What Happens If My Shipment Gets Stuck in Customs?

Few things worry an importer more than hearing that their shipment is stuck in customs. Every day the cargo sits at the port, costs rise and customers wait. In Nigeria, if the problem drags on, goods can eventually be treated as overtime cargo and auctioned.

This guide explains what happens when a shipment is stuck, what it costs, the timelines that matter, and how to get your goods released.

Key takeaways

• Storage and demurrage start once free days end and can quickly exceed your clearing fees.
• Since September 2025, uncleared cargo has a 120−day window before it is liable to disposal.
• Most holds come from document gaps, valuation or classification queries, examinations or missing permits.
• Act in the first few days, when problems are cheapest to fix.

Why shipments get stuck in customs

Most delays fall into a handful of causes:

• Incomplete documents, missing Form M, PAAR, invoice or permits.
• Mismatched information, values, quantities or descriptions differ between documents.
• Valuation query, Customs believes the declared value is too low.
• Classification query, the HS code used does not match the goods.
• Physical examination, the container is selected for inspection.
• Missing regulatory approvals, SONCAP, NAFDAC, NAQS or other permits.
• Restricted or prohibited goods, items that need special approval or cannot be imported.
• Unpaid duty or charges, including disputed assessments.

For a step-by-step fix for each, read why is my shipment held at customs and what do I do.

What happens, day by day

Stage 1: The cost clock starts

Once free storage days end at the terminal and free container days end with the shipping line, charges begin:

• Terminal storage, charged per day by the terminal operator.
• Demurrage / detention, charged by the shipping line for keeping its container.
• Airport storage, for air cargo, storage charges in cargo sheds rise quickly.

These charges often increase in tiers, the longer the delay, the higher the daily rate.

Stage 2: Queries and resolution

Customs may issue a query, request more documents, or schedule an examination. Your agent responds, provides evidence (for example, supplier invoices, proof of payment or product specifications) and may pay any additional assessed duty.

Stage 3: Possible penalties

If goods were misdeclared, wrong value, quantity or classification, Customs can raise a Debit Note for extra duty and apply penalties under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Serious false declaration can lead to seizure.

Stage 4: Overtime cargo

Goods not cleared within the legal window become overtime cargo. Historically the windows were 30 days at airports and 90 days at seaports. In September 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service automated overtime cargo processing and extended the clearance window to 120 days. Goods still unclaimed after that are liable to disposal. Perishable or dangerous goods can be disposed of sooner. (Nairametrics report)

Stage 5: Auction or disposal

Uncleared overtime goods can be sold through the Customs e-auction process. At that point, recovering them becomes difficult and expensive, and the costs already incurred are rarely recoverable.

Who is responsible when cargo is stuck?

Responsibility depends on the cause:

• Importer, incorrect or missing documents, under-declared value, unpaid duty, missing permits.
• Supplier, wrong invoice, wrong goods shipped, poor labelling, missing certificates of origin.
• Clearing agent or forwarder, filing errors, late responses to queries, poor follow-up.
• Carrier or terminal, manifest errors, slow container positioning for examination.
• Systems, platform downtime or integration issues during digital transitions.

Knowing who caused the problem matters for who pays. Keep emails, invoices and timestamps, and agree in your contracts who bears delay costs. If a supplier error caused the hold, you may be able to recover costs from them.

How much can a customs delay cost?

Every terminal and shipping line has its own tariff, but the pattern is the same: small daily charges become large bills. A container held two or three weeks past free time can easily attract storage and demurrage charges that exceed your entire clearing fee, sometimes approaching the freight cost itself.

Indirect costs matter too:

• Lost sales and stock-outs.
• Idle factory lines waiting for raw materials.
• Customer penalties for late delivery.
• Cash tied up in duty and goods you cannot sell.

What to do if your shipment is stuck

1. Get the exact reason in writing. Ask your agent for the query, hold notice or examination report.

2. Check your documents. Compare invoice, packing list, Form M, PAAR and bill of lading line by line.

3. Provide supporting evidence quickly. Supplier price lists, bank payment records, product catalogues or test certificates.

4. Apply for missing permits immediately. Many can now be processed through the National Single Window.

5. Pay any valid additional assessment to stop charges growing, and pursue review if you disagree.

6. Negotiate with the shipping line and terminal. Some will consider waivers for documented delays outside your control.

7. Watch the overtime deadline. If you are approaching the legal window, act urgently.

If you do not have an experienced clearing partner, bring one in early. The first few days of a hold are when problems are cheapest to fix.

How to stop shipments getting stuck in the first place

• Open Form M and get your PAAR before arrival.
• Use accurate, specific product descriptions and verified HS codes.
• Declare the true transaction value.
• Get permits before shipping.
• Check the prohibited and restricted items list.
• Consider AEO certification if you import regularly.

Our full guide: how to avoid customs delays and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

How long can goods stay in customs in Nigeria?

Following the September 2025 reform, uncleared goods have a 120−day window before they become liable to disposal, with shorter periods for perishables. Storage and demurrage charges apply long before that.

Who pays demurrage when goods are stuck in customs?

Usually the importer or consignee, unless the contract says otherwise or the carrier grants a waiver.

Can Customs auction my goods?

Yes. Overtime cargo that is not cleared can be auctioned or disposed of under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Can I get my money back if my goods are auctioned?

Recovery is limited and difficult. Act well before goods reach overtime status.

Get stuck cargo moving again

DE-BLINGS has deep customs relationships and handles queries, examinations and documentation daily. If your cargo is stuck, or you want to make sure it never is, talk to us first. Learn more about our customs clearance service.