How long does customs clearance take in the US?

Most US customs entries are released within 1–5 business days after the entry summary is filed. Routine shipments with no exam and no PGA review can clear in as little as a few hours. Shipments selected for a VACIS or physical exam can take 3–10 days. Shipments with PGA reviews (FDA, USDA) can take 7–21 days depending on the agency.

What causes customs clearance delays?

The most common causes of customs clearance delays include: CBP exam selection (VACIS, tailgate, or intensive physical exam), Partner Government Agency review (FDA, USDA, EPA), late or incorrect ISF filing, document discrepancies (invoice vs. bill of lading), incorrect HTS code classification, and ADD/CVD cash deposit requirements on affected products.

What is a VACIS exam?

VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) is a non-intrusive imaging exam using X-ray or gamma-ray technology to scan containers without opening them. A VACIS exam typically adds 1–3 days to clearance time. If CBP finds anomalies in the scan, it may escalate to a tailgate exam or intensive physical examination.

How long does an FDA review of an import take?

FDA review of food, cosmetic, dietary supplement, or medical device imports typically takes 5–21 business days, depending on the product type and whether the FDA has prior notice of the shipment. Products on import alert can take significantly longer or may be refused entry entirely.

Customs ProcessJune 9, 2026

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take? (2026 Guide)

The short answer: 1–5 business days for most routine shipments. The honest answer: it depends on whether your goods get selected for an exam, whether a Partner Government Agency is involved, and whether your paperwork is in order. Here's the full breakdown.

Clearance Timeline at a Glance

Routine entry, no exam, no PGA4–24 hours

VACIS / non-intrusive imaging exam1–3 days

Tailgate exam (container door opened)2–5 days

Intensive physical exam (full unload)5–10 days

FDA review (food, supplements, devices)5–21 days

USDA / APHIS review (plants, meat)1–14 days

Detained / held for additional info2–8 weeks

The customs clearance process, step by step

Customs clearance is not one event — it's a sequence of automated checks and manual reviews. Understanding each step helps you predict where delays are most likely to occur.

ISF Filing (before departure)Before vessel departs

The Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) must be submitted at least 24 hours before the vessel departs the foreign port. CBP uses ISF data to assess risk before the ship even sets sail. A late or inaccurate ISF can trigger a hold immediately on arrival — and carries a $5,000 penalty per violation.

Vessel arrival & manifestDay 0

When the vessel arrives at port, CBP processes the cargo manifest. CBP's Automated Targeting System (ATS) cross-references manifest data against ISF data, trade intelligence, and risk profiles. Roughly 5–10% of containers are selected for examination at this stage.

Entry summary filingDay 1

Your customs broker files the entry summary in ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). This includes the HTS code, declared value, country of origin, and any duty payments. CBP has 5 business days to review the entry and either release or place the goods on hold.

CBP review & releaseDay 1–5

For most routine shipments, CBP releases the entry electronically within hours of filing. If CBP needs more information — a document, a clarification, or an exam — they issue a CF-28 (Request for Information) or CF-29 (Notice of Action).

PGA review (if applicable)Varies

If your product is regulated by a Partner Government Agency, clearance cannot happen until that agency approves the shipment. FDA, USDA, EPA, FWS, and others have their own review queues, often running parallel to CBP review.

Duty payment & final releaseDay 1–21+

Once CBP and any PGAs approve the entry, the importer pays duties and fees. For formal entries, duties are typically due within 10 business days. The goods are then released to the importer or their carrier.

CBP exam types and what they mean

Being selected for examination doesn't mean something is wrong — CBP selects containers based on risk scoring, randomness, and trade intelligence. But it does mean delays. Here's what each exam involves:

VACIS Exam+1–3 days

Non-intrusive imaging scan using X-ray or gamma-ray technology. The container is not opened. CBP reviews the scan image for anomalies. If the image is clean, the container is released. If something looks unusual, it escalates to a tailgate or intensive exam.

Tailgate Exam+2–5 days

The container doors are opened and CBP inspectors visually inspect the accessible cargo (the "tailgate" — what they can see without unloading). Some products are physically inspected or sampled. Common for agricultural products and FDA-regulated goods.

Intensive / CET Exam+5–10 days

The entire container is unloaded at a Centralized Examination Station (CES). Every pallet and box is inspected. This is the most disruptive exam type — the importer typically pays the CES costs, which can run $500–$3,000+ depending on container size and commodity.

Partner Government Agency (PGA) reviews

Many products require approval from agencies beyond CBP. These reviews run in parallel with customs clearance but can significantly extend timelines if the agency has questions or requests additional documentation.

Common PGA Review Times

FDAFood, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, supplements5–21 days

USDA / APHISPlants, seeds, meat, poultry, dairy1–14 days

EPAPesticides, vehicles, engines3–10 days

FWSWildlife, products containing protected species5–30 days

CPSCConsumer products, toys, electronics1–5 days

ATFFirearms, ammunition, explosives2–10 days

Florida port tip: Port of Miami and Port Everglades handle very high volumes of FDA-regulated products (food, pharmaceuticals) from Latin America. PGA holds are common at both ports. Check your product's PGA flags before your shipment departs — not after it arrives.

5 ways to speed up your customs clearance

File your ISF at least 24 hours before vessel departure

Late ISF filings are one of the most common causes of arrival holds. CBP's targeting system flags late filers for additional scrutiny — and charges a $5,000 penalty per late filing.

Verify your HTS code before filing

An incorrect HTS code can trigger a CBP request for information, delay release, and result in penalty action. A wrong classification can also trigger ADD/CVD cash deposit requirements you weren't expecting.

Check PGA requirements before your goods leave the factory

If FDA or USDA documentation is missing or incorrect, your goods will sit at the port while the issue is resolved. Identify PGA flags at the HTS code level before your purchase order is placed.

Ensure your commercial documents are consistent

CBP compares your commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Any discrepancy in quantity, value, or description triggers manual review. Make sure all three documents match exactly.

Use a licensed customs broker

A customs broker with experience at your port of entry knows the local CBP officers, understands the exam selection patterns at that port, and can respond to CBP queries faster than an importer working directly.

Check Your PGA Flags Before You Ship

The Tariff Desk shows you every PGA requirement for your HTS code — FDA, USDA, EPA, FWS, and more — so you know exactly what documentation you need before your goods leave the factory floor.

Look up your HTS code