Customs hold codes are short status messages that may show cargo is paused, reviewed, updated, or waiting for another action before normal movement or release. Importers may see these codes in a broker message, carrier update, terminal system, or forwarder status report.
Do not guess from the code alone. The practical meaning depends on the broker message, system context, entry status, port, carrier, shipment type, and whether CBP or another agency is involved. A short code is a status signal, not a full explanation.
Quick Answer: Common U.S. Customs Hold Codes
| Code or hold type | What it may indicate | Read next / what to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| 1H | May indicate a CBP hold or status message | Read 1H hold customs |
| 2H | May involve agency or system review depending on context | Read 2H hold customs |
| 7H | May involve scan, inspection, or status review depending on context | Read 7H customs hold |
| 5H | May involve entry, document, or processing issue depending on context | Read 5H customs hold |
| 9H | May involve consignee, receiver, or information issue depending on context | Read 9H customs hold |
| FDA / PGA | Another agency may review regulated goods | Confirm agency and documents |
| AQI / agricultural hold | Agriculture or pest-risk review may apply | Confirm product, wood packaging, or plant/animal concerns |
If you need the broader meaning of a shipment held by customs, read customs hold from China to USA. That guide covers customs hold reasons, timeline, fees, documents, and response steps. This page only helps you choose the correct code-specific guide.
Need Help With a Hold Code?
Send us the exact hold code, broker message, B/L or tracking number, container number if available, invoice, packing list, and product details. We’ll help review what to confirm next.
*Fast response. No obligation.
Why You Should Not Guess from a Customs Hold Code
A customs hold code may appear differently depending on system context. The same short code can be shown in a broker system, carrier tracking update, terminal message, or forwarder status note, but the importer may not see the full operational explanation.
Carrier tracking wording is often incomplete. It may say “customs hold,” “shipment on hold,” or show a short code without explaining whether the issue is CBP review, agency review, scan status, exam movement, document correction, or another release condition.
Broker confirmation matters more than guessing. A hold code does not automatically mean seizure, illegal cargo, or physical exam. It usually means the cargo needs review, update, removal, release, or further confirmation before normal movement.
CBP’s ACE Appendix D Disposition Codes can help explain why disposition-style messages should be read in system context, but live shipment interpretation should still be confirmed with the customs broker.
Which Detailed Guide Should You Read?
- Read 1H hold customs if your broker message says 1H.
- Read 2H hold customs if your broker message says 2H.
- Read 7H customs hold if your broker message says 7H.
- Read customs hold from China to USA if you need general customs hold reasons, timeline, fees, and document response.
- Read 5H customs hold or 9H customs hold if those exact codes appear in your broker message.
This page should not replace the detailed guides. Each code-specific article explains what importers should ask, which documents may be needed, and what should be confirmed before delivery planning.
What to Ask Your Broker
When a customs hold code appears, ask direct questions before making delivery decisions:
- What is the exact code and full message?
- Which B/L, container, entry, or tracking number is affected?
- Who placed the hold or status?
- Is this CBP review, agency review, exam, carrier status, or system update?
- What documents are needed now?
- What must happen before release?
These questions help separate a real customs issue from an incomplete carrier update, terminal status, broker note, or forwarder message.
Customs Hold Still Unclear?
Share the full message from your broker or carrier, shipment reference, product details, and current cargo location. We’ll help organize the next questions before you reply.
*Fast response. No obligation.
FAQ
What are customs hold codes?
Customs hold codes are short status or disposition-style messages that may show cargo is paused, reviewed, updated, or waiting for another action before release. They should be confirmed with the broker because the code alone may not explain the full reason.
Does a customs hold code mean my cargo is seized?
No. A customs hold code does not automatically mean seizure, rejection, or illegal cargo. It may indicate review, inspection, agency review, document correction, system status, or another release condition depending on context.
Is 1H the same as 2H or 7H?
No. 1H, 2H, and 7H should be treated as different status signals. The exact meaning depends on the broker message, shipment type, entry status, system context, and whether CBP, another agency, the carrier, or the terminal is involved.
Should I rely on carrier tracking to understand a customs hold code?
Carrier tracking can be useful, but it is often too short to explain the full customs context. Use tracking as a signal, then confirm the exact code, affected shipment, required documents, and release condition with the broker or forwarder.
Conclusion
Customs hold codes should be treated as status signals, not final explanations. Importers should confirm the exact message with the customs broker, identify the affected shipment, prepare documents if requested, and use the specific code guide for deeper next steps.
