Shipping to the USA in 2025? Read This Before You Send to Avoid Customs Holds and Delays

You’re shipping to the USA, but your parcel gets stuck at customs again. The reason is usually incomplete paperwork or missing invoice details. In 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced tighter rules that can delay or return shipments if details are missing. 

These new requirements affect all Australian businesses exporting to the U.S., from small e-commerce sellers to large freight shippers. This guide explains what changed, what shipments get held, and how you can prepare compliant paperwork to keep your shipments moving.

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What’s Changed for U.S. Shipments in 2025

U.S. import regulations have tightened significantly in 2025. Customs officers now check invoices line by line, even for small parcels. The average customs clearance time for imports is one to three business days.

Every parcel shipped to the U.S. must now be treated as a formal export entry, regardless of size or value. Each field on your commercial invoice matters, and even one missing detail can stop your goods at the border.

Key changes for 2025 shipments include:

• Stricter documentation and invoice standards for all U.S. imports.
• Missing or vague product descriptions now trigger automatic reviews.
• Every shipment must include the country of origin, Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, and Importer Identification Number (ID).
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–regulated products, such as food, cosmetics, and medical goods require prior filings, English labels, and manufacturer details.
• Metal products (steel, aluminium, copper) must list production details, content, and origin data.
• Missing shipper or receiver contact details can cause clearance delays.
• Duties and taxes must be paid before release.
• The de minimis threshold remains at USD $800 per shipment. Parcels under that value may still qualify for duty-free entry if compliant.

Before booking your next U.S. shipment, double-check that every document is complete and compliant. Couriers & Freight helps Australian businesses prepare accurate invoices, meet U.S. import rules, and ship to America with fewer delays.

6 Common Reasons Shipments to the U.S. Get Held

Recent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data shows that most U.S. clearance delays stem from these six recurring issues.

1. Missing Commercial Invoice

Every package shipped to the U.S. must include a complete electronic commercial invoice. Without it, CBP can’t confirm the shipment’s contents or value.

Example: An online retailer sent ten parcels without invoices; all were held for verification and returned after a week.

2. Invalid Product Description

Vague descriptions like “clothes” or “electronics” no longer pass customs checks. Officers need exact item details.

Example: “Men’s cotton shirt, size L” cleared instantly, while “apparel” was flagged for review.

3. Incomplete Invoice Fields

The commercial invoice must show the Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, country of origin, and importer identification number. Missing any of these details leads to a hold.

Example: A skincare order without an HTS code and origin country sat in customs for four days.

4. Missing Contact Details

Customs needs both the shipper's and receiver's phone numbers and email addresses to resolve issues quickly.

Example: A shipment to New York was delayed three days because customs couldn’t contact the buyer for importer ID confirmation.

5. Unpaid Duties and Taxes

When duties remain unpaid, Customs blocks release until payment is confirmed.

Example: A parcel worth USD 1,200 was held after the recipient failed to pay duties within 48 hours.

6. Restricted or Prohibited Goods

Shipments containing food, cosmetics, or supplements require FDA clearance before release.

Example: A snack box without a Prior Notice filing was refused entry and destroyed.

Each issue comes down to the same root cause: incomplete or missing information. Understanding these rules helps anyone shipping from Australia to the USA avoid costly customs holds.

Extra Steps for Specific Goods

Some product categories now face stricter documentation requirements under updated U.S. customs laws. If your goods fall into these categories, additional paperwork and declarations are required to avoid delays.

Steel, Aluminium, and Copper Products

Shipments containing metal items or packaging must include detailed production data. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis system, you must list:

1. The country of melt and pour for steel.
2. The country with the most recent cast for aluminium.
3. The total metal content value and weight for copper and other mixed metals

Example

A Melbourne exporter of steel fittings included “Country of melt and pour: Australia” on each invoice and cleared customs without delay.

Food and Beverages (FDA-Regulated)

For any food, beverage, or pet product, exporters must file a Prior Notice (PNSI) through the FDA before shipment. The invoice must include:

1. The manufacturer’s name and address.
2. The country of manufacture.
3. A full product description in English.
4. The PNSI number, either in the invoice reference field or attached as a document.

Example

A coffee roaster added its PNSI number to the invoice and avoided a seven-day clearance delay at the port of Los Angeles.

Cosmetics and Medical Devices

Cosmetic and medical items require the manufacturer’s FDA registration number and product code. Third-party shippers of branded goods must attach an authorisation letter from the brand owner. Certain goods, such as sunglasses or contact lenses, require a Drop Ball or Impact Resistance Certificate.

Example

A Sydney beauty company listed the manufacturer’s FDA code and cleared its skincare batch without issue.

Following these extra steps helps prevent delays and ensures your paperwork meets all 2025 customs requirements. Once these details are covered, the next step is preparing a compliant commercial invoice.

How to Prepare a Compliant Commercial Invoice

Your commercial invoice is the key document customs officers use to verify your shipment’s contents, value, and origin. A precise, well-prepared invoice helps prevent errors that stall your goods at the U.S. border and speeds up clearance.

Treat this document as both a customs declaration and a legal record of your transaction. Double-check every field before dispatch to avoid unnecessary holds or rejections.

Use this checklist to ensure your documents meet current U.S. customs standards:

• Include complete shipper and receiver details with phone and email.
• Write full, specific item descriptions.
• List the quantity, unit value, and total declared value of each item.
• Identify the country of origin for every item.
• Include the 10-digit Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.
• Provide the importer’s tax ID (Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number).
• State the currency, Incoterms, and reason for export (sale, repair, gift).
• Always submit invoices electronically and store digital copies for recordkeeping and audit purposes.

A well-prepared invoice not only helps customs verify your shipment faster but also reduces the risk of additional inspections or returns.

How Couriers & Freight Helps You Ship to the USA Smoothly

Once your commercial invoices are accurate and digitally submitted, the next step is making sure every shipment detail is checked before dispatch.

Every day a shipment sits in customs costs you money. Before using Couriers & Freight, many Australian exporters handled manual paperwork and spent hours fixing clearance issues. Now, with digital tools and automatic checks, they can prepare and send U.S.-bound freight with confidence.

Here’s how Couriers & Freight helps:

• Real-time invoice validation: Instantly detects missing data before your shipment leaves the warehouse.
• Centralised documentation: Stores invoices, labels, and customs details securely in one dashboard.
• FDA and product compliance support: Guidance for food, cosmetics, and medical shipments needing extra filings.
• Multi-carrier booking options: Connect with leading carriers for air and ocean freight to the U.S.
• Expert freight assistance: Access a support team familiar with international paperwork and customs requirements.

Before you book your next U.S. shipment, make sure your documentation is complete and compliant. Get a quote with Couriers & Freight to avoid unnecessary delays and deliver your goods on time.

Ship to the U.S. Without Delays

Avoid customs holds and shipment disruptions. Send compliant, on-time deliveries with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now