When a 20ft or 40ft container goes on hold in the Philippines, it creates more than a delay. It creates a financial problem. Storage charges start to build. Demurrage increases every day. Delivery schedules fall apart.
Many importers only discover this after their container has already arrived at Manila, Subic, Batangas, or Clark and Customs refuses to release it.
A container goes on hold when Philippine Customs finds a problem with the customs clearance. The faster you understand the reason, the faster you can take action to get the container released.
The most common reasons containers go on hold in the Philippines
A container rarely goes on hold by accident. Customs usually places a hold because the declaration does not match what they expect to see.
One of the biggest reasons is wrong HS codes. If the products inside the container do not match the HS codes declared, Customs assumes misclassification and stops the clearance.
Another major reason is valuation. When the declared invoice value looks too low compared to Customs reference prices, officers may suspect undervaluation. They then place the container on hold while they review or re‑assess the shipment.
Containers also go on hold when documents do not match. A mismatch between the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading tells Customs that something may be wrong with the shipment.
For mixed cargo containers, this happens even more often because different product types fall under different tariff rules.
Why containers at Manila, Subic, Batangas, and Clark are closely monitored
Philippine Customs applies the same law at every major port, but large gateways like Manila Port and Subic Port handle massive volumes of container traffic. Customs uses automated risk systems to decide which containers deserve closer attention.
Containers carrying machinery, construction materials, FMCG products, or general merchandise often receive more scrutiny because of their value and complexity. When Customs sees a high‑value 40ft container with unclear descriptions or inconsistent values, it places a hold before allowing release.
This is why professional custom brokerage in the Philippines plays such a critical role in container clearance.
What happens after Customs places a hold on your container
Once Customs flags your container, the clearance process stops. Customs may ask for additional documents, clarification on HS codes, proof of value, or they may order a physical inspection.
During this time, your container continues to sit inside the port. Storage and demurrage charges keep increasing. The longer the issue remains unresolved, the more expensive it becomes to release the shipment.
This is why waiting or doing nothing is the worst option when a container is on hold in the Philippines.
How a licensed customs broker gets a container off hold
A professional customs broker in the Philippines takes direct action once a container goes on hold. The broker reviews the declaration, identifies the issue, and communicates with Customs to correct it.
This may involve amending HS codes, submitting additional documents, explaining the cargo, or supporting the declared value. When done properly, this process clears the Customs concern and allows the container to move back toward release.
For containers arriving at Manila, Subic, Batangas, or Clark, speed and accuracy make the difference between a short delay and a costly one.
Why fast action saves money when a container is on hold
Every day a container remains on hold increases your total cost. Port storage, demurrage, and delivery delays all add up. The fastest way to control these costs is to resolve the Customs issue as early as possible.
Importers who work with experienced custom brokerage Philippines providers usually clear holds faster because they understand how Customs evaluates risk and documentation.
If your container is on hold right now
The sooner you address the Customs issue, the sooner you stop the financial bleeding.
Speak to a Licensed Customs Broker and get practical guidance on how to release your container from Philippine Customs.