# Customs Hold

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A customs hold is an official measure by which customs authorities detain goods at a border, port, or bonded warehouse until all conditions for release have been met.

A customs hold is an official measure by which customs authorities detain goods at a border, port, or bonded warehouse until all conditions for release have been met. Common triggers include discrepancies between the customs declaration and the actual cargo, missing documentation, or suspected regulatory violations. The forwarder or consignee must resolve the underlying cause – typically by submitting the required documents, paying outstanding duties, or providing written clarification – before the goods are released. Unlike a general logistics stop, a customs hold carries legal binding force; circumventing it is a punishable offence. Depending on the complexity of the case, holds can last from a few hours to several days and generate additional storage and demurrage costs.

**Source:** [https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-center/customs-holds](https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-center/customs-holds)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs Hold |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 117 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-center/customs-holds |

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