Clearance Delays- Everything you need to know

1. Clearance Delays: Everything you need to know When it is someone special’s birthday and you have forgotten to mail the gift on time, what will you do? Opt for same-day or expedited shipping option, right? Well, though it is the right thing to do but if it gets involved in a customs clearance delay, it won’t reach on time. Now the question arises what is a clearance delay, and what causes this delay? We have answered both these questions below: What is customs clearance delay? A customs clearance delay is when packages or shipments are held by customs at a port, airport, border crossing or other location and cannot be released by the carrier until customs has authorized its release. This is the last thing that you would want to happen when you want the cargo to reach early. Clearance delay worst affects the companies that sell their products online and offer early or same-day delivery. What are the factors that cause clearance delays? 1.Improper documentation

2. This is one of the main reasons of clearance delay. You are not just required to present documents but it is imperative to also fill out documents properly. Documents required for custom clearance: 1.Bill of Lading 2.Certificate of origin 3.Commercial invoice 4.Packing list (list of items in your shipment) 5.PO (from buyer) Mistakes in filling documents include: •Specifying the wrong class for the product. •Using incorrect product code •Mentioning wrong quantity of products •Not specifying the currency 2.Incomplete or incorrect consignee or shipper information Consignee’s address needs to be correct as it is the basic information needed to deliver the cargo at the doorstep. Having wrong address would make it difficult for carrier to deliver the good on time as he may have to spend time in determining what to do with the shipment. 3.Declaring wrong value or quantity of goods Sometimes shippers under-represent the quantity or value of goods in an attempt to avoid taxes and/or duties, other times it could be the clerical error. But whatever it is, this often results in delays. 4.Outstanding taxes or fees Not paying the requisite fees or taxes can cause the shipment to be held and in that case, customs broker would be required who will take care of taxes and get deliveries released. 5.Packaging regulations not followed If there are some mandated packing methods then it is important to pack the shipments accordingly else chances are that the cargo may have to face clearance delays. These were the prominent reasons for clearance delays. The best way to avoid such delays and save yourself from unnecessary frustrations is by hiring the right freight forwarder. Experienced professionals understand the process and can clear your shipment without a hitch.