Common Customs Holds for Goods Entering the USA from China

ZggShip Editorial Team

March 30, 2026

You negotiate a great manufacturing price, optimize your container space, and successfully book ocean freight from Shenzhen to Los Angeles. The vessel arrives on schedule. But instead of your cargo moving to your warehouse, your freight forwarder notifies you that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has placed a hold on your container.

Customs holds are a major source of friction for US businesses importing goods from China. A hold immediately stops the movement of your freight. It can add days or weeks to your transit time and result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in unexpected exam fees and port demurrage charges.

Understanding why CBP flags cargo and knowing the different types of exams can help you prepare your documentation correctly and minimize the risk of your shipment getting stuck at the port.

Why US Customs Flags Shipments from China

CBP uses sophisticated targeting systems to evaluate the risk of every inbound shipment before the vessel even reaches US waters. Because China is the largest exporter to the United States, trade volume on this route is massive. Consequently, CBP heavily monitors this lane for trade compliance, intellectual property violations, correct valuation, and safety standards.

Shipments from China often face scrutiny regarding anti-dumping duties, Section 301 tariffs, and accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications. If any data point on your import documentation looks inconsistent or triggers a risk profile in the CBP system, your container will be flagged for review.

The 4 Most Common Types of US Customs Holds

Not all holds are the same. CBP issues different types of holds depending on what their targeting system identifies or which government agency requires further review.

1. Manifest Holds and Document Discrepancies

A manifest hold is typically triggered by paperwork errors or late filings. CBP requires the Importer Security Filing (ISF) to be submitted 24 hours before your cargo is loaded onto the vessel in China. If the ISF is filed late, or if the data on the ISF does not perfectly match the ocean carrier’s manifest, CBP will place a hold on the goods. These holds are usually resolved by having your customs broker submit the corrected data or supply the missing commercial invoice.

2. Commercial Enforcement Holds (CET)

The Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) places holds on shipments suspected of violating US laws. For commercial importers, a CET hold usually means CBP suspects an intellectual property rights (IPR) violation, such as counterfeit branding, or an attempt to bypass import duties through undervalued invoices or incorrect HS codes. CET holds are serious and almost always result in a physical inspection of the cargo.

3. Partner Government Agency (PGA) Holds

CBP enforces regulations for dozens of other federal agencies. If you are importing products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the Department of Transportation (DOT), those agencies can request a hold. For example, if you import medical devices or electronics emitting radiation from China without the proper FDA registration numbers on your commercial invoice, the FDA will instruct CBP to hold the freight until the compliance data is verified.

4. Statistical or Random Holds (STRAT)

Sometimes, you do everything right and still get flagged. CBP routinely pulls containers for random compliance checks. This is known as a STRAT hold. It ensures the automated targeting systems are working correctly and keeps a baseline check on overall trade compliance.

Understanding Customs Exams and the Associated Costs

If a hold cannot be resolved through document review, CBP will escalate the issue to a customs exam. The importer of record is legally responsible for paying all costs associated with the exam, including the exam fee itself, the cost to move the container, and any resulting port storage fees (demurrage).

The X-Ray Exam (VACIS or NII)

The most basic physical check is the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) exam, also called a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). The container is driven through a massive X-ray machine at the port terminal. CBP checks the X-ray image against the packing list to ensure the cargo matches the declared goods and that there are no hidden compartments. This exam is relatively fast and usually costs a few hundred dollars.

The Tailgate Exam

If the X-ray reveals anomalies, or if the CBP officer wants a closer look, they will order a tailgate exam. The container is moved to a designated area at the port, the customs seal is broken, and the officer opens the back doors to visually inspect the first few rows of boxes. If everything looks correct, a new seal is applied, and the container is released.

The Intensive Customs Exam

An intensive exam is the most disruptive and expensive outcome. The container is trucked away from the main port terminal to a private Centralized Examination Station (CES). There, CES workers completely empty the container so CBP officers can open boxes, test products, and verify quantities.

An intensive exam can take weeks to schedule and complete due to backlog at the CES facilities. You must pay for the trucking to the CES, the labor to unload and reload the cargo, and storage fees. The total cost can easily range from $1,000 to over $3,000 per container.

How Importers Can Prevent Costly Port Delays

While you cannot avoid random STRAT holds, you can significantly reduce your risk of targeted holds by maintaining strict compliance before the cargo leaves China.

First, ensure your Chinese supplier provides a highly detailed commercial invoice. Vague descriptions like “plastic parts” or “accessories” are immediate red flags for CBP. The invoice must clearly state what the item is, what it is made of, and its intended use, alongside the correct 10-digit HTS code.

Second, file your ISF on time. Never let a supplier load a container in Shenzhen or Shanghai before your US customs broker has confirmed the ISF filing is accepted by CBP.

Finally, check all Partner Government Agency requirements well in advance. If your product requires EPA certification or a drop-ball test certificate for FDA-regulated eyewear, secure those documents during the manufacturing phase. Do not wait until the vessel is crossing the Pacific.

What to Do If Your Cargo is Flagged

If your container is placed on hold, prompt communication is critical. Provide your freight forwarder and customs broker with any requested documentation immediately. Do not attempt to guess what CBP wants. Rely on your licensed broker to interface with the customs officers, as they understand the specific terminology and procedures required to clear the flag.

Navigating US Customs requires precision and proactive planning. We help businesses manage their entire supply chain from Chinese factory floors to US destinations, ensuring all documentation and compliance requirements are met long before the cargo arrives at the port. Contact our logistics team today for reliable freight forwarding and customs clearance support.