Common Reasons Shipments Are Held at Canadian Customs
When commercial shipments are delayed at the Canadian border, the cause is typically related to documentation or compliance issues rather than border congestion. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reviews declared import information to ensure goods meet Canadian customs and regulatory requirements before release.
Understanding the most common reasons shipments are held at Canadian customs helps importers reduce delays, avoid reassessments, and maintain consistent cross-border operations.
How CBSA Determines Whether a Shipment Is Released or Held
After import data is transmitted electronically, CBSA systems conduct a risk assessment to determine whether goods may be released immediately or referred for further review. Holds are typically triggered by inconsistencies, missing information, or regulatory indicators within the declaration.
If concerns are identified, CBSA may request clarification, require additional documentation, or refer the shipment for physical examination before authorizing release.
Most Common Reasons Shipments Are Held at Canadian Customs
1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Commercial Invoices
Commercial invoices must clearly describe goods, include accurate values, identify the importer of record, and provide country of origin details. Vague descriptions such as “parts” or “samples” frequently trigger review.
Incomplete documentation slows release because CBSA cannot validate tariff classification, valuation, or regulatory requirements without sufficient detail.
2. Incorrect Tariff Classification
Tariff classification errors are one of the most common causes of customs holds. If the declared Harmonized System (HS) code does not align with the product description, CBSA may refer the shipment for clarification or inspection.
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Misclassification can affect duty rates, regulatory controls, and admissibility requirements. Inconsistent classification patterns may also increase audit risk.
3. Undervalued or Questionable Declared Value
Declared values must reflect the transaction value in accordance with Canadian customs valuation rules. If CBSA determines that goods appear undervalued compared to historical patterns or industry benchmarks, additional documentation may be requested.
4. Missing Permits or Regulatory Approvals
Certain goods require permits, certificates, or additional regulatory clearance from partner government agencies. If required documentation is missing at the time of submission, the shipment may be held.
Examples may include food products, medical devices, agricultural goods, or controlled commercial items.
5. Importer Account or CARM Issues
Under Canada’s CARM framework, importers must maintain proper account registration and financial security. If an importer’s account is inactive, improperly structured, or lacks required security coverage, release delays may occur.
​6. First-Time Importer or New Product Activity
CBSA may review shipments more closely when an importer is new, importing a new product category, or changing declared patterns. Risk systems evaluate historical trends, and deviations can trigger inspection or documentation review.
7. Data Inconsistencies Between Carrier and Customs Declarations
Information submitted by the carrier must align with customs declaration data. Discrepancies in quantities, weights, or shipment details can cause system flags that delay release.
Physical Examinations and Documentation Reviews
Not all holds result in physical inspections. In many cases, CBSA simply requests clarification or additional documentation. However, shipments may be referred for physical examination if officers need to verify product description, classification, origin, or admissibility.
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Physical examinations may result in storage costs, terminal fees, or carrier delays, depending on how long the shipment remains under review.
How to Reduce the Risk of Customs Holds
While some reviews are unavoidable, most customs holds can be minimized through structured compliance practices.
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• Provide detailed commercial invoices
• Confirm accurate tariff classification
• Validate declared values before submission
• Ensure required permits are secured in advance
• Maintain active CARM registration and security
• Align carrier and customs data
The Role of a Licensed Customs Broker in Preventing Delays
Licensed customs brokers review shipment documentation before electronic submission to CBSA, validate tariff classifications, confirm valuation accuracy, and identify potential regulatory requirements.
Structured pre-submission review significantly reduces release referrals, examination frequency, and post-release correction exposure.
Related Customs Resources
For further guidance on customs brokerage and clearance in Canada, review the following resources:
Need Support With a Shipment on Hold?
Garden City Customs Services Inc. supports commercial importers across Canada with structured customs brokerage and compliance review. Our licensed team works directly with CBSA to address documentation gaps, clarify declarations, and support release resolution while maintaining long-term compliance integrity.