US Customs Clearance Process: Fees, Processing Time, Payments & What Status Messages Mean

Introduction

US customs clearance in 2026 is the CBP filing and payment workflow that releases an imported shipment for inland movement. Typical timing is 1 to 5 business days, the two mandatory fees are the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) on top of tariff duties, and every ACE portal status message maps to a concrete step in the entry process.

This guide covers the full 2026 US customs clearance process, every status message a shipper sees inside the ACE portal, MPF and HMF fees, entry type selection (including Type 03 consolidation for MPF savings), documents required, common holds, penalty risk, and the split between the forwarder role and the importer role.

What Is US Customs Clearance?

US customs clearance is the mandatory process by which imported goods are declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), duties and taxes are paid, and cargo is released for onward movement in the United States. Every commercial shipment entering the US goes through customs clearance, regardless of mode (ocean, air, truck, rail) or value.

The shipper view

A shipper watches customs clearance through a tracking page. The status begins at "Import Customs Clearance Started" once the broker files the entry, moves to "Customs Clearance In Progress" while CBP reviews, and lands on "Import Customs Clearance Complete" or "Shipment Completed Customs Clearance Process" when CBP releases the cargo. No shipper action is required unless the broker asks for a missing document or a valuation clarification.

The forwarder view

A forwarder or broker sees the same shipment inside the CBP ACE portal as an entry record with a filing status, a payment status, and a release status. The forwarder's job is to file ISF 24 hours before vessel departure (ocean), file AMS on the carrier side, file the entry (CBP Form 3461) at arrival, pay duty via ACH Direct, and file the entry summary (CBP Form 7501) within 10 working days. For the ocean import workflow that ties ISF, AMS, entry, and shipment records together, see Ocean Import Freight Management Software.

How Long Does US Customs Clearance Take in 2026?

US customs clearance time varies by shipping mode, cargo type, and whether CBP flags the shipment for inspection. In 2026 the typical windows are:

How Long Does US Customs Take to Process a Package?

For a typical commercial package arriving by air, US customs processes it within 24 to 48 hours after arrival. Express courier shipments often clear in under 12 hours. Packages flagged for inspection can take 2 to 5 business days. Total time from US arrival to final mile delivery is usually 1 to 4 business days.

What Slows Clearance Down

• Documentation errors. A misclassified HTS code, a mismatched invoice value, or a missing certificate of origin adds days.
• Duty payment delay. CBP does not release cargo until duty is paid. ACH Direct settles same day. Check payment adds one to three days.
• Inspection status. CBP selects shipments for exam under a risk profile. A document exam adds one day. An intensive exam adds 3 to 5 days.
• Partner Government Agency (PGA) review. FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, and CPSC each carry their own clearance windows. Food and drug entries can extend to 7 to 14 business days.
• First time or non resident importer status. CBP applies extra review to importers without a filing history.
• Late ISF filing. Ocean ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before vessel departure. Late ISF triggers a 5,000 USD per violation penalty and cargo holds on arrival.

Every US Customs Status Message Explained

Tracking pages surface a range of status labels sourced from the CBP ACE portal. Each label maps to a specific CBP action, a typical duration, and whether the shipper needs to act.

"Import Customs Clearance Started"

Entry documentation has been submitted to CBP. Review is underway. No action needed. Typical duration is hours to 1 to 2 business days.

"Customs Clearance In Progress"

CBP is actively reviewing the entry, checking HTS classification, valuation, country of origin, and supporting documents. This status can last from a few hours up to several days depending on CBP workload and whether additional review is needed. No shipper action needed.

"Destination Customs Clearance In Progress"

Same meaning as above, but the carrier's tracking system uses "destination" to distinguish import side clearance from origin side export clearance. For shipments moving into the US, this label means CBP is processing.

"Customs Is Actively Reviewing Submitted Documents"

A variant status used by several ACE aware tracking providers. It means the entry filing has been accepted and a CBP officer or the CBP automated risk engine is scoring the entry. Duration is typically hours to 1 business day.

"The Shipment Is Declared at the Customs Clearance of the United States"

This label appears when the CBP entry has been filed and the shipment is now formally under CBP jurisdiction pending review or release. It is a filing acknowledgement, not a clearance decision. Duration ranges from a few hours to 1 to 2 business days.

"Additional Customs Clearance Information Is Needed"

CBP has requested more information or documentation. The broker must respond before clearance continues. Action needed: contact the broker to provide the requested information or clarification. Duration depends entirely on how fast the missing item is supplied.

"Customs Inspection for Import"

Cargo has been flagged for physical inspection. Duration varies: a document exam takes 1 business day, a non intrusive inspection (VACIS or X ray) takes 1 to 2 business days, and a Centralized Exam Site (CES) intensive exam takes 3 to 5 business days.

"Customs Released"

CBP has cleared the shipment for release. A delivery order can now be issued and the cargo can move from the port or terminal. This is the point at which risk of a customs delay ends.

"Shipment Completed Customs Clearance Process" or "Import Customs Clearance Complete"

Both labels mean CBP has released the cargo and the delivery order has been issued. The shipment is legally authorized to leave the port or terminal and move to its final destination. The status appears once duty has been paid, the entry has been accepted, and no further inspection or documentation is outstanding.

The US Customs Clearance Process: 7 Steps

Every commercial import runs through the same seven step CBP workflow. Each step maps to an ACE portal status message so a shipper watching the tracking page can tell where in the process their shipment sits.

Step 1: File Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)

For ocean imports only. ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the vessel departs the origin port. Ten data elements from the importer plus two from the carrier. Late filing carries a 5,000 USD per violation penalty and potential cargo holds. Tracking status at this stage does not yet appear because the shipment is still at origin.

Step 2: File AMS (Automated Manifest System)

The ocean or air carrier transmits cargo manifest data to CBP before US arrival. Ocean AMS is due 24 hours before loading at the foreign port. Air AMS is due 4 hours before US arrival on long haul flights, or at wheels up on short haul flights under 4 hours.

Step 3: Submit Entry Documentation (CBP Form 3461)

When cargo arrives at the US port of entry, the licensed customs broker files the entry with CBP. The filing includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and any required PGA data. Tracking status changes to "Import Customs Clearance Started".

Step 4: CBP Review

CBP reviews the entry. Outcomes:

• Released: Cargo cleared, ready for movement. Status becomes "Customs Released" or "Import Customs Clearance Complete".
• Flagged for exam: Physical or non intrusive inspection required. Status becomes "Customs Inspection for Import".
• Additional information needed: Broker must supply more documentation. Status becomes "Additional Customs Clearance Information Is Needed".
• Held: Compliance issue, PGA hold, or valuation review triggered.

Step 5: Pay Duties, Taxes, and Fees

Duty is based on Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and country of origin. Payment goes through ACH Direct (fastest, same day), check (via the broker), or Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) for high volume importers. Cargo is not released until duty is paid.

Step 6: Submit Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501)

Within 10 working days of release, the broker files the entry summary. This confirms final valuation, duty calculation, and HTS classification. CBP uses the entry summary to reconcile against the initial entry filing.

Step 7: Cargo Release, Delivery Order, and Post Release Compliance

The customs broker coordinates release with the carrier. A delivery order is issued, allowing the cargo to move from the port to the final destination. CBP can audit any entry up to 5 years after release, so the importer of record must retain commercial invoices, packing lists, HTS classification worksheets, and payment records.

US Entry Types and Type 03 Consolidation

Every CBP entry is filed under a numbered entry type. The type governs which fees apply, which forms are required, and whether MPF consolidation is available. The four most common entry types for commercial imports are:

Why Type 03 consolidation matters for MPF

MPF applies per entry, not per shipment. If a forwarder clears five separate Type 01 entries in one day for the same importer, MPF gets calculated five times and can hit the maximum cap five times. If the forwarder files those same five shipments as one Type 03 consolidated entry, MPF is calculated once against the combined value. On multi shipment days this saves hundreds to thousands of dollars per importer. For the full mechanics, see MPF Consolidation: How to Save on US Merchandise Processing Fees.

US Customs Clearance Fees and Costs in 2026

US customs clearance cost is made up of duty and four common fee categories. Each carries a 2026 rate schedule.

Import duty (tariff)

Duty is calculated as a percentage of declared value based on HTS classification and country of origin. Rates range from 0 percent under many Free Trade Agreements to 30 percent or higher on select categories. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese origin goods and IEEPA duties add on top. Duty is the largest cost line for most importers.

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

MPF is 0.3464 percent of the declared value of the merchandise on every formal commercial entry. The 2026 minimum MPF is 32.71 USD per entry. The 2026 maximum is 634.62 USD per entry. Informal entries (Type 11) pay a flat MPF of 2.62, 6.52, or 11.31 USD depending on filing method. Type 03 consolidation is the standard way to keep MPF under the maximum on multi shipment days.

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

HMF is 0.125 percent of the declared value on all ocean cargo entering the US through a US port. HMF has no minimum and no maximum. Air, truck, and rail imports do not pay HMF.

Customs broker fees

A licensed customs broker typically charges 100 to 250 USD per single entry, with add on fees for ISF filing (25 to 50 USD), PGA filing (25 to 100 USD), and duty advance financing. Continuous filing arrangements reduce per entry cost for regular importers.

Customs bond

A customs bond is required for entries above 2,500 USD, acting as a financial guarantee to CBP. A single entry bond costs 50 to 100 USD per shipment. A continuous bond costs 400 to 600 USD per year and covers every entry filed under the importer of record.

Payment channel

ACH Direct is the CBP electronic debit channel. It settles same day, carries no processing fee, and is the standard for high volume importers. Check payment adds one to three days and typically routes through the broker. Statement Processing (PMS) is a monthly billing schedule for importers filing more than 10 entries per month.

Filing Deadlines: ISF and AMS

Two pre arrival filings must land before US customs clearance can begin. Missing either triggers holds and penalty exposure.

ISF 10+2 (ocean only)

Filed by the importer or broker at least 24 hours before the vessel departs the origin port. Ten data elements are supplied by the importer, two by the carrier. Late filing carries a 5,000 USD per violation penalty. ISF is the earliest step in the US ocean import timeline. For the step by step filing procedure, see How to File ISF Online: Step by Step 10+2 Filing Guide (2026).

Air AMS filing deadline

Air AMS is due at least 4 hours before US arrival on long haul flights (over 4 hours flight time). On short haul flights (under 4 hours) the deadline is at wheels up, meaning the filing lands as the aircraft departs origin. Late or missing AMS triggers holds at arrival and can delay clearance by days.

Ocean AMS filing deadline

Ocean AMS is filed by the ocean carrier at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port. This aligns with the ISF 10+2 pre departure timeline. For the connection layer between carrier AMS feeds, ISF, and CBP entry filing, see Freight Integrations Software for Forwarders.

Customs Clearance Documents Required

Common Holds and Penalties

CBP holds fall into two families: paperwork holds that the broker can clear within a business day, and inspection or compliance holds that involve the physical shipment or a partner agency.

The most common reasons CBP holds a shipment

• Missing or late ISF. Ocean cargo without a compliant ISF is held on arrival. Penalty is 5,000 USD per violation.
• Late or missing AMS. The carrier manifest did not land on time. Cargo is held until the AMS record posts.
• HTS misclassification. CBP disagrees with the declared HTS code. Broker must reclassify or provide supporting documentation.
• Valuation discrepancy. The declared invoice value does not match CBP's expected range for the commodity. CBP may request a purchase order, wire transfer record, or vendor contract.
• PGA hold. FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, or CPSC has requested additional review before release.
• Physical exam. CBP has selected the shipment for X ray, VACIS, or a full CES exam.
• Missing MID (Manufacturer Identification). Textile and apparel entries require a valid MID.
• Bond insufficient. Continuous bond amount is too small for the entry value. Broker files a bond rider or single entry bond.
• Importer of Record issue. IOR is inactive, missing a CBP Form 5106, or on a restricted list.
• Sanctions or denied party match. Vendor, consignee, or ultimate consignee matches an OFAC or BIS list.

How to Pay Customs Clearance Fees

Duties, MPF, HMF, and PGA user fees must be paid before CBP releases the cargo. Four payment methods are supported:

• ACH Direct (preferred). Electronic debit from the importer's bank account to CBP. Same day settlement. No processing fee. Enrollment is free and takes 5 to 10 business days.
• Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS). CBP sends a monthly consolidated statement to importers with regular volume. Payment is due by the 15th business day of the following month. Requires ACH enrollment.
• Check. Typically handled by the customs broker on the importer's behalf. Adds one to three days for CBP receipt and clearance.
• Customs bond. Required for entries above 2,500 USD. Acts as financial guarantee to CBP. A single entry bond costs 50 to 100 USD per shipment. A continuous bond costs 400 to 600 USD per year and covers every entry filed under the importer of record.

Single entry versus continuous bond

Rule of thumb: if the importer will file more than five entries per year, the continuous bond is cheaper. Single entry bonds also require additional documentation with each shipment, which slows filing.

Modernized ACE Portal in 2026

CBP updated the ACE portal in 2026 with a redesigned dashboard, revised status naming, and expanded milestone webhooks. Two implications for shippers and forwarders:

• Status labels changed. Some tracking systems still display legacy status text ("Cleared", "Released") while the modernized portal now uses standardized labels ("Import Customs Clearance Complete", "Customs Released"). Both mean the same CBP action.
• Milestone webhooks. Brokers with integrated software receive webhook events for filing, review, hold, and release, which replaces the old polling pattern.

For the full breakdown of what changed in the 2026 portal update and how forwarder software plugs into it, see Modernized ACE Portal: What Changed in CBP's 2026 Update. For the customs filing platform that connects entry filing, ACE webhooks, ISF, AMS, and duty payment inside a single shipment record, see Customs Management Software for Forwarders.

After Customs Clearance: How Long Does Delivery Take?

Once customs clearance is complete, delivery timing depends on inland distance and mode. For a typical domestic move under 1,000 miles, expect 1 to 3 business days from the moment the delivery order is issued.

Air Freight Customs Clearance

Air freight customs clearance is typically faster than ocean because transit times are shorter, AMS filing deadlines are tighter (4 hours prior to US arrival or at wheels up on short haul), air cargo inspection types are faster than ocean FCL exams, and air shippers tend to prepare cleaner documentation because of the time sensitive nature of the cargo. Most air imports clear within 24 hours of landing.

For the air import shipment record that ties AMS, entry, and PGA data together, see Air Import Freight Management Software.

Forwarder Role vs Importer Role

Customs clearance is a shared responsibility. The licensed customs broker or forwarder handles the CBP facing filing work, but the importer of record retains the underlying compliance obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is US customs clearance?

US customs clearance is the mandatory process of declaring imported goods to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), paying duties and taxes, and getting the cargo officially released so it can leave the port or terminal. Every commercial shipment entering the US goes through customs clearance regardless of mode or value. A licensed customs broker normally files the entry on behalf of the importer of record.

How long does US customs take to process a package?

US customs typically processes a commercial air package within 24 to 48 hours after arrival. Express courier shipments often clear in under 12 hours. Ocean FCL clears in 1 to 3 business days, ocean LCL in 2 to 5 business days, and packages flagged for inspection take 2 to 5 business days. Total time from arrival to delivery is usually 1 to 4 business days.

What does "customs processing" mean?

"Customs processing" means CBP has received the entry documentation and is actively reviewing the declared HTS classification, valuation, country of origin, and supporting documents. The status covers the review window between entry filing and CBP's decision to release, request more information, or flag the shipment for inspection. No action is needed from the consignee unless the broker requests it.

What does "import customs clearance started" mean?

"Import customs clearance started" means the licensed customs broker has submitted the CBP entry filing (CBP Form 3461) and CBP has acknowledged receipt. The status is the first ACE portal label a shipper sees after cargo arrives. Duration is typically a few hours to 1 to 2 business days before it moves to "in progress" or "released".

What does "customs clearance in progress" or "destination customs clearance in progress" mean?

Both labels mean CBP is actively reviewing the entry documentation for your shipment. The word "destination" only distinguishes import side clearance from origin side export clearance in some carrier tracking systems. No action is needed. Typical duration is a few hours up to several days depending on CBP workload and whether additional review or inspection is required.

What does "customs is actively reviewing submitted documents" mean?

"Customs is actively reviewing submitted documents" means the entry filing has been accepted into the ACE portal and a CBP officer or the CBP automated risk engine is scoring the entry. It is a subset of the broader "in progress" status. Duration is typically hours to 1 business day. No action is needed unless the broker asks for supporting documentation.

What does "the shipment is declared at the customs clearance of the United States" mean?

The label appears once the CBP entry has been filed and the shipment is formally under CBP jurisdiction pending review or release. It is a filing acknowledgement, not a clearance decision. The next status will typically be "Customs Clearance In Progress" while CBP reviews or "Customs Inspection for Import" if the shipment is flagged. Duration ranges from a few hours to 1 to 2 business days.

What does "clearance processing completed" or "customs clearance complete" mean?

Both labels mean CBP has released your cargo and the delivery order has been issued. The shipment is legally authorized to leave the port or terminal and move to its final destination. The status appears once duty has been paid, the entry has been accepted, and no further inspection or documentation is outstanding.

What does "customs released" mean?

"Customs released" means CBP has cleared the cargo for onward movement. The status typically appears the moment CBP finishes review with no exam or hold, and it immediately triggers the delivery order. From this point, the shipment is out of CBP custody and moves through the carrier or trucker network to the final destination.

How much does US customs clearance cost in 2026?

US customs clearance cost is made up of five layers. Import duty depends on HTS classification and country of origin and ranges from 0 percent under Free Trade Agreements to 30 percent or higher on select categories. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is 0.3464 percent of declared value with a 2026 minimum of 32.71 USD and a maximum of 634.62 USD per entry. Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is 0.125 percent of declared value on ocean cargo only. Broker fees for a standard single entry run 100 to 250 USD. A single entry bond costs 50 to 100 USD per shipment. A continuous bond costs 400 to 600 USD per year and covers all entries. For frequent importers, ACH Direct plus a continuous bond is the lowest per shipment setup.

What are the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?

MPF is an ad valorem CBP user fee of 0.3464 percent of declared value on every formal commercial entry, with a 2026 minimum of 32.71 USD and a maximum of 634.62 USD per entry. Informal entries pay a flat MPF of 2.62, 6.52, or 11.31 USD depending on filing method. HMF is 0.125 percent of declared value on all ocean cargo entering the US through a US port, with no minimum and no cap. Air, truck, and rail imports do not pay HMF. Both fees are calculated per entry, which is why Type 03 consolidated entries reduce total MPF exposure on multi shipment days.

How long does delivery take after customs clearance?

After customs clearance is complete, delivery typically takes 1 to 3 business days for domestic trucking within 1,000 miles. Express air to final mile takes 1 to 2 business days. Cross country trucking takes 3 to 5 business days. Rail intermodal takes 3 to 7 business days. Delivery timing depends on inland distance and shipping mode, not on customs clearance itself.

What documents are needed for US customs clearance?

Standard documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), ISF 10+2 (ocean imports), CBP Form 3461 (entry), CBP Form 7501 (entry summary), Importer of Record number, and Power of Attorney authorizing the broker. Additional documents may be required for FTA claims (Certificate of Origin), food and drug imports (FDA Prior Notice), and regulated commodities. First time importers also file CBP Form 5106 (Importer ID Input Record), and any entry over 2,500 USD requires a customs bond.

How long will customs hold a package waiting for clearance?

A typical CBP hold lasts 1 to 3 business days for paperwork issues and 3 to 10 business days for physical inspection or PGA review. Missing ISF or AMS filings can extend the hold until the filing is corrected and any 5,000 USD ISF penalty is resolved. Holds for valuation, HTS classification, or importer of record issues resolve as soon as the broker supplies the requested documentation. If a hold exceeds 10 business days, CBP may send the cargo to a General Order (GO) warehouse, at which point storage and demurrage fees begin to accrue.

Conclusion

US customs clearance is a multi step CBP process with pre arrival filings, entry documentation, duty payment, and post release compliance. Understanding what each ACE portal status message means, which fees apply, and how Type 03 consolidation reduces MPF exposure is what separates a smooth clearance workflow from one that racks up penalty risk and delay.

For freight forwarders, modern software automates ISF, AMS, entry filing, and ACE portal monitoring inside one shipment record, which is where the highest error reduction and speed gains come from. Request a GoFreight demo to see the full US customs workflow inside GoNexus.

Keep Reading

• ISF (Importer Security Filing): What It Is and How It Works
• Modernized ACE Portal: What Changed in CBP's 2026 Update
• MPF Consolidation: How to Save on US Merchandise Processing Fees