What it means
Under 19 CFR 4.37, landed cargo without a release may stay at the place of unlading until the fifteenth calendar day after landing; the carrier then reports it and a GO-certified bonded warehouse takes it "at the risk and expense of the consignee."[1] Merchandise becomes general order merchandise when the port director takes it into custody and deposits it in public stores or a general order warehouse.[2]
Cargo left in Customs custody for 6 months from the date of importation without duties and charges paid is considered unclaimed and abandoned.[3] The whole sequence, and how to get cargo out, is in general order cargo.
Related
Related terms
- Bonded WarehouseA bonded warehouse is a CBP-approved facility where imported goods are stored under customs control before...Glossary
- Free TimeFree time is the number of days a container can stay at the terminal, or stay out with the importer, before...Glossary
- DemurrageDemurrage is a charge for a loaded container that stays at the marine terminal after its free time runs out.Glossary
- Customs BrokerA customs broker is a person or company licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct customs...Glossary
Related questions
- How Long Can a Container Stay at the Port?There is no single limit; three clocks apply. Commercially, a container can sit at the terminal for the free...Answer
- What Are the Different Types of Container Holds?A container can be held for unrelated reasons, each cleared by a different party. A customs hold is placed by...Answer
Sources
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 4.37, General order,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 127.1, Merchandise considered general order merchandise,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 127.11, Unclaimed merchandise,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.