Definition of General Order (GO)§
A General Order (GO) is a classification applied to imported goods by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when these goods are either missing the necessary paperwork or unable to clear customs for any reason (e.g., outstanding duties, incorrect invoices). If the goods remain uncleared for more than 15 days, they are moved to a class 11 bonded warehouse and may eventually face government seizure, charitable donation, or auction.
| General Order (GO) | Custom Hold |
|---|---|
| Goods lacking documentation and unable to clear within 15 days | Goods held for other reasons, but still under 15 days |
| Triggers auction/donation/seizure after 6 months | Usually temporary hold pending further resolution |
| Moves to class 11 bonded warehouse after 15 days | May not require warehousing or classification |
| Subject to clearance before retrieval | Retrievable as long as the issue is resolved |
Related Terms§
- Bonded Warehouse: A secure facility where imported goods may be stored without the payment of duties until they are released.
- Customs Brokerage: The process of clearing goods through customs by preparing and submitting the required documentation.
- Seizure: The enforcement action taken by customs to take possession of goods that are unclaimed or not compliant with regulations.
Fun Facts and Insights§
- Did you know that once goods are labeled as General Order, the paperwork can feel like an unending game of hide and seek? 😅
- The first auction by U.S. Customs took place probably before your smartphone was invented! (Okay, this is a slight exaggeration, but regulations have existed far longer than current customs practices!)
- “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which holds true here: ensuring proper documentation can save you a mountain of trouble!
“The only thing that comes to a sleeper is a dream.” – Malcolm X
(Don’t let your goods become just another dream stuck in customs!)
Frequently Asked Questions§
Q1: How long does Customs hold items before classifying them as General Orders?
A1: Goods awaiting clearance for more than 15 days get classified as General Orders.
Q2: What happens if my goods are in General Order for over six months?
A2: They’ll be subjected to seizure, donation, or auction, depending on the situation at that point.
Q3: Can I still retrieve my goods if they are classified as General Order?
A3: Yes, until they get auctioned or seized, as long as you take the necessary steps to rectify the documentation issues!
Suggested Resources§
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection - General Orders
- Book: Customs Law of the United States - A comprehensive guide on the customs laws affecting imported goods.
Test Your Knowledge: General Order Quiz§
Remember folks, don’t let your goods lose their way. Keep them on the right track with proper documentation and timely actions! 😊 Keep smiling, even when dealing with customs!
