When the documents are correct and filed in advance, and the shipment is not picked for examination, agri imports often clear within a few days of the vessel's arrival at EU and US ports. A document query, physical check or lab sampling can stretch that to one or several weeks.
Clearance starts before the ship arrives, so the work done in the weeks before matters most. Times vary by country, port, product and season, so treat these as rough expectations and ask your customs broker for current times at your port.
What happens before arrival
- EU: safety and security data is filed in advance under the Import Control System (ICS2). Your broker prepares the import declaration. Certain foods from certain origins may also need a pre-notification and checks at a border control post.
- US: an Importer Security Filing, often called 10+2, is due before the cargo is loaded on the vessel. FDA Prior Notice must be filed before food arrives, and the foreign food facility must be registered with FDA.
- UK: your broker files the customs declaration, and some food imports need a pre-notification on the UK import system.
What can slow clearance
- Wrong or inconsistent documents, such as different weights on the invoice and packing list.
- An HS code that does not fit the product description.
- Missing certificates, such as a phytosanitary or health certificate where required.
- Selection for a physical or documentary check by customs or the food authority.
- Sampling for pesticide residues, aflatoxin, ETO or Salmonella, with release only after results.
- A product or origin under stricter official controls, which can change over time.
- Port congestion and holidays at destination.
Spices and herbs in particular
Spices and herbs from India have been subject to increased checks in the EU at times, notably after the ETO findings from 2020, and US FDA can detain food under import alerts. The current position changes, so ask your broker or check with your national food authority before each new product. Our guide on what happens if a shipment is detained at EU or US customs covers the next steps.
How to keep it short
- Appoint your customs broker before shipment and send them draft documents.
- Confirm the HS code early, as explained in how to find the right HS code.
- Get the original bill of lading or a telex release before the vessel arrives.
- Hold a pre-shipment lab report from an accredited lab, in case the authority asks.
How we help
We check that the supplier's invoice, packing list and certificates agree with each other before shipment, and we share the pre-shipment lab report from a NABL-accredited lab with you and your broker. That removes many of the causes of delay. Ask for a free sourcing review.