# customs clearance hold

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> A customs clearance hold arises when a shipment is blocked from further movement – typically because documentation is incomplete, a physical inspection has been ordered, or a required regulatory approval is outstanding.

A customs clearance hold arises when a shipment is blocked from further movement – typically because documentation is incomplete, a physical inspection has been ordered, or a required regulatory approval is outstanding. The goods remain at the point of suspension, usually a terminal, bonded warehouse, or customs agent's facility, until the hold is lifted. For freight forwarders and customs brokers, every hour counts: demurrage charges, missed onward connections, and contractual penalties can accumulate quickly. Resolution typically involves submitting missing documents, liaising directly with the relevant customs office, or securing the necessary permits. A clearance hold differs from a routine customs examination in that it is an unplanned interruption rather than a scheduled procedural step.

**Source:** [https://www.zoll.de](https://www.zoll.de)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | customs clearance hold |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 114 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://www.zoll.de |

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