Avoiding U.S. Customs Delays: What Every Shipper Should Know

U.S. Customs is reviewing shipments more closely, and we’re adding new checks to catch issues before your parcels reach the border. Here’s what we’re doing to help, and how accurate declarations keep everyone’s shipments moving.

U.S. Customs has become stricter when reviewing shipments. Officers are paying closer attention to three things: 

1. Declared retail values,
2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and 
3. Product descriptions. 

If a shipment raises a question in any of these areas, it may be held until more information is provided.

We know a delay isn’t just an inconvenience. It affects your business and the customers waiting on their orders. That’s why we’re working closely with our customs broker and adding new system checks to spot potential issues earlier, so we can sort them out together before they cause a hold. Read on to find ways to ensure your shipments stay compliant and can move smoothly into the U.S. 

Your declarations matter to everyone on the truck

Your parcels cross the border alongside shipments from many other small businesses. If one package is declared incorrectly, it can hold up the whole truck, delaying every business on board, not just one.

Taking a few extra moments to review your shipment details is one of the simplest ways to look after your own customers and your fellow shippers too.

What U.S. Customs is looking for

1. An accurate retail value

If a declared value looks lower than what the product typically sells for, the shipment may be flagged for review.

Always declare the actual retail value, and make sure your sales records back it up. 

Sending promotional items or a discounted product (i.e. BOGO or sale item)? 

• A declared retail value is still required. Entering $1-$5 value can raise flags with both our broker and U.S. Customs. Currently there is no system in place to declare promotional goods that must be declared at retail value. 

Digital goods

• Remove digital goods from your imports and shipments. As they are not physical items, they will be flagged if included in your shipment details.

What happens if you misdeclare? 

1. If your shipment is flagged, we’ll ask you for a valid sales invoice or an order from your sales platform to confirm the value. 
2. If the actual value is different from what was declared, we’ll update the shipment details and recalculate any applicable tariffs. 

Not sure which documents to include? Our support article can help: What should I include on my shipment invoices?

Please note: Repeated instances of inaccurate or misleading customs declarations may result in restrictions on your shipping privileges or the suspension of your Chit Chats account.

2. Respect for intellectual property rights

Products that may infringe on intellectual property rights (IPR), such as trademarks or copyrighted material, can also be held for review.

If this happens, we’ll reach out to learn more about the product. Helpful supporting documents include licensing agreements, rights-holder agreements or proof that you’re allowed to distribute the copyrighted material. Keeping these on hand means you can respond quickly if questions come up.

• Avoid entering brand names such as LEGO, Disney, Marvel, Chanel as this can cause flags. It is best to describe the item and composition versus just stating the brand name. 

3. Clear, accurate product descriptions

A brand name or a listing title from your online store often doesn’t tell customs what’s actually in the box. Descriptions that are vague, incorrect or don’t match the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code can lead to a hold.

Describe what the item physically is, what it’s made of, and what it’s used for. Do not include how it was made, customized, or who it’s for. 

Examples 

Instead of	Try something like
Funko collectible Marvel	Plastic figurine
Barbie	Plastic children’s doll
Accessories	Stainless steel necklace
Fitbit	Wrist-worn electronic activity tracker watch
Crafts	Cotton fabric pouch
Custom desk accessory	Wooden pen holder
Merchandise	Printed cotton tshirt
Custom pet portrait	Framed canvas print
Custom ornament	Wooden Christmas ornament
Personalized wedding gift	Acrylic keychain with engraved lettering
Handmade earrings	Sterling silver earrings
Buy one get one free Christmas sale pottery	Handmade ceramic Christmas mug

Refrain from using words like ‘custom’, ‘personalized’, ‘collectible’ in the shipment description as these words get flagged, instead focus on describing the item (i.e. what it is and the material it’s made of).

How is Chit Chats Helping?

Automatic Undervalue Verification

We’re adding automated system checks that look for potential issues, such as unusually low declared values, right at our branches. Catching these early means we can flag a shipment and resolve it with you before it reaches the border, instead of letting it hold up a whole truck.

By spotting issues sooner and working through them together, we can reduce disruptions for your business and for the wider Chit Chats shipping community.

FDA Information Verification (Coming soon)

We’re also building a new feature that lets you add U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) information while preparing your shipments. Once it’s available, you’ll:

• See prompts based on each item’s HTS code, so you know which FDA details to provide if applicable.
• Save and reuse FDA details with Product Automation, so you don’t have to enter the same information every time.
• Add FDA information directly to individual U.S. shipment items.
• Spot missing details quickly, with warnings on affected products and shipments that link straight to what needs updating.

What Does this Mean?

These checks support the work we’re already doing with our customs broker. If a shipment needs clarification, our team will:

• Contact you directly with the affected shipment details and the specific concern.
• Explain exactly what’s needed, whether that’s an invoice, IPR documentation, a clearer product description or a corrected HTS code.

Want more guidance? Visit our article How do I declare my shipment?

Thank you for doing your part. Every accurate declaration helps keep shipments moving for you, your customers and the whole Chit Chats community. And if you ever have a question, we’re always happy to help.