Shipments are held at the border more often than you would expect.
When a shipment is placed on hold, it can add storage costs, disrupt plans, and require your team to spend significant time on follow-ups to get the shipment moving again.
The best way to reduce holds is to understand what triggers them and to build simple checks into your shipping process before the goods leave their origin.
In this article, we break down four common reasons why shipments are held at the border, and what you can do to reduce delays and keep your supply chain moving.
One of the most common reasons shipments are held at the border is incomplete or inaccurate customs documentation.
The CBSA uses your paperwork to confirm what the goods are, how they should be classified, and whether the shipment can be released without further review. Your commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list should match on key details, including product description, quantities, weights, and units.
Tariff classification codes (HS codes) are another frequent trigger. If the code doesn’t match the product description, or the goods are classified under the wrong heading, the CBSA may hold the shipment to confirm the correct classification.
To reduce this risk, align your documents before departure and validate HS codes against the actual product details.
Some shipments are held at the border because the goods are regulated and the required approvals aren’t in place when they arrive.
Depending on what you’re importing, you may need permits, licences, certificates, or prior notifications from agencies other than the CBSA. This often applies to goods regulated by other government departments (OGDs).
If these requirements apply and you can’t provide the required documentation, the CBSA may hold the shipment while permits are validated or more information is requested.
To reduce this risk, confirm whether your goods are regulated and what approvals apply before you ship.
Shipments are held at the border when the declared value doesn’t make sense for the goods being imported.
This can happen because of supplier errors, incomplete paperwork, or an invoice that doesn’t reflect the full transaction.
If a value appears unusually low or doesn’t align with the rest of the shipment details, it may trigger a hold while the agency requests supporting documents and clarification.
The consequences can go beyond delays. If the CBSA determines the value was misdeclared, you could face reassessments or AMPS penalties.
To reduce this risk, make sure your declared value reflects the full transaction and keep supporting documentation ready in case the CBSA requests it.
Sometimes shipments are held at the border for reasons that have nothing to do with an error.
The CBSA may select a shipment for an examination or security screening based on targeting criteria, risk indicators, or random selection.
You can’t prevent every exam, but you can shorten the duration of a hold. Clear documentation, justifiable classifications and values, and fast responses to CBSA requests can help speed the process.
It also helps to work with a licensed customs broker who can flag issues early and help you if your freight is selected for review.
At Cole International, we offer freight forwarding services to help Canadian businesses reduce border delays, keep shipments moving, and stay compliant with all requirements.
Our team can work with you to:
We don’t believe in guesswork. We get it right the first time.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to identify where holds are most likely to happen and discuss how to reduce them.