Skip to content 
If you ask a standard freight forwarder how long customs clearance takes, they will give you the textbook answer: “24 to 48 hours.”
In the real world of 2026 logistics, that answer is dangerously incomplete.
With the US “Section 321” crackdown on e-commerce and Canada’s mandatory CARM system rollout, customs clearance has become the single biggest variable in the North American supply chain. A “clean” shipment can clear while the vessel is still at sea. A flagged shipment can sit in a customs exam station (CES) for 3 weeks.
In this deep-dive guide, we focus exclusively on the USA and Canada. We break down the realistic clearance timelines, explain the specific types of customs exams that cause delays, and provide the exact checklist you need to navigate the border in 2026.
Clearance Times by Mode in 2026
| Mode | Standard Clearance | With “Review” | With “Intensive Exam” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 12 – 24 Hours | 2 – 3 Days | 5 – 7 Days |
| Ocean (FCL) | Pre-Cleared (Before Arrival) | 3 – 5 Days (X-Ray) | 10 – 20 Days |
| Ocean (LCL) | 2 – 4 Days | 5 – 7 Days | 15 – 25 Days |
| Cross-Border Truck | Instant (at border) | 2 – 4 Hours | 1 – 2 Days |
Importing into the USA
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has fundamentally changed how they target shipments in 2026. It is no longer just about drugs or weapons; it is about Intellectual Property (IP) and Trade Compliance.
1. The "Pre-Clearance" Requirement (ISF 10+2)
You cannot wait until the ship arrives to start paperwork. For ocean freight, you must file the Importer Security Filing (ISF) at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel in China.
The risk is severe. If you file late, CBP issues a mandatory $5,000 Liquidated Damages claim. This penalty is automatic and notoriously difficult to fight. At ZggShip, we submit ISF data 72 hours prior to the cut-off to create a safety buffer for our clients.
2. The 3 Types of Customs Exams (Why Your Cargo is Stuck)
If your shipment is flagged, it goes into one of three queues. Knowing which one you are in helps manage expectations.
Tier 1: The VACIS / NII Exam (Non-Intrusive) The container is driven through a giant X-ray machine at the terminal. The seal is not broken, and the delay is typically 2 – 4 days. The cost is relatively low, around $300 USD.
Tier 2: The Tail Gate Exam CBP officers break the seal and look inside the back of the container without fully unloading it. This usually adds a delay of 3 – 6 days.
Tier 3: The Intensive Exam (The Nightmare) The container is hauled to a private Customs Exam Station (CES). The entire contents are unloaded, counted, and inspected box-by-box. This causes delays of 10 – 20 days, especially at congested hubs like Los Angeles and Long Beach (see our breakdown of these ports in our USA Top 15 Ports Analysis). The costs for trucking, labor, and storage can easily exceed $1,500 – $3,000 USD.
3. The "Section 321" Crackdown
CBP is aggressively targeting low-value e-commerce shipments (under $800) under the Section 321 and Type 86 programs.
If you are shipping goods from China that are undervalued or suspected of using forced labor, expect your cargo to be flagged for an Intensive Exam. This new scrutiny means “express” parcels are no longer guaranteed to clear instantly.
Importing into Canada
Canada’s system is historically faster, but the 2026 CARM implementation has created a new administrative bottleneck.
1. The CARM Era is Here
As of January 2026, the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system is mandatory. This changes the liability structure for all importers.
In the past, ZggShip could use our broker bond to clear your goods. This is no longer allowed. You (the importer) must register directly in the CBSA CARM Client Portal and post your own financial security. If you have not registered yourself—regardless of whether you ship to Vancouver or Montreal (review the operational quirks of these gateways in our Canada Port Guide)—your goods will be held at the border indefinitely.
2. PARS: The Secret to Speed
For cargo moving by truck (e.g., from a US warehouse to Canada), we use the Pre-arrival Review System (PARS).
The barcode is scanned before the truck hits the border. When the driver arrives, the officer just scans the paperwork and waves them through. However, if the PARS isn’t set up 2 hours before the truck arrives, the driver is forced to park and wait. Trucking companies charge upwards of $100/hour for this waiting time, so accurate timing is critical.
Top 3 Reasons for Delays
1. Vague Descriptions (The "Auto Parts" Trap)
US and Canada customs systems use AI to flag suspicious descriptions. Writing generic terms like “Auto Parts” is a red flag. To fix this, be precise. Write “Cast Iron Brake Discs for Passenger Vehicles.” The more specific you are, the less likely you are to be flagged for an expensive X-ray exam.
2. Missing Country of Origin Labels
North American laws are strict: Every single item must be marked “Made in China.” If CBP opens a box during an intensive exam and finds no labels, they will demand you send a team to the warehouse to label every item by hand—or export the goods back to China.
3. FDA & CFIA Holds (Food/Medical)
If your product touches the human body (food, drink, medical device, sunglasses), it needs clearance from the FDA (USA) or CFIA (Canada). These agencies operate separately from Customs. Even if Customs releases your cargo, the FDA can hold it for sampling. To prevent this, submit FDA Prior Notice data to your broker before the ship leaves China.
Essential Document Checklist
To ensure your cargo is “Pre-Cleared” before the vessel docks, provide these documents to your ZggShip Customs Broker as soon as the ship sails:
- Commercial Invoice: Must include the true transaction value, currency (USD), and HS Codes.
- Packing List: Must accurately match the physical count, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading: Both the Master B/L and House B/L.
- Arrival Notice: Usually issued 5 days before docking.
- CUSMA/USMCA Certificate: Only if claiming duty-free status between US/Canada/Mexico.
Need Your Cargo Cleared Fast?
Navigating the new CARM rules in Canada or avoiding ISF penalties in the USA requires more than just luck. It requires a strategy.
ZggShip offers Pre-Clearance Services for both US and Canadian ports. We audit your documents before they are filed to ensure you sail through the “Green Lane.”