Why Vehicles Get Stuck in Customs

14.01.2026

Customs delays are one of the most frustrating parts of international vehicle shipping. A car may arrive at the destination port on time , yet remain stuck in customs for days or even weeks. In most cases, these delays are avoidable and caused by a small number of common issues.

 

Understanding why vehicles get held at customs helps importers, exporters, and businesses plan better, avoid unnecessary costs, and ensure smoother deliveries.

 

Customs delays are one of the most frustrating parts of international vehicle shipping. A car may arrive at the destination port on time yet remain stuck in customs for days or even weeks. In most cases, these delays are avoidable and caused by a small number of common issues.

 

Understanding why vehicles get held at customs helps importers, exporters, and businesses plan better, avoid unnecessary costs, and ensure smoother deliveries.

 

Incorrect Vehicle Value Declaration

 

Customs authorities closely monitor declared vehicle values to ensure correct duties and taxes are paid.

 

Vehicles may be delayed if:

  • The declared value seems unrealistically low

  • Supporting documents don’t match the declared price

  • Customs suspects under-valuation

 

In such cases, customs may request additional documentation or reassess the value, which can delay clearance.

 

Undeclared Items Inside the Vehicle

 

Many clients are unaware that items left inside a vehicle can trigger customs inspections.

 

Common issues include:

  • Personal belongings

  • Tools or spare parts

  • Boxes or loose cargo

 

If these items are not declared properly, customs may:

  • Open the container

  • Inspect the vehicle

  • Require item removal

  • Apply fines or penalties

 

This is one of the fastest ways for a vehicle to get stuck in customs.

 

Emissions and Compliance Issues

 

In many regions — especially the European Union, vehicles must comply with local regulations, including:

  • Emissions standards

  • Environmental requirements

  • Vehicle homologation rules

 

If a vehicle does not meet these standards or documentation is missing, customs may delay clearance until compliance is confirmed.

Missing or Incorrect Import Taxes & VAT Payments

 

Customs will not release a vehicle until all required payments are confirmed.

 

Delays often occur when:

  • VAT or import duties are miscalculated

  • Payments are not made on time

  • Required customs guarantees are missing

 

This is particularly common for first-time importers unfamiliar with local tax rules.

 

Random or Risk-Based Inspections

 

Even when everything is correct, vehicles may still be selected for random inspection or flagged by risk-assessment systems.

 

Inspections may include:

  • Container opening

  • VIN verification

  • Physical vehicle checks

 

While not preventable, proper documentation and professional preparation help inspections move faster.

 

At All Cargo Export, we focus on preparing shipments correctly from the beginning to reduce customs risks and ensure smoother clearance for our clients.

 

In international shipping, preparation is the key to avoiding delays.