# retention period

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A freight forwarder has just filed away the customs documents for a completed shipment—but how long must those records actually be kept?

A freight forwarder has just filed away the customs documents for a completed shipment—but how long must those records actually be kept? The retention period answers exactly that: it is the legally mandated timeframe during which business documents such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, customs entries, and delivery notes must remain accessible for inspection. Periods vary by document type, sector, and jurisdiction, and are typically governed by a combination of commercial, tax, and customs law. Only once the applicable period has elapsed may documents be lawfully destroyed or moved to long-term archiving. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties during audits or customs controls.

**Source:** [https://www.archives.gov/records-management/defining-records/retention-schedules](https://www.archives.gov/records-management/defining-records/retention-schedules)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | retention period |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 106 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.archives.gov/records-management/defining-records/retention-schedules |

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