Clearance Process — Step by Step
Pre-Arrival Manifest Submission
T-24 hours before arrivalImporter of record or licensed customs broker submits Importer Security Filing (ISF) via ACE portal. All 10+2 data elements must be complete.
Automated Targeting System Review
T-2 to T-4 hours after submissionThe Automated Targeting System (ATS) assigns a risk score to each shipment. High-risk designations trigger mandatory physical exam. Low-risk may receive green-lane release.
Document Review at Port of Entry
1–3 hours after vessel arrivalCBP officers review entry package. Entry summary, packing list, and certificate of origin are cross-referenced against manifest data.
Physical Examination (if selected)
4–12 hours after arrivalSelected shipments undergo non-intrusive inspection (NII) via X-ray or physical devanning. Importer responsible for exam costs and container repositioning fees.
Release / Hold Decision
Same day or next business dayCargo cleared for release receives CF-3461 stamped "Released." Holds are issued with specific hold codes. Each code maps to a distinct agency action.
Hold Code Reference
Received a hold notice? Each code maps to a specific agency and required action.
Clearance Window
* Based on Q4 2025 terminal averages
Shipment under review?
Enter your CBP entry number to see real-time status and next required action.
USCG Safety Bulletin — February 2026
All vessels arriving from designated high-risk ports are subject to enhanced boarding inspection. NOA must include full crew biometric data. View full bulletin →
Vessel Entry & Clearance Process
Pre-Arrival Notice of Arrival (NOA)
96 hours before arrival (international) / 24 hours (domestic)Vessel agent or master submits NOA via the National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC). Includes vessel particulars, crew list, last 10 ports of call, and cargo manifest summary.
CBP Form 1300 — Vessel Entrance
24 hours before arrivalMaster files formal vessel entrance. Declaration of health, stores, crew effects, and passenger list submitted electronically. No vessel may dock until Form 1300 is acknowledged.
Boarding Party Inspection
0–2 hours after arrival at anchorageUSCG and CBP boarding party conducts document verification, vessel safety inspection, and crew credential check. Vessel remains at anchorage until clearance is granted.
Port Entry Authorization
2–6 hours after arrivalUpon satisfactory inspection, CBP issues clearance stamp on Form 1300. Terminal operator is notified. Vessel may proceed to assigned berth under VTS guidance.
Departure Clearance — CF-1301
2–4 hours before departureAgent files CF-1301 Vessel Clearance for departure. Updated crew and passenger lists required. Any crew changes since arrival must be declared. Stowaways must be reported.
Key Filing Points
Terminal Berth Status
Track your vessel
Enter IMO number or voyage reference for real-time port status.
Status Definitions — Plain Language
Click any status to see exactly what it means, what triggered it, and what you need to do next. These are the same status codes that appear in your ACE portal.
Compliance Programs & Services
HTS Classification Review
Request a binding tariff classification ruling for your product before importation.
CTPAT Enrollment
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism — reduces exam rates and expedites processing.
Duty Drawback Filing
Recover duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed.
Prior Disclosure
Voluntarily disclose past compliance violations to significantly reduce penalty exposure.
Not sure which compliance path applies?
Our compliance specialists review your entry type, commodity, and origin country to identify the correct filing path — before you submit.
Entry Process
Document Presentation at Primary Inspection
On arrivalPresent valid passport, visa (if required), and customs declaration form (CBP Form 6059B). Officer verifies identity against biometric database.
Primary Inspection Decision
2–5 minutesOfficer either admits the traveler or refers to secondary inspection. Referral to secondary does not indicate a violation — it may be for additional document review or random sampling.
Secondary Inspection (if referred)
15–90 minutesMore detailed review of travel documents, purpose of visit, and goods being imported. Baggage may be searched. Officers may ask about currency, goods value, and agricultural items.
Customs Declaration Processing
5–15 minutesGoods declared on Form 6059B are assessed for duty. Personal exemptions apply: $800 USD for US residents returning from abroad. Prohibited items are seized.
Personal Exemptions (2026)
Commonly Prohibited Items
TWIC Enrollment Process
TWIC Application Submission
Day 0Submit online application via TSA enrollment center. Background check initiated. Valid government ID and proof of eligibility required at in-person enrollment.
Background Investigation
7–14 business daysTSA conducts criminal history, immigration, and terrorism database checks. Applicants with disqualifying offenses are notified with appeal rights.
Card Issuance & Activation
2–3 days after approvalTWIC card mailed to applicant. Card must be activated online before first use. Card is valid for 5 years from issuance date.
Other Port Credentials
Verify existing credential
Enter credential ID to check validity, expiration, and endorsement status.
Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels
Normal operations. Minimum security measures in effect at all times.
Elevated threat. Additional security measures in effect for a period of time.
Exceptional threat. Specific or imminent incident. Highly restricted operations.
Incident Type Reference
Manifest Discrepancy
Quantity, weight, or description mismatch between manifest and physical cargo.
Contraband Discovery
Discovery of prohibited, controlled, or undeclared substances, weapons, or counterfeit goods.
Safety Incident
Injury, equipment failure, spill, or hazardous materials release within port perimeter.
Security Breach
Unauthorized access to restricted areas, perimeter breach, or suspicious activity report.
Stowaway Discovery
Discovery of undocumented persons aboard vessel or within cargo containers.
Environmental Incident
Oil spill, illegal discharge, or pollution event within port waters.