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Up to 40% of customs delays are avoidable, says study

[ September 23, 2025   //   ]

Many customs delays are caused by avoidable classification or documentation errors, according to a joint study by Customs Support Group (CSG) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The Hidden Power of Customs Management in Global Trade says that companies are underestimating its economic significance.

In Europe, clearance takes an average of two to three days, with 20-40% of delays caused by avoidable classification or documentation errors. Added to this are demurrage and detention fees amounting to several thousand euros per container, as well as retroactive duty adjustments going back up to ten years.

Overpayments due to insufficient use of free trade agreements or incorrect classification by global companies frequently reach seven-figure sums per year.

The study also found that centralised data, clear governance and digitisation and automation create transparency across declarations, payments, product master data and classifications. AI-assisted classification today achieves more than 85% accuracy and is learning to detect inconsistencies between specifications and customs filings.

The study suggests that companies should embed customs early in sourcing and design in order to lower duties and speed time-to-market

Centralised data and governance increases transparency, reduces errors and improves audit readiness.

Adaptable processes and systems such as bonded warehouses or digital documents create more resilient supply chains and shorter lead times

AI and automation can deliver correct classification and significantly reduces rework

www.customssupport.com/the-hidden-power-of-customs-management-in-global-trade

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