Blog

If you’re importing into the United States, few phrases create more stress than “CBP hold.” So what’s the CBP hold meaning in practical terms—and what should you do when it happens?

A CBP hold means U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has temporarily stopped your shipment from being released so they can review something about the cargo, documentation, compliance, or security. A hold can be routine, risk-based, or triggered by missing/incorrect details. The good news: most holds are resolvable—especially when you have an experienced freight forwarder coordinating the next steps.

Below is an in-depth, freight-forwarder-focused breakdown of what a CBP hold means, the most common causes, how the process works, and how to minimize delays and extra fees.

FAQ: CBP Hold Meaning (Quick Answers)

Is a CBP hold the same as a seizure?
No. A hold is a temporary pause for review. A seizure is a legal enforcement action.

Can my shipment move while on CBP hold?
Typically, no—CBP must release it before it can be delivered.

Will a CBP hold always require an exam?
No. Many are cleared with documentation or data corrections only.

Who should I contact first?
Your freight forwarder/customs broker—so they can identify the hold type and respond properly

What Does “CBP Hold” Mean in Shipping?

In freight forwarding, the CBP hold meaning is straightforward:

• Your shipment has arrived (or is in-transit to a U.S. port/airport)
• An entry has been filed (or is in progress)
• CBP flags the shipment for review and withholds release
• The shipment can’t move to final delivery until CBP clears it (and any other involved agencies)

A hold is not automatically a “problem shipment.” Many holds are triggered by normal risk screening, random selection, or small paperwork inconsistencies. But a hold does create two immediate risks:

1. Time risk: delays to delivery timelines
2. Cost risk: storage, demurrage, detention, exams, and labor fees

CBP Hold vs. CBP Exam: What’s the Difference?

People often use these interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

• CBP Hold: CBP pauses release while they review information or decide what action is needed.
• CBP Exam: CBP (or the port/CFS) physically inspects the cargo in some way.

A hold may be resolved with no physical exam (e.g., you submit a missing document). Or the hold may escalate into an exam if CBP needs to verify details.

Common Reasons for a CBP Hold (Freight Forwarding Reality Check)

Here are the most frequent triggers freight forwarders see—organized by what CBP is typically trying to confirm:

1) Documentation Errors or Missing Data

CBP relies on clean, consistent information. Holds are common when:

• Commercial invoice doesn’t match the packing list
• Consignee/shipper details are inconsistent
• Values look incomplete or unusual
• Country of origin is unclear
• Required statements/certifications are missing

2) HTS Classification and Duty Concerns

CBP may hold a shipment when:

• The HTS code looks questionable for the product description
• Duties seem underpaid or miscalculated
• Similar past shipments were classified differently
• There’s a risk of anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD)

3) PGA Holds (Other Government Agencies)

Even if CBP is ready, a shipment can be held due to Partner Government Agencies, such as:

• FDA (food, beverages, cosmetics, medical items)
• USDA (ag products, wood packaging)
• FCC (electronics with radio components)
• EPA (chemicals, vehicles/engines)
• CPSC (consumer product safety)

Freight forwarders treat these as “CBP-adjacent” holds because they still block release.

4) Security Screening and Targeting

CBP runs targeting systems that evaluate:

• Origin, routing, and transshipment patterns
• Shipper/consignee history
• Commodity risk profiles
• Unusual packaging or weights
• Random selection

5) ISF (“10+2”) Issues for Ocean Freight

For ocean imports, inaccurate or late ISF filing can increase the chance of a hold and can also lead to penalties. Even when filed, mismatches (container, supplier, consignee, manufacturer, etc.) can trigger extra scrutiny.

6) Intellectual Property / Brand Protection Concerns

If the goods resemble branded items or fall into categories with high counterfeit activity, CBP may hold the shipment for verification.

What Happens During a CBP Hold? Step-by-Step

While every port and case differs, the typical workflow looks like this:

Step 1: Hold Notification

Your broker/forwarder sees a status update (or receives a message) indicating the shipment is on hold. At this point, the priority is identifying the hold type and the exact request.

Step 2: Determine the Hold Category

Common categories include:

• Document review (CBP needs more info)
• Intensive/physical exam (CBP wants to inspect cargo)
• PGA review (another agency needs to clear)
• Compliance review (classification/value/origin concerns)

Step 3: Respond With the Right Documentation (Fast)

Speed matters because port fees can start stacking up. Typical requests may include:

• Corrected commercial invoice/packing list
• Manufacturer details and origin support
• Product specs, photos, brochures, or MSDS/SDS
• Purchase order, proof of payment, or valuation support
• HTS classification rationale

Step 4: If an Exam Is Ordered, Coordinate the Exam Process

If CBP orders an exam, your forwarder/broker coordinates with the terminal/CFS to:

• Move the container/cargo to an exam site (if required)
• Schedule exam availability
• Ensure paperwork is in place
• Manage re-stuffing/re-sealing steps if cargo is opened

Step 5: Release and Delivery

Once CBP (and any PGAs) clears the shipment, it returns to the normal delivery flow.

How Long Does a CBP Hold Take?

There’s no universal timeline, but here’s a realistic freight-forwarding view:

• Simple document holds: often cleared in 1–3 business days after correct documents are submitted
• PGA reviews: can take several days to multiple weeks depending on product type and agency workload
• Physical exams: can add several days to 2+ weeks, depending on port congestion, exam site scheduling, and complexity

Your biggest lever is how quickly and accurately you respond—and whether your entry data was clean from the start.

The True Cost of a CBP Hold (And Why Importers Get Surprised)

Even if CBP doesn’t charge you directly for the hold, delays can trigger real costs such as:

• Demurrage: container stays too long at the terminal
• Detention: container stays too long outside the terminal
• Storage: cargo sits at a CFS or exam site
• Exam fees: moving, handling, unloading, inspection support, reloading
• Drayage delays: missed appointments, re-dispatch fees
• Downstream impacts: missed production deadlines, stockouts, unhappy customers

Freight forwarders focus on containment: identify the hold type immediately, submit correct docs, and manage port timelines to reduce fee exposure.

How to Avoid a CBP Hold (Or Reduce the Odds)

You can’t eliminate holds entirely—CBP does random and risk-based screening—but you can dramatically reduce preventable triggers:

1) Nail Your Commercial Invoice

Your invoice should clearly include:

• Accurate product descriptions (not vague)
• Country of origin by item (when applicable)
• Correct quantities and unit values
• Currency, incoterms, and total invoice value
• Seller and buyer details that match other documents

2) Use Correct HTS Classification

Misclassification is one of the biggest sources of delays and duty exposure. Work with your broker/forwarder to confirm HTS codes and document the rationale for higher-risk commodities.

3) Keep Consistency Across All Documents

CBP systems notice mismatches. Ensure the same:

• Consignee name/address
• Shipper details
• Product descriptions
• Weights and quantities

4) Prepare PGA Requirements Before Shipping

If your product touches FDA/USDA/FCC/EPA, plan compliance before the cargo departs. That’s where experienced forwarders save you the most time.

5) File ISF Correctly and On Time (Ocean)

Treat ISF as mission-critical. A clean ISF reduces preventable scrutiny and helps avoid penalties.

What a Freight Forwarder Does During a CBP Hold

A strong freight forwarder (working with the customs broker) becomes your “control tower” during the hold by:

• Diagnosing why the hold happened and what CBP needs
• Coordinating document corrections fast (invoice, packing list, HTS support)
• Managing communication between importer, shipper, broker, terminal, and carriers
• Advising on fee risk (demurrage/detention/storage) and how to reduce it
• Coordinating exams, drayage, and re-delivery schedules
• Helping you build better processes to reduce future holds.

Need Help With a CBP Hold? Baum Shipping Can Help.

If your shipment is stuck and you need clarity fast, Baum Shipping can help you understand CBP hold meaning, identify what CBP is requesting, and coordinate the next steps to get your freight released with as little delay and cost as possible.

Contact Baum Shipping today to support your imports with customs coordination, documentation guidance, and end-to-end freight forwarding that keeps your supply chain moving.