When Ron’s shipment of printed T-shirts arrived in Los Angeles, he didn’t expect a two-week customs delay. The problem? Missing fiber content declaration and inaccurate HS codes. It cost him storage fees, missed shelf dates, and a buyer relationship. Since then, we’ve helped him—and many like him—bulletproof their documentation and avoid future holds.
To avoid customs holds on textile and apparel shipments, you need accurate documentation, correct HS codes, compliance certifications, and proactive coordination with your factory and freight forwarder. Prevention begins before production ends.
This article will help you navigate the most common customs hold triggers and how to prevent them, especially for U.S. and European shipments. Whether you're shipping T-shirts, outerwear, or mixed cotton-synthetic goods—this checklist is your customs survival guide.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Apparel Customs Holds?
Most apparel shipment delays are caused by documentation inconsistencies. Customs officers are trained to spot red flags in value, labeling, origin, and safety—especially for high-volume or high-risk categories like children’s wear or blended fabrics.
The top reasons for apparel customs holds include: inaccurate HS codes, missing fiber composition data, undervalued invoices, improper country-of-origin labeling, and non-compliance with trade agreements or safety standards.
We advise all our clients to use a compliance checklist before shipping, especially for seasonal drops when time is tight.
Why Are HS Codes So Critical?
Harmonized System (HS) codes determine duties and regulatory treatment. Even a small misclassification (like listing a hoodie as a T-shirt) can trigger suspicion. Learn more via the U.S. International Trade Commission database.
For example, cotton T-shirts are HS 6109.10.0000, while polyester-blended ones may fall under 6109.90.1040. We work with licensed brokers to ensure exact declarations.
Do Apparel Shipments Need Safety Certifications?
Yes—especially for children's garments, which require CPSIA compliance, flammability testing, and labeling. European-bound items must also comply with REACH and OEKO-TEX® standards.
If you lack lab test reports or valid declarations, customs may hold or destroy goods. Platforms like QIMA can issue fast certifications.
How to Prepare Compliant Documentation for Smooth Clearance?
Documentation errors are one of the most preventable causes of shipment holds. Even if your goods are compliant, incorrect or missing paperwork can result in costly holds.
Key customs documents for apparel exports include a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, fiber composition breakdown, HS code declaration, and testing certificates.
We provide all buyers with a document pack checklist prior to each shipment to ensure every box is checked.
What Details Must Be on the Commercial Invoice?
- Full product descriptions (e.g., “Men’s cotton polo shirt, 100% cotton, short sleeve”)
- Correct HS code
- Fiber content percentages
- Declared value per unit
- Country of origin
- Factory address and buyer address
Templates are available on Freightos and Export.gov.
What Is a Certificate of Origin and When Is It Needed?
This document certifies where the goods were made. It’s mandatory for countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as USMCA, CAFTA-DR, or EU-Vietnam.
Without it, your shipment may be denied preferential duty rates. We offer Form A, RCEP, and USMCA-compliant COs based on destination.
What Factory Practices Can Prevent Customs Issues?
The customs process doesn’t start at the port—it starts at your factory. When label placement, fiber disclosure, and carton markings are incorrect, even the best freight broker can’t save the shipment.
Ensure your supplier correctly labels each garment, follows packaging guidelines, and maintains test records. QC must be integrated with documentation flow.
At Fumao, we include customs-compliant labeling as part of our production SOP—so clients like Ron don’t face downstream surprises.
What Garment Labels Are Required for Customs?
For U.S. shipments:
- Fiber content (% of each material)
- Country of origin (e.g., “Made in China”)
- Care instructions (not mandatory for customs, but for retail compliance)
Labels must be permanent, legible, and placed in expected zones (e.g., back neck or side seam). Check FTC’s apparel labeling rules.
Can Factories Help with Testing and Certification?
Yes—reliable factories work with third-party labs like SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas. We pre-arrange tests for shrinkage, flammability, lead content (children’s wear), and REACH compliance depending on buyer region.
We recommend doing batch-level testing before every bulk shipment.
How Do Freight Forwarders and Brokers Help Avoid Holds?
Even if your factory prepares perfect paperwork, you still need a knowledgeable logistics partner. Forwarders and brokers help you stay compliant with port-specific rules, seasonal surcharges, and regulatory changes.
A good freight forwarder verifies your documents, files your customs entry, books the correct shipping method, and manages exceptions or queries in real time.
We recommend using forwarders with experience in fashion and fast-moving consumer goods. Apparel needs faster response and higher documentation accuracy than many other industries.
What Is the Role of a Customs Broker?
Customs brokers are licensed professionals who:
- File customs entries
- Match documents with HTS codes
- Coordinate inspections
- Respond to customs queries
In the U.S., they must be registered with CBP. You can verify brokers at CBP’s directory.
What Freight Terms Minimize Risk of Holds?
We recommend:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) for first-time importers
- FOB + Trusted Forwarder for experienced buyers
- Avoid EXW unless you manage inland transport and clearance
With DDP, we manage customs directly through our agent network and take full responsibility for entry and duties.
Conclusion
Customs delays aren’t just frustrating—they cost time, money, and trust. But they’re avoidable. With proper labeling, accurate HS codes, complete documentation, and strong supplier-logistics coordination, your apparel shipments can sail through borders smoothly.
At Fumao Clothing, we help U.S. and EU buyers avoid customs holds by integrating compliance directly into production. From labeling to lab tests to coordinated logistics, we keep your goods moving—on time and worry-free.
If you're tired of shipment surprises, let’s build a shipment strategy that works. Your job is to sell—we’ll handle the borders.
