs Clearance Process

1. Customs Declaration

Once the customs broker receives the Arrival Notice and necessary documents, they can file for clearance 5 days before arrival (for ocean freight) or 24-48 hours (for air freight).

Required Documents:

  •   Bill of Lading (B/L)

  •   Commercial Invoice

  •   Packing List

  •   Arrival Notice

  •   Fumigation Certificate (for wood packaging) or Non-Wood Packing Statement

⚠ Key Note:

  •   The consignee name on the B/L must match other documents.

  •   If inconsistent, a Letter of Transfer (LOT) is required for third-party clearance.

2. Inland Transit (If Applicable)

For inland clearance, an I.T. (Inland Transit) # is needed, including:
 ✔ Effective date
 ✔ Origin & destination

3. Cargo Release

Port Release:

  •   For FOB/prepaid shipments, once customs clears, the terminal automatically releases cargo to truckers.

  •   Unlike China, U.S. agents cannot hold cargo without consignee approval.

Inland Release:

  •   A PICK UP# is issued only after:
      ✅ Cargo arrives at the rail yard
      ✅ Customs clearance is complete
      ✅ The carrier releases the shipment

Required U.S. Customs Documents

Pro Tips for Smooth Clearance

✅ Ensure all documents are accurate and consistent
✅ Prepare BOND & POA in advance
✅ Work with an experienced customs broker

Why Choose Shengshi Group ?

With 50+ years of U.S. customs expertise and an in-house green card-holding Chinese clearance team, we provide:
 ✔ Full-port U.S. customs clearance
 ✔ Door-to-door transportation
 ✔ Warehousing & distribution

Avoid Delays – Contact Our Experts Today!