Customs Clearance at Port of Houston
Port of Houston is the largest Gulf Coast container port and #1 U.S. port for waterborne tonnage. Learn clearance timelines, terminal procedures, and CBP requirements for Houston container imports.
TL;DR — Houston At a Glance
- Container volume: 3.2M TEUs/year; #6 US port by TEUs
- Average clearance time: 18-30 hours for compliant shipments; 3-6 days if exam selected
- Key terminals: Barbours Cut Container Terminal, Bayport Container Terminal
- Unique considerations: Major gateway for Latin America trade; strong petrochemical/industrial cargo presence; shorter dwell times than East Coast
- Local contact: CBP Port of Houston — (281) 985-6700
Port Overview & Import Volume
The Port of Houston is the leading Gulf Coast container port and ranks #1 nationally in total waterborne tonnage (329 million tons in 2024). While better known for breakbulk and energy cargo, Houston handles 3.2M TEUs annually via two major container terminals: Barbours Cut and Bayport.
2024 Import Statistics
- TEU Volume: 3.2 million TEUs (2024)
- Top Import Categories: Machinery (22%), chemicals (19%), steel/metals (16%), consumer goods (14%)
- Primary Trade Lanes: Mexico (31%), China (23%), Brazil (12%), Colombia (8%)
- Average Vessel Dwell Time: 2.6 days — faster than most East Coast ports
- Rail vs. Truck: 30% rail, 70% truck
For real-time stats, see Port Houston Authority.
Typical Clearance Timeline
Based on our 2024 clearance data across 2,800+ entries at Port of Houston:
| Scenario | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Release (No Exam) | 18-30 hours | Entry filed before arrival; ISF compliant |
| Intensive Exam (CET) | 3-6 days | Container sent to exam facility |
| FDA/EPA Hold | 4-12 days | Common for food, chemicals, medical devices |
| UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor) Hold | 7-30 days | Requires detailed supply chain documentation |
| Steel Anti-Dumping Hold | 5-14 days | Houston is major steel import gateway; AD/CVD common |
Port-Specific Entry Procedures
1. Pre-Arrival Filing Requirements
Houston CBP encourages early entry filing to minimize cargo dwell time. Terminals offer 4-5 days free time; demurrage accrues quickly.
- ISF Filing: Must be submitted 24+ hours before vessel loading. Houston CBP strictly enforces $5,000 late filing penalties.
- Entry Summary (ACE): File 24-48 hours before arrival for accelerated release.
- Customs Bond: Continuous bond required for importers with >5 shipments/year.
2. Common Exam Triggers at Houston
- 🔍 Steel & Metals: Anti-dumping/countervailing duty verification; origin documentation required
- 🔍 Petrochemicals: EPA TSCA compliance; proper hazmat classification
- 🔍 Machinery & Industrial Equipment: Accurate HTS classification critical for duty rates
- 🔍 Latin America Cargo: Higher exam rate for certain countries; drug interdiction screening
- 🔍 Agricultural Products: USDA APHIS compliance for food/plant imports from Mexico
3. Local CBP Office & Contact
CBP Port of Houston
2350 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77032
Phone: (281) 985-6700
Hours: Entry processing 24/7; in-person inquiries Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Why Choose Williamsburg Customs for Houston Clearance
- ✓ Fast filing turnaround: Most entries filed same day; pre-arrival filing for accelerated release
- ✓ Industrial cargo expertise: Experienced with machinery, steel, chemical imports common at Houston
- ✓ Latin America trade specialists: Familiar with USMCA, Mexico origin verification, regional compliance
- ✓ Anti-dumping/CVD expertise: Navigate complex AD/CVD cases for steel and metal imports
- ✓ Transparent pricing: $125-175 per ocean entry; volume discounts available
Need Customs Clearance at Port of Houston?
Licensed customs broker with expertise in Houston port procedures. Fast, compliant clearance for all cargo types.