Customs clearance times can vary depending on a few things. The mode of transport, port of entry, type of goods, and how accurate the paperwork is. Below is a breakdown of the timescales you can generally expect:
Air Freight Imports
- Timeframe: 24 to 48 hours from the time cargo is available at the airport.
- Fastest route: If documents are pre-submitted and everything is in order, some clearances can happen within a few hours.
- Common causes of delay: Missing invoices, incorrect HS codes, use of an incorrect consignee EORI, or airline handling delays.
Always ensure that you send us the airway bill, commercial invoice and packing list and clearance instructions ahead of the flight arriving to avoid last minute issues.
Sea Freight Imports
- FCL (Full Container Load): Around 2–3 working days after vessel arrival.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Typically 3–5 working days, as cargo must first be de-grouped at a warehouse before clearance.
- Delays can occur due to port congestion, incomplete paperwork, or goods selected for customs or port health inspections.
Again, ensure that the bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list are sent in advance to avoid any issues, LCL shipments almost always take longer than FCL, so always allow some extra time for planning.
Road Freight (EU-UK / UK-EU)
- Timeframe: Often same day if paperwork is complete and the truck is pre-lodged, but can be 1–2 days if documents are submitted post-arrival or issues arise.
- Border delays may occur due to incorrect transit documents (e.g. T1), goods needing a GVMS pre-lodge, or customs requests for checks.
Have your MRN, TAD and accompanying paperwork pre-lodged before your vehicle departs to keep them moving and on schedule
What can delay Customs Clearance?
Delays usually happen when:
- Documents are missing or incorrect (e.g. commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes)
- A physical inspection or Port Health check is required
- The importer doesn’t have a valid EORI number or deferment approval
- Goods are mis declared or need additional licenses (e.g. food, chemicals, DG)
How We Make It Quicker at Scanlon Freight
At Scanlon Freight, we focus on getting your goods cleared fast, but more importantly, correctly.
Here’s how we help:
- We pre-check your documents before arrival to flag issues early.
- We work closely with HMRC, port authorities, and handling agents to prioritise urgent shipments.
- If delays do occur (and sometimes they do), we keep you in the loop the entire time, not just at the end.
And of course, we do all this following our ACTION methodology, from analysis to ownership, you can trust we’re on top of it.
