Your shipment is on hold—and all you’ve been told is something like “FDA review” or “USDA inspection.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many importers assume U.S. Customs handles everything, only to find out there are multiple agencies involved—and each one has different rules, requirements, and timelines.

The problem is, when you don’t know which agency is actually holding your shipment, it’s hard to know what to fix or who to respond to.

This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you can:

Identify whether it’s CBP, FDA, or USDA
Understand why your shipment is delayed
Take the right next step to move it forward

If you’re trying to figure out CBP FDA USDA customs clearance which agency is involved, this will give you clear, practical answers—fast.

Key Takeaways

If your shipment is delayed, identifying CBP FDA USDA customs clearance which agency is the first and most important step.
Issues like FDA hold on shipment what to do or USDA inspection import delay how long are usually solvable with the right documentation and response.
Working with an experienced partner like TQ Customs Brokerage helps you resolve holds faster and avoid future delays.

What Is a Customs Broker?

Question: What is a Customs Broker?

Answer: A customs broker is a licensed professional who helps importers move goods through U.S. customs legally and efficiently. They handle documentation, ensure compliance with government agencies, calculate duties, and coordinate with border officials.

When shipments get delayed, your broker is the key point of contact who communicates with agencies like CBP, FDA, and USDA to resolve holds and move your shipment forward.

Why Your Shipment Can Be Cleared by More Than One Agency

One of the biggest sources of confusion is this: your shipment isn’t always handled by just one agency.

Most people think customs = one authority. In reality:

CBP (Customs and Border Protection) acts as the gatekeeper
Other agencies regulate specific types of products

These are often called “partner agencies,” but you don’t need to know the term—just the roles.

Simple Analogy

Think of importing like going through an airport:

CBP = passport control
FDA = health and safety check
USDA = agriculture inspection

Depending on what you’re bringing in, you might go through one—or all three.

This is why understanding CBP FDA USDA customs clearance which agency matters. The agency involved depends entirely on what you’re importing.

Quick Overview: What Each Agency Actually Does

Here’s a fast way to understand who does what:

Agency	What They Regulate	Common Products	Typical Reason for Hold
CBP	Entry, duties, enforcement	All imports	Missing paperwork, value issues
FDA	Health-related goods	Food, supplements, cosmetics	Labeling, prior notice, compliance
USDA	Agriculture & biosecurity	Plants, produce, meat	Missing permits, inspections

Each agency has a different goal—and that’s why delays happen for different reasons.

CBP (Customs and Border Protection)

CBP is involved in every import shipment. They are responsible for:

Reviewing entry documentation
Collecting duties and taxes
Enforcing import laws

The CBP customs clearance process is your shipment’s first checkpoint.

Common reasons CBP places a hold:

Missing or incorrect documentation
Incorrect classification or declared value
Random inspections

If your issue is with CBP, it’s usually administrative—and often the fastest to resolve.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

FDA regulates products that impact human health.

This includes:

Food and beverages
Supplements
Cosmetics
Medical devices and drugs

If your broker mentions an FDA issue, you’re likely dealing with compliance requirements—not customs paperwork.

⚠️ Important: An FDA hold does NOT mean your shipment is rejected.

Common FDA issues:

Missing prior notice (for food shipments)
Labeling problems
Product flagged for review
Facility registration not found

If you’re wondering FDA hold on shipment what to do, the answer usually involves correcting or submitting required information—not starting over.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

USDA focuses on protecting agriculture and preventing harmful pests or diseases from entering the U.S.

They regulate:

Plants and plant products
Fruits and vegetables
Meat and poultry
Animal products

USDA often works through APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), which requires permits for certain goods.

Common USDA issues:

Missing APHIS permits
Required agricultural inspections
Risk of contamination or pests

If you’re asking USDA inspection import delay how long, timelines vary—but inspections can take longer depending on risk level and volume.

How to Tell Which Agency Is Holding Your Shipment

When your shipment is delayed, your first goal is simple: identify the agency.

Start Here

Check:

Messages from your broker
Entry or clearance notices
Shipment status updates

Ask This Exact Question

“Which agency issued the hold—and what do they need to release it?”

Quick Identification Checklist

Signs it’s CBP:

Mentions “entry review” or “documentation issue”
Questions about value, classification, or duties

Signs it’s FDA:

“FDA hold” or “FDA review”
Requests for prior notice or labeling info

Signs it’s USDA:

“USDA inspection” or “APHIS required”
Mentions permits, agriculture, or plant products

This step alone eliminates most confusion.

Common Reasons Each Agency Places a Hold

Understanding why your shipment is delayed helps you resolve it faster.

CBP Holds

Missing or inaccurate documents
Incorrect HTS classification
Value discrepancies
Random inspection selection

FDA Holds

Missing prior notice (common with food imports)
Labeling that doesn’t meet regulations
Product flagged for safety review
Facility registration issues

If you’re dealing with FDA hold on shipment what to do, it’s usually about submitting or correcting required data.

USDA Holds

Missing or incorrect APHIS permits
Required inspection for agricultural goods
Potential pest or contamination risk

For those asking USDA inspection import delay how long, delays depend on:

Inspection scheduling
Product type
Risk classification

What to Do Next (Based on the Agency Involved)

Once you know the agency, the next step is action—not guesswork.

🚫 Do NOT try to guess—always confirm with your broker first.

If It’s CBP

Review documentation immediately
Correct any errors (classification, value, etc.)
Respond quickly to CBP requests

If It’s FDA

Confirm prior notice submission
Verify product compliance (labeling, ingredients)
Work with your broker to submit corrections

If It’s USDA

Check if permits are required
Ensure documentation is complete
Coordinate inspection if needed

Need Help Right Now?

If your shipment is stuck and you’re unsure what to do, working with an experienced broker like TQ Customs Brokerage can help you resolve issues faster and avoid repeat delays.

Talk to a customs expert about your shipment

How to Avoid These Holds on Future Shipments

Once you’ve dealt with one delay, the goal is to avoid the next one.

Key Prevention Steps

Classify your product correctly before shipping
Identify whether FDA or USDA applies
Secure permits and registrations in advance
Ensure labeling and documentation are accurate

Working with a knowledgeable broker early can prevent most issues before they start.

Quick Reference: Which Agency Handles Your Product?

Use this as a quick lookup:

Product Type	Agency
Food & beverages	FDA (sometimes USDA)
Cosmetics	FDA
Plants & produce	USDA
Meat & poultry	USDA
General goods	CBP

Download the Agency Quick Reference Card to keep this handy for future shipments.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Stuck—You Just Need the Right Agency Info

Shipment delays are stressful—but they’re also very common.

The key is understanding that:

Each agency has a specific role
Holds usually mean “more information needed,” not rejection
Once you identify the agency, the path forward becomes clear

If you stay proactive and work with the right support, you can resolve issues faster—and prevent them next time.

SERVICES

CBP vs. FDA vs. USDA: Which Agency Is Holding Your Shipment (and What They Need)