Shipping a car, motorcycle, boat, or heavy machinery overseas is usually smooth — but customs can sometimes cause unexpected delays. When a vehicle gets “stuck” in customs, the shipment may be held for days or even weeks, leading to storage charges, extra paperwork, and frustration.

The good news? Most customs delays are preventable when you know what causes them.

This article breaks down the most common reasons vehicles get held in customs, the risks involved, and what you can do to avoid delays when shipping internationally.

 

Missing or Incorrect Documentation

This is the number one reason shipments get stopped at customs.

Customs agencies require accurate documents to verify ownership, value, and compliance. Missing or incomplete paperwork triggers instant delays.

Common documentation mistakes include:

• Missing or unclear vehicle title

• Incorrect Bill of Lading (BL)

• Wrong VIN, engine number, or model information

• Incomplete export declaration

• Missing EPA or DOT compliance papers (for U.S. imports)

• Mismatched seller/buyer information

Why it matters:

U.S. CBP states that incorrect documentation is the leading cause of export delays.
(Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Export Requirements)

How to avoid it:

✔ Always use the exact information on the title
✔ Double-check VIN, engine, year, and model
✔ Provide clear copies of ownership documents
✔ Ensure your logistics company reviews your paperwork before shipping

At All Cargo Export, every document is checked twice before the vehicle reaches the port.

 

Unpaid Duties, Taxes, or Fees

Many customs agencies will not release a vehicle until all duties, VAT, and port fees are fully paid.

Examples:

• EU countries require VAT + duty before releasing the vehicle

• African ports often require port storage and “release” fees upfront

• Middle Eastern ports require customs clearance fees before exit

Statistics:

According to the European Commission, over 20% of vehicles entering Europe face delays due to unpaid VAT or duty assessments.

How to avoid:

✔ Research import taxes for your destination
✔ Pay duties promptly
✔ Work with a customs broker or shipping partner who handles clearance

 

Incorrect Value Declaration

Customs must verify the true market value of every imported vehicle.
If the declared value seems too low, too high, or inconsistent, the shipment may be held for inspection.

Customs may suspect:

• Fraud

• Tax evasion

• Undisclosed damage

• Inaccurate commercial invoice

Source:

World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines state that value discrepancies account for a significant portion of customs examinations.

Avoid this by:

✔ Declaring accurate values
✔ Including bill of sale + transaction receipt
✔ Providing photos if the car has damage

 

Vehicle Has Outstanding Liens or Ownership Issues

If the vehicle is not fully paid off, or the paperwork shows unresolved ownership conflicts, customs will not release it.

Examples:

• Car still has a bank lien

• Name on title does not match the shipper

• Missing signature on ownership transfer

• Salvage title without supporting documents

Source:

U.S. DOT regulations state: “A vehicle with unclear ownership cannot be exported until documentation is corrected.”

Avoid this by:

✔ Ensuring clean title
✔ Matching names on passport, bill of sale, and title
✔ Providing power-of-attorney if someone else ships the car