GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
retention period
A freight forwarder has just filed away the customs documents for a completed shipment—but how long must those records actually be kept?
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.archives.gov/records-management/defining-records/retention-schedules
Category
Find a matching partner on this lane
Reading time
1 min
Words
106
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
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.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Connect
Find a matching partner on this lane
Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.