Customs Clearance at Port of NY/NJ: Newark, Elizabeth & Brooklyn
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the U.S. East Coast, handling over 7.8 million TEUs annually. Learn clearance timelines, CBP procedures, and local compliance requirements for Newark, Elizabeth, and Brooklyn terminals.
TL;DR — Port NY/NJ At a Glance
- Volume: 7.8M TEUs/year; busiest East Coast gateway for Asia-Europe trade
- Average clearance time: 24-48 hours for compliant shipments; 3-7 days if selected for exam
- Key terminals: Newark (APM Terminals, Maher), Elizabeth (PNCT), Brooklyn (Red Hook)
- Unique considerations: High exam rate (12-15%) due to volume; stricter enforcement on textiles, footwear, and China-origin goods
- Local contact: CBP Port Director, Port of NY/NJ — (973) 368-6900
Port Overview & Import Volume
The Port of New York and New Jersey spans six terminals across Newark, Elizabeth, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. It's the third-busiest U.S. container port (after Los Angeles and Long Beach) and the primary East Coast gateway for European and Asian imports.
2024 Import Statistics
- Annual TEU Volume: 7.8 million TEUs (2024)
- Top Import Categories: Apparel & textiles (22%), furniture (18%), electronics (15%), automotive parts (12%)
- Primary Trade Lanes: China (35%), India (12%), Vietnam (10%), Germany (8%)
- Average Vessel Dwell Time: 4.2 days (container pickup from arrival)
For official port statistics, see the Port Authority of NY & NJ.
Typical Clearance Timeline
Based on our 2024 clearance data across 12,000+ entries at NY/NJ:
| Scenario | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Release (No Exam) | 24-48 hours | Entry filed pre-arrival; ISF on file; no holds |
| Intensive Exam (CET/VACIS) | 3-7 days | Container moved to exam facility; devanning required |
| Document Review Hold | 2-5 days | CBP requests additional docs (invoices, COO, permits) |
| FDA/USDA/Partner Agency Hold | 5-14 days | Samples sent to lab; permit verification required |
| Section 301 Tariff Review | 3-10 days | Common for China-origin electronics, machinery |
Port-Specific Entry Procedures
1. Pre-Arrival Requirements
- ISF Filing: Must be submitted 24+ hours before loading at foreign port. NY/NJ CBP has one of the highest ISF penalty rates nationally—ensure accuracy.
- Entry Type 01 or 86: Formal entry (Type 01) required for goods >$2,500; Type 86 for de minimis under $800.
- Customs Bond: Continuous bond strongly recommended for regular importers due to high volumes.
2. Arrival & Entry Summary
Entry summary (ACE filing) should be submitted before vessel arrival to qualify for same-day release. Late filings add 24-48 hours to clearance.
3. Common Exam Triggers at NY/NJ
- 🔍 Textiles & Apparel: High scrutiny for China/Vietnam origin; quota/visa compliance checks common
- 🔍 Footwear: Frequent country-of-origin verification and antidumping duty holds
- 🔍 Electronics from China: Section 301 tariff validation; heightened UFLPA (forced labor) screening
- 🔍 First-Time Importers: ~25% exam rate for new IOR numbers at this port
- 🔍 Inconsistent Descriptions: Vague product descriptions or mismatched HTS codes trigger automated holds
4. Local CBP Office & Contact
CBP Port of New York/Newark Area Port
1100 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: (973) 368-6900
Hours: Entry processing 24/7; in-person inquiries Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Major Terminals & Characteristics
APM Terminals (Newark)
Carriers: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM
Specialty: Asia imports (especially China, Vietnam)
Notes: Fastest truck turn times; early gate hours (6 AM); high exam facility capacity
Maher Terminals (Newark/Elizabeth)
Carriers: Hamburg Süd, Yang Ming, ONE
Specialty: Europe and South America imports
Notes: Common for break-bulk and oversized cargo; slower container release (avg 5.1 days dwell)
PNCT (Port Newark Container Terminal)
Carriers: COSCO, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd
Specialty: High automation; largest terminal by TEU capacity
Notes: Automated gate system; real-time container tracking; lower exam rate due to advanced scanning
Red Hook Terminal (Brooklyn)
Carriers: Various break-bulk and niche carriers
Specialty: Coffee, cocoa, project cargo
Notes: Smaller volume; more personalized service; slower clearance (3-6 days avg)
Case Study: Apparel Import from China via Newark
Scenario: Mid-market fashion retailer importing 2 containers (40' HC) of women's cotton dresses from Guangzhou, China. HTS 6204.42.3010. Declared value: $85,000 (FOB).
Timeline:
- Day -3: ISF filed (manufacturer, seller, buyer, stuffing location confirmed)
- Day 0: Vessel arrives APM Terminals Newark; entry summary transmitted to CBP via ACE
- Day 1: CBP places "textile hold" — requests country-of-origin affidavit and fiber content lab report
- Day 2: Documents submitted; CBP releases one container, selects second for intensive exam
- Day 3-4: Container moved to CES (Centralized Examination Station); devanned and inspected
- Day 5: Exam complete; no issues found; cargo released
- Day 6: Both containers picked up by trucker and delivered to warehouse in Edison, NJ
Outcome: Total clearance: 6 days from arrival. Exam fee: $485. Detention charges: $0 (within free time). Key lesson: Pre-stage textile documentation (COO affidavits, lab reports) to reduce hold duration.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Late ISF Filing
NY/NJ CBP issues ISF penalties more aggressively than West Coast ports. File 48+ hours before vessel loading to allow time for amendments.
❌ Incorrect HTS for Textiles/Footwear
These categories have quota/visa requirements. Wrong HTS = automatic hold. Request binding ruling from CBP if unsure.
❌ Not Declaring Section 301 Tariffs
China-origin goods subject to Section 301 duties must be declared accurately. Underpayment triggers post-entry audits and penalties.
❌ Picking Up Without Customs Release
Terminals may release containers to truckers before CBP clears cargo. You are liable if goods leave port without proper entry.
Get Local NY/NJ Customs Support
Expert Clearance at Newark, Elizabeth & Brooklyn
We clear 1,000+ containers monthly through NY/NJ terminals. Our team knows every terminal's quirks, CBP officers, and exam facility procedures.
- ✓ Pre-arrival entry filing for same-day release
- ✓ Real-time container tracking at all terminals
- ✓ Textile/footwear compliance expertise
- ✓ Direct communication with CBP Port of Newark