US customs clearance follows 6 steps: ISF filing 24 hours before ocean loading, arrival plus AMS filing, entry filing within 15 calendar days of arrival, CBP examination decision, duty payment, and release plus delivery. The 2026 process runs on the Modernized ACE portal, is filed by a licensed customs broker under the importer of record, and is priced by three cost lines that stack on top of tariff duty: the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) at 0.3464 percent of declared value (2026 minimum 32.71 USD, maximum 634.62 USD per entry), the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) at 0.125 percent of declared value on ocean cargo only, and broker plus bond fees. Typical clearance runs 1 to 5 business days once the entry is filed, with air cargo often clearing in under 24 hours and ocean cargo held for exam or a Partner Government Agency (PGA) hold running 3 to 10 business days.
This 2026 refresh recasts the CBP process against current buyer-intent queries, adds an ACAS enhanced enforcement section for air cargo importers, breaks out entry types (Type 01, Type 03, Type 11) as a scannable table, and adds a standalone PGA screening callout on the FDA, EPA, and USDA holds that account for the majority of clearance delays beyond three business days. The status message glossary, ACE portal changes, and post-clearance delivery timing carry over from the July version and remain the operational reference.
Key Takeaways
US customs clearance is the mandatory CBP process by which imported goods are declared to US Customs and Border Protection, duties and taxes are paid, and cargo is released for onward movement in the United States. Every commercial shipment entering the US passes through customs clearance, regardless of mode (ocean, air, truck, rail) or value. In 2026, the process runs on the Modernized ACE portal, is filed by a licensed customs broker under the importer of record, and is priced by MPF, HMF (ocean only), tariff duty, broker fees, and a customs bond for entries above 2,500 USD.
The shipper sees the process as a tracking page. The forwarder or broker sees it as an entry record inside the CBP ACE portal with a filing status, a payment status, and a release status. Both views are looking at the same underlying six-step workflow described below.
Every commercial import runs through the same six-step CBP workflow in 2026. Each step maps to a filing deadline, a CBP action, and an ACE portal status message.
For ocean imports only. ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the vessel departs the origin port. Ten data elements come from the importer, two from the carrier. Late filing carries a 5,000 USD per violation penalty and can trigger a hold on arrival even when every other filing is clean. For the step-by-step 10+2 procedure, see How to File ISF Online: Step by Step 10+2 Filing Guide (2026).
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 (delivered through the ACAS pipeline described below) is due at least 4 hours before US arrival on long-haul flights and at wheels-up on short-haul flights under 4 hours. Late or missing AMS triggers holds at arrival and can delay clearance by days.
Under 19 CFR 141, the entry (CBP Form 3461) must be filed within 15 calendar days of arrival at the US port of entry. In practice, a well-run broker files the entry the same day the cargo arrives, because CBP will not release the shipment until the entry is filed and any exam or PGA hold is cleared. The entry filing includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, HTS classification, declared value, country of origin, and any required PGA data. The ACE portal status changes to "Import Customs Clearance Started" once the entry is accepted.
CBP reviews the entry against its risk profile and returns one of four outcomes:
Duty is calculated as a percentage of declared value based on Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and country of origin. CBP will not release the cargo until MPF, HMF (ocean only), tariff duty, and any PGA user fees are paid. ACH Direct is the electronic debit channel: same-day settlement, no processing fee, and the standard for high-volume importers. Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) consolidates payment into a monthly bill for importers filing more than 10 entries per month. Check payment adds one to three days.
Once duty is paid and any exam or hold is cleared, CBP issues the release and the customs broker coordinates a delivery order with the carrier. The cargo can now move from the port or terminal to the final destination. Within 10 working days of release, the broker files the entry summary (CBP Form 7501), which confirms final valuation, duty calculation, and HTS classification. 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 for at least that window. A modern customs brokerage compliance workflow keeps the ISF, AMS, entry, duty payment, and entry summary events tied to one shipment record so the audit trail is available end to end.
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. Formal entries (Type 01 and Type 03) cover shipments valued above 2,500 USD and require a customs bond. Informal entries (Type 11) cover shipments at or below 2,500 USD and use a simplified filing path.
| Entry Type | Name | Use Case | MPF Treatment | Bond Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 01 | Formal Consumption Entry | Standard commercial entry, goods above 2,500 USD | 0.3464 percent, 32.71 to 634.62 USD per entry | Yes |
| Type 03 | AD/CVD or Consolidated Entry | Antidumping or countervailing duty entries, or multi-shipment consolidation | Consolidated: MPF cap applied once across combined value | Yes |
| Type 06 | Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Entry | Goods withdrawn from a US FTZ for consumption | Applied on withdrawal at declared value | Yes |
| Type 11 | Informal Entry | Commercial or non-commercial entries at or below 2,500 USD | Flat MPF: 2.62, 6.52, or 11.31 USD depending on filing method | No |
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 can hit the 634.62 USD 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 cost is made up of tariff duty plus four fee categories. The table lines up the 2026 amount, the calculation basis, and which shipping modes pay.
| Fee | 2026 Amount | Calculation Basis | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff duty | 0 percent to 30 percent plus, category dependent | HTS classification and country of origin | All formal entries |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) | 0.3464 percent, min 32.71 USD, max 634.62 USD per entry | Declared merchandise value | All formal entries (Type 01, 03, 06) |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) | 0.125 percent, no min, no max | Declared merchandise value | Ocean cargo entering a US port only |
| Customs broker fee | 100 to 250 USD per single entry | Per entry, plus add-on fees for ISF and PGA filings | Any entry using a licensed broker |
| Single entry bond | 50 to 100 USD per shipment | Financial guarantee to CBP, single shipment | Entries above 2,500 USD, low volume importers |
| Continuous bond | 400 to 600 USD per year | Financial guarantee to CBP, all entries under the IOR | Any importer filing more than 5 entries per year |
| ISF filing (broker add-on) | 25 to 50 USD per filing | Per ISF, ocean shipments only | Ocean imports |
| PGA filing (broker add-on) | 25 to 100 USD per agency | Per PGA touched by the entry | FDA, EPA, USDA, FCC, CPSC entries |
For the deep dive on MPF and HMF calculation and the multi-shipment consolidation math that keeps MPF under the annual cap, see MPF Consolidation: How to Save on US Merchandise Processing Fees.
Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) is the CBP pre-loading data program for inbound air freight. Carriers, forwarders, freight remain-in-container operators, and express consignment carriers submit seven ACAS data elements to CBP before the aircraft is loaded at the foreign origin, so CBP can perform a risk assessment while the cargo is still on the ground. ACAS is codified at 19 CFR 122.48b and has been in force as a mandatory program since June 2018.
Through late 2025 and into 2026, CBP has been tightening enforcement on ACAS filings that arrive late, that carry incomplete data (particularly vague cargo descriptions like "consolidated freight" or "general merchandise"), or that miss the shipper or consignee identifiers. The practical implications for a US import program:
For air cargo importers, the practical takeaway is to move ACAS validation upstream in the workflow: check the commodity description, the shipper, and the consignee at booking, not at load. Forwarders running an ACAS check inside their customs management software catch a missing data element the day before departure and prompt the shipper before the DNL lands.
Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) are US federal agencies with import jurisdiction over specific commodity categories. CBP acts as the front door, but the PGA holds the release authority. When a PGA flags an entry, CBP will not release the cargo until the PGA clears its own review, and the PGA clearance window runs on top of CBP review, not in parallel.
| PGA | Commodities Covered | Typical Clearance Window | Key Filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA | Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, tobacco | 1 to 5 business days, longer on May Proceed reviews | FDA Prior Notice (food and beverage), FDA product registration |
| USDA APHIS | Plants, animals, animal products, wood packaging, seeds | 1 to 7 business days, longer on phytosanitary inspections | Phytosanitary certificate, APHIS permit |
| EPA | Pesticides, chemicals, vehicles and engines, ozone depleting substances | 2 to 10 business days depending on TSCA and FIFRA path | EPA 3540-1 (pesticides), TSCA import certification |
| FCC | Radio frequency devices, consumer electronics, wireless equipment | Same day to 2 business days on Form 740 or SDoC | FCC Form 740 or Supplier Declaration of Conformity |
| CPSC | Consumer products, children's products, toys, textiles | 1 to 3 business days on clean certificates, longer on lab review | General Certificate of Conformity (GCC), Children's Product Certificate (CPC) |
Watch out
Watch out: PGA holds are the single largest source of clearance delays beyond three business days. The fix is upstream, not at the port. Confirm PGA permits, prior notices, and certificates are in place at the booking stage, and file the PGA data at the same time as the CBP entry so the two reviews start together instead of the PGA review starting after CBP has already released.
Clearance time varies by shipping mode, entry type, and whether CBP or a PGA flags the shipment. The typical windows in 2026:
| Shipping Mode | Typical Clearance Time | With CBP Exam | With PGA Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight | Same day to 24 hours | 1 to 3 business days | 3 to 10 business days |
| Ocean FCL | 1 to 3 business days | 3 to 7 business days | 5 to 14 business days |
| Ocean LCL | 2 to 5 business days | 5 to 10 business days | 7 to 14 business days |
| Express parcel | Hours to 1 business day | 2 to 3 business days | 3 to 7 business days |
| Truck or rail (US land border) | Hours to 1 business day | 1 to 2 business days | 2 to 7 business days |
Six things slow clearance most often: documentation errors (misclassified HTS code, mismatched invoice value, missing certificate of origin), duty payment delay (check payment adds 1 to 3 days versus ACH Direct same-day), CBP exam selection under the risk profile, PGA review, first-time or non-resident importer status, and late ISF or ACAS filings.
| Document | Required For | Who Provides |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | All shipments | Seller or exporter |
| Packing List | All shipments | Shipper |
| Bill of Lading (BOL) | Ocean shipments | Ocean carrier |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | Air shipments | Airline |
| ISF 10+2 | Ocean imports | Importer or broker |
| ACAS data set | All air imports | Carrier, forwarder, or express consignment operator |
| CBP Form 3461 (Entry) | All commercial entries | Licensed broker |
| CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) | All commercial entries | Licensed broker |
| Certificate of Origin | FTA eligible shipments | Exporter |
| FDA Prior Notice | Food and drug imports | Importer |
| Importer of Record Number (IOR) | All commercial entries | Importer |
| Power of Attorney (POA) | Broker filings | Importer |
CBP holds fall into two families. Paperwork holds are usually cleared by the broker within a business day. Inspection or compliance holds involve the physical shipment or a partner agency and run longer.
Forwarders running a per-shipment audit trail on the entry filing catch most of these before they reach a hold. For the finance and compliance shape of that trail, see Freight Software Audit Trail: How Finance Traces Every Adjustment.
Duties, MPF, HMF, and PGA user fees must be paid before CBP releases the cargo. Four payment methods are supported:
Rule of thumb: if the importer will file more than five entries per year, the continuous bond is cheaper than paying single-entry bonds each time. Single entry bonds also require additional documentation with each shipment, which slows filing.
CBP updated the ACE portal in 2026 with a redesigned dashboard, revised status naming, and expanded milestone webhooks. Two implications for shippers and forwarders:
For the full breakdown of what changed 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.
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What are the 6 steps of US customs clearance in 2026?
The 6 steps are: file ISF at least 24 hours before ocean loading, complete arrival plus AMS filing (24 hours before ocean loading or 4 hours before air arrival on long-haul flights), file the CBP entry (Form 3461) within 15 calendar days of arrival, receive the CBP examination decision (release, document exam, physical exam, or PGA hold), pay duty plus MPF plus HMF, and take release plus delivery with the entry summary (Form 7501) filed within 10 working days after release.
How long does customs clearance take in the USA?
Typical clearance runs 1 to 5 business days. Air cargo often clears in under 24 hours on clean filings. Ocean FCL typically clears in 1 to 3 business days without an exam and 3 to 7 business days with a CBP exam. Ocean LCL runs 2 to 5 business days on clean filings. Any PGA hold from FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, or CPSC extends the window by 3 to 10 additional business days depending on the agency.
What is the CBP entry process for imports?
The CBP entry process is the six-step workflow that runs from ISF filing (ocean, 24 hours pre-loading) through arrival plus AMS filing, the entry (CBP Form 3461) filed within 15 calendar days of arrival, the CBP examination decision, duty payment through ACH Direct or PMS, and the release plus delivery, followed by the entry summary (CBP Form 7501) filed within 10 working days of release. Every step maps to an ACE portal status message the shipper can see on the tracking page.
What is the difference between a formal and informal customs entry?
A formal entry (Type 01, Type 03, or Type 06) is used for commercial shipments valued above 2,500 USD, requires a customs bond, and pays MPF at 0.3464 percent of declared value with a 2026 minimum of 32.71 USD and a maximum of 634.62 USD per entry. An informal entry (Type 11) is used for shipments at or below 2,500 USD, does not require a bond, and pays a flat MPF of 2.62, 6.52, or 11.31 USD depending on filing method. Type 03 also covers antidumping or countervailing duty entries and multi-shipment consolidation for MPF savings.
How much are MPF and HMF in 2026?
MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) is 0.3464 percent of the declared value on every formal entry, with a 2026 minimum of 32.71 USD per entry and a 2026 maximum of 634.62 USD per entry. HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee) is 0.125 percent of the declared value on ocean cargo entering a US port only, with no minimum and no maximum. Air, truck, and rail imports do not pay HMF. Informal entries (Type 11) pay a flat MPF of 2.62, 6.52, or 11.31 USD depending on the filing method.
What is ACAS and when does it need to be filed?
ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening) is the CBP pre-loading data program for inbound air freight, codified at 19 CFR 122.48b. Seven data elements (shipper, consignee, cargo description, quantity, weight, air waybill number, and piece count where known) must be submitted before the aircraft is loaded at the foreign origin. The filing deadline is at least 4 hours before US arrival on long-haul flights (over 4 hours flight time) or at wheels-up on short-haul flights (under 4 hours). Through late 2025 and 2026, CBP has been tightening enforcement, particularly on vague cargo descriptions and shipper or consignee identifiers, with Do Not Load messages issued when filings arrive late or incomplete.
What are PGA holds and how do they affect clearance timing?
Partner Government Agency (PGA) holds are release-blocking reviews from FDA (food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics), USDA APHIS (plants, animals, wood packaging), EPA (pesticides, chemicals, vehicles), FCC (radio frequency devices), or CPSC (consumer products, children's products). The PGA review runs on top of CBP review, not in parallel, so a PGA hold typically adds 3 to 10 business days. PGA holds are the single largest source of clearance delays beyond three business days, and the fix is upstream: confirm PGA permits, prior notices, and certificates are in place at the booking stage.
Do I need a customs broker for US imports?
Most commercial entries above 2,500 USD are filed by a licensed customs broker on behalf of the importer of record. The broker handles the CBP Form 3461 entry, the CBP Form 7501 entry summary, ISF for ocean shipments, PGA data, and the duty payment. Informal entries at or below 2,500 USD can be self-filed but most importers still use a broker for compliance protection. Broker fees typically run 100 to 250 USD per single entry, with add-on fees for ISF (25 to 50 USD) and PGA filings (25 to 100 USD per agency).
What is a customs bond and when is it required?
A customs bond is a financial guarantee to CBP that duties, taxes, and fees will be paid. 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. Bonds are required on all formal entries above 2,500 USD. Rule of thumb: if the importer will file more than five entries per year, the continuous bond is cheaper than paying single-entry bonds each time, and single-entry bonds also require additional documentation with each shipment which slows filing.
What documents are required for US customs clearance?
The required document set for a commercial entry includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), ISF 10+2 (ocean), ACAS data set (air), CBP Form 3461 entry, CBP Form 7501 entry summary, certificate of origin (for FTA eligible shipments), FDA Prior Notice (food and drug imports), importer of record number (IOR), power of attorney to the broker, and any PGA-specific certificates (phytosanitary certificate for USDA APHIS, EPA 3540-1 for pesticides, FCC Form 740, GCC or CPC for CPSC). First-time importers also submit CBP Form 5106 to register the IOR.