Your shipment is on hold. Now what?
A hold means the shipment cannot continue through the normal release path yet. The reason may involve missing data, targeting, an agency review, a document request, or a physical examination.
The four-step journey
A plain-language guide to CBP and partner-agency holds, document requests, exams, status messages, broker responses, and release.
- A hold or review message arrives
- The reason and owning agency are identified
- Documents, corrections, or exam logistics are handled
- Release or another disposition follows
What the broker checks
- Exact message, agency, and affected lines
- Response deadline and requested evidence
- Exam location, costs, client communication, and status
Why it matters
“Customs hold” is not a diagnosis. The broker’s first job is to turn the status into a specific, owned action.
- Exam: A documentary or physical inspection of imported merchandise.
Official sources
- 19 CFR Part 142 — Entry Process
- FDA — Import Basics
- CPSC — Importing Consumer Products