Why UK Customs Holds Shipments - and How to Get Released Fast
UK customs delays are almost always caused by one of five things: a vague or inconsistent goods description, suspected undervaluation, a wrong commodity code, missing licences or certificates, or random route 1 (documentary) or route 2 (physical) examination. Most holds resolve in 1-5 days once correct evidence is supplied; Carrgo handles HMRC queries directly to cut that time down.
What Carrgo handles
- Route and freight mode planning for UK importers and exporters.
- Customs readiness, documentation checks and port release support.
- Sea, air, road, rail, container and door-to-door freight options.
- Clear quote handling and monitored shipment handover.
Freight option comparison
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sea freight | Lower-cost container and bulk shipments. |
| Air freight | Urgent cargo and time-critical shipments. |
| Road freight | European pallets, groupage and full loads. |
| Customs support | Documentation, duty checks and release planning. |
What happens next?
- Send Carrgo your shipment details.
- Carrgo reviews route, freight mode and customs requirements.
- You receive clear freight quote guidance and next steps.
- We monitor the shipment and keep you updated throughout.
Freight forwarding FAQs
My container is held by customs - what do I do first?
Find out the hold reason - your agent can see the route code and any query on the CDS entry. A documentary query needs evidence (supplier invoice, payment proof, technical specs); a physical exam just needs to be scheduled. Acting within hours matters because port storage and demurrage clocks keep running during the hold.
How long do UK customs checks take?
Documentary (route 1) checks usually resolve in 1-3 working days once you supply the requested evidence. Physical examinations (route 2) depend on inspection slot availability at the port - typically 2-7 days. Border Force detentions for safety or IP concerns run longer and need formal responses.
Why does HMRC think my goods are undervalued?
HMRC benchmarks declared values against import data for the same commodity code and origin. Garments, footwear and electronics from Asia attract the most challenges. If your price is genuinely low, evidence wins: payment records, supplier contracts and price lists. Declaring a 'customs value' lower than what you actually paid is the costliest mistake an importer can make.
Who pays the storage costs during a customs hold?
The importer - port storage, quay rent and container demurrage all accrue to the cargo owner regardless of why customs held it. This is why pre-lodged, accurate declarations are worth more than any freight rate discount: a single week of holds at a deep-sea terminal can cost more than the ocean freight.