Top 7 Common Mistakes in Customs Clearance and How to Avoid Them
Top 7 Common Mistakes in Customs Clearance and How to Avoid Them
- ULS Freight
Customs Clearance: Where Speed Meets Risk
When it comes to cross-border freight, customs clearance can either be a smooth checkpoint or a major roadblock. A small oversight, like a missing form or incorrect code, can turn into days of delay, penalties, or even lost customers. In the world of shipping, time is money, and the customs process is often the hidden bottleneck.
At ULS Freight, we’ve seen the real-world cost of clearance missteps. That’s why we help businesses move smarter, not slower. With the right partner and preparation, avoiding customs chaos is not only possible, it’s profitable.
Let’s break down the top 7 customs clearance mistakes we see far too often, and how your business can steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Customs authorities demand documentation perfection. One missing or incorrect detail on a Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading (BOL), or Certificate of Origin (CO) can result in costly delays or refusals at the border.
This issue tops the list because it’s so common and so preventable. Businesses often underestimate how strict documentation rules can be across borders.
ULS Freight simplifies this process by offering proactive documentation checks. Our compliance experts review and verify every document before your shipment leaves the dock, reducing the risk of costly clerical errors.
Mistake #2: Misclassified Goods (HS Code Errors)
Every product that crosses an international border needs an HS (Harmonized System) code a global standard used to classify traded goods. However, many businesses choose the wrong code or make assumptions based on outdated data.
What happens when goods are misclassified? You could be paying the wrong duty rate or violating import regulations, leading to audits or shipment rejections.
ULS Freight offers HS code support and access to tools that automatically suggest accurate classifications based on your product specs. Our specialists ensure your cargo is coded correctly every time.
Mistake #3: Undervaluing Shipments
Tempted to reduce declared values to save on duties? Think again. Customs authorities are vigilant and they don’t take lightly to undervaluation.
Filing undervalued invoices can trigger red flags, leading to fines, shipment seizures, or back-duty audits. It’s a short-term gain with long-term pain.
ULS Freight educates shippers on customs valuation rules and ensures all invoices reflect accurate, auditable market values. Transparency isn’t just ethical, it’s smart logistics.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Country-Specific Rules
Every country has unique customs laws, forms, and trade agreements. For example, USMCA (formerly NAFTA) requires specific declarations for duty-free treatment between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Shippers who use generic clearance approaches risk falling foul of local compliance standards. What works in one country might get flagged in another.
ULS Freight brings deep knowledge of global customs procedures. Whether it’s USMCA certifications, tariff quotas, or region-specific labelling requirements, we ensure your shipments follow the rules to the letter.
Mistake #5: Missing PGA Requirements
In many cases, clearing customs involves more than just one agency. For example:
- The FDA inspects imported food and drugs in the U.S.
- The CFIA oversees food safety in Canada.
- The EPA checks for environmental compliance on chemical shipments.
These are called Participating Government Agencies (PGAs), and if you miss their approvals, your cargo could be detained indefinitely.
ULS Freight coordinates all necessary permits and certifications ahead of time. We know which goods trigger PGA scrutiny and how to secure the green light before you hit the border.
Mistake #6: Poor Communication with Brokers or Carriers
Blockchain is more than a buzzword; it’s a revolution quietly transforming the freight industry. By enhancing security through immutable records and real-time tracking, and by offering unprecedented transparency to all stakeholders, blockchain is setting new standards for how goods move across the world. As companies face mounting pressures to deliver faster, more securely, and with greater visibility, those that adopt blockchain today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
It’s time to embrace the future. Start by exploring blockchain’s potential for your operations and partner with experts like ULS Freight to ensure your freight is secure, transparent, and ready for what’s next.
Mistake #7: Not Using Pre-Clearance or Advance Filings
Why wait in line at the border when you can get a fast pass? Technologies like ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) in the U.S., ACI (Advanced Commercial Information) in Canada, and eManifest platforms are designed for speed.
But too many businesses skip these steps or don’t even know they exist.
ULS Freight specializes in pre-clearance filings. We help you submit documents in advance so that when your shipment arrives, the heavy lifting is already done. It’s a smarter, faster way to cross borders, especially for time-sensitive freight.
Conclusion: Avoid Mistakes. Clear Faster with Confidence.
Customs clearance can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be painful. When you know what to look out for—and you have the right logistics partner mistakes turn into opportunities for smoother, faster, and more reliable cross-border trade.
ULS Freight is your full-service customs partner, offering documentation support, regulatory insight, and seamless communication across your supply chain. Our job is to make your job easier by helping you clear borders without the drama. Avoid delays. Let ULS Freight clear your freight with confidence.
About ULS Freight
We are Road freight forwarder based in Canada, and offering our road freight services all across the USA, Canada, and Mexico for the last 10 years.
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