HOW LONG DOES CUSTOMS HOLD GOODS?

Nowadays, both individuals and businesses frequently face situations where their goods are held by customs. This issue can disrupt business and import-export plans. The key question is: what should you do when your shipment is detained? Smart Link shares insights on how to handle such situations and provides detailed information on how long does customs hold goods, helping you streamline trade with important partners.

1. How Long Does Customs Hold Goods?

According to Official Letter No. 19046/BTC-TCHQ guiding the implementation of the 2014 Customs Law issued by the Ministry of Finance:

• Time for customs document inspection: No more than 2 hours from the time customs authorities receive all required documents.
• Time for physical inspection of goods: No more than 8 hours from the time the declarant presents all goods.
• For goods requiring specialized inspection, the timeframe starts once the specialized inspection results are received as per regulations.

For large or complex shipments, the customs department head may extend the timeframe, but it should not exceed 2 days.

It’s important to note that the law does not specify the duration for which goods may be held, but only outlines the timeframe for completing inspections. Customs authorities may hold goods in cases of violations related to illegal transportation.

Thus, the answer to the question about how long customs holds goods is that there are no specific legal provisions on the duration of holding goods. Customs only detains shipments in cases involving violations of transportation laws.

The General Department of Customs has implemented plans to enhance the collection and exchange of customs control information across sectors to improve effectiveness and support.

2. What Should You Do When Customs Holds Your Goods?

Intellectual property violations often involve counterfeit or low-quality goods copied from well-known global brands. In such cases, if customs inspects your goods, they are likely to be detained. Failure to address this properly can lead to legal complications. To avoid such scenarios, ensure all documents and invoices for high-value imported goods are thoroughly checked and prepared in advance.

Delays in customs processing are common when shipments are held due to inefficiencies in handling by customs authorities. However, there’s no need to overly worry in such cases. Delays in customs clearance may partly stem from the large volume of shipments arriving simultaneously, making it challenging for customs officers to process efficiently.

Providing incorrect information or undervaluing large shipments to evade taxes can result in higher penalties. Many people tend to understate values and details, but such shipments are certain to be detained during customs inspections. For high-value goods, buyers must provide additional documentation and invoices to verify the legality of the shipment.

If customs processing is delayed, you may need to wait a few days. However, in cases of violations, customs will issue specific notifications through official documents.

We hope the information provided by Smart Link Logistics helps readers and our valued customers understand the basics about how long customs may hold goods and what actions to take when faced with such situations. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Smart Link Logistics for professional advice and effective solution.