AGL Pushes Compliance Support as U.S. Customs Tightens Shipment Enforcement at Ports
Amazon urges sellers to use Amazon Global Logistics to reduce risks from rising U.S. Customs shipment holds and costly demurrage charges.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
May-2026#25
Stricter customs enforcement at U.S. ports is creating fresh challenges for Amazon sellers importing inventory into the United States. A new update published on Amazon Seller Central warns that shipments with documentation errors, undervalued cargo declarations, or invalid importer bonds are increasingly being stopped under a U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement initiative known as “5H” or Entry Processing Hold.
The enforcement action is resulting in significant financial pressure for importers, with some sellers reportedly facing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in daily demurrage charges while shipments remain delayed at ports.
To help sellers reduce these risks, Amazon is promoting the use of Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), its end-to-end shipping and customs support solution designed for marketplace sellers importing goods internationally.
What is the 5H customs enforcement program?
The 5H enforcement process is part of increased scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on imported shipments entering American ports. Under this system, shipments can be placed on hold or returned if customs authorities identify compliance problems.
According to the Seller Central update, common reasons for shipment holds include:
• Incorrect or incomplete documentation
• Cargo undervaluation
• Invalid importer bonds
• Errors in customs declarations
• Missing import paperwork
When a shipment is held at the port, sellers may face mounting demurrage and storage fees until the issue is resolved. In some cases, cargo may even be returned to the origin country.
Industry experts say customs compliance has become more important than ever as global trade enforcement becomes increasingly data-driven and automated.
Also Read: Amazon Sellers Cross New Milestones in 2025 as AI Tools Drive Record Growth
How AGL aims to reduce customs risks
Amazon stated on Seller Central that Amazon Global Logistics includes customs clearance support within every shipment booking, without requiring separate customs processing arrangements.
Unlike some third-party freight forwarders that charge separately for customs support, Amazon said AGL integrates compliance checks directly into the shipping workflow.
One of the major advantages highlighted by Amazon is early-stage document review before cargo reaches U.S. ports.
Under AGL, Amazon’s customs teams review:
• Commercial invoices
• Product declarations
• Packing lists
• Import documentation
• Power of attorney paperwork
The review process takes place at the shipment origin stage rather than after the cargo arrives at the port. This helps sellers identify compliance issues earlier and avoid delays later in the supply chain.
Amazon also said AGL handles import registration, bond processing, customs declaration filing, and clearance procedures on behalf of sellers.
Why this matters for Amazon sellers
The Seller Central update is especially important for sellers importing products from China, India, Southeast Asia, and other major manufacturing regions into the U.S. marketplace.
Many sellers rely heavily on smooth inventory movement ahead of peak shopping periods. Even short customs delays can lead to:
• FBA stockouts
• Higher storage and demurrage costs
• Delayed replenishment
• Reduced Buy Box performance
• Lost sales opportunities
For sellers operating on tight margins, customs penalties and unexpected port charges can quickly impact profitability.
The update also serves as a reminder that import compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the importer of record, which in most cases is the seller.
Amazon clarified that while AGL is designed to help prevent 5H holds, financial liability for demurrage fees still remains with the seller if customs authorities detain the shipment.
Inventory planning and AWD integration
Amazon is also encouraging sellers to build stronger inventory buffers using Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD).
The company said pre-stocking inventory through AWD can help sellers reduce supply chain disruptions caused by customs delays or international shipping slowdowns.
For urgent replenishment, sellers can use AGL Air Freight services, which typically offer estimated transit times of 7 to 10 days.
For lower-cost bulk inventory movement, Amazon highlighted AGL Fast Ocean services, which generally operate within estimated transit windows of 30 to 45 days.
Transit times may vary depending on origin country, destination port, and carrier schedules.
No category-based restrictions
Another important point mentioned in the Seller Central notice is that AGL’s customs clearance and compliance support apply across all product categories.
However, Amazon noted that some product types may still face a higher likelihood of customs inspections regardless of the shipping provider used. Categories such as electronics, supplements, chemicals, toys, and regulated products often receive additional scrutiny from customs authorities worldwide.
Growing importance of logistics compliance
The update reflects a broader trend across global ecommerce and international trade. Governments and customs agencies are increasingly tightening import enforcement to combat undervaluation, incorrect declarations, and trade compliance violations.
As a result, logistics management is becoming a critical part of Amazon seller operations rather than just a backend shipping function.
Sellers who proactively improve documentation accuracy, importer compliance, and shipment planning may face fewer disruptions during peak selling seasons.
How sellers can start using AGL
According to the Seller Central announcement, sellers can begin using Amazon Global Logistics by:
• Setting up an AGL profile through the AGL program portal
• Creating shipments normally within Seller Central
• Selecting AGL as the preferred shipping method during shipment creation
Amazon has also directed sellers to its Amazon Global Logistics information pages for additional guidance and onboarding support.
The latest Seller Central update highlights growing risks around U.S. customs enforcement and the increasing importance of compliance-focused shipping solutions for Amazon sellers.
With shipment holds becoming more costly and disruptive, sellers importing into the United States may benefit from strengthening documentation practices, improving inventory planning, and using integrated logistics services that simplify customs processing.
For sellers scaling globally, the message is becoming increasingly clear: efficient logistics alone is no longer enough. Accurate compliance, faster documentation review, and proactive supply chain management are now essential parts of protecting inventory flow and maintaining stable ecommerce operations.
Also Read: Amazon opens its logistics network to every business with new Supply Chain Services
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the company.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
May-2026#25
Stricter customs enforcement at U.S. ports is creating fresh challenges for Amazon sellers importing inventory into the United States. A new update published on Amazon Seller Central warns that shipments with documentation errors, undervalued cargo declarations, or invalid importer bonds are increasingly being stopped under a U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement initiative known as “5H” or Entry Processing Hold.
The enforcement action is resulting in significant financial pressure for importers, with some sellers reportedly facing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in daily demurrage charges while shipments remain delayed at ports.
To help sellers reduce these risks, Amazon is promoting the use of Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), its end-to-end shipping and customs support solution designed for marketplace sellers importing goods internationally.
What is the 5H customs enforcement program?
The 5H enforcement process is part of increased scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on imported shipments entering American ports. Under this system, shipments can be placed on hold or returned if customs authorities identify compliance problems.
According to the Seller Central update, common reasons for shipment holds include:
• Incorrect or incomplete documentation
• Cargo undervaluation
• Invalid importer bonds
• Errors in customs declarations
• Missing import paperwork
When a shipment is held at the port, sellers may face mounting demurrage and storage fees until the issue is resolved. In some cases, cargo may even be returned to the origin country.
Industry experts say customs compliance has become more important than ever as global trade enforcement becomes increasingly data-driven and automated.
Also Read: Amazon Sellers Cross New Milestones in 2025 as AI Tools Drive Record Growth
How AGL aims to reduce customs risks
Amazon stated on Seller Central that Amazon Global Logistics includes customs clearance support within every shipment booking, without requiring separate customs processing arrangements.
Unlike some third-party freight forwarders that charge separately for customs support, Amazon said AGL integrates compliance checks directly into the shipping workflow.
One of the major advantages highlighted by Amazon is early-stage document review before cargo reaches U.S. ports.
Under AGL, Amazon’s customs teams review:
• Commercial invoices
• Product declarations
• Packing lists
• Import documentation
• Power of attorney paperwork
The review process takes place at the shipment origin stage rather than after the cargo arrives at the port. This helps sellers identify compliance issues earlier and avoid delays later in the supply chain.
Amazon also said AGL handles import registration, bond processing, customs declaration filing, and clearance procedures on behalf of sellers.
Why this matters for Amazon sellers
The Seller Central update is especially important for sellers importing products from China, India, Southeast Asia, and other major manufacturing regions into the U.S. marketplace.
Many sellers rely heavily on smooth inventory movement ahead of peak shopping periods. Even short customs delays can lead to:
• FBA stockouts
• Higher storage and demurrage costs
• Delayed replenishment
• Reduced Buy Box performance
• Lost sales opportunities
For sellers operating on tight margins, customs penalties and unexpected port charges can quickly impact profitability.
The update also serves as a reminder that import compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the importer of record, which in most cases is the seller.
Amazon clarified that while AGL is designed to help prevent 5H holds, financial liability for demurrage fees still remains with the seller if customs authorities detain the shipment.
Inventory planning and AWD integration
Amazon is also encouraging sellers to build stronger inventory buffers using Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD).
The company said pre-stocking inventory through AWD can help sellers reduce supply chain disruptions caused by customs delays or international shipping slowdowns.
For urgent replenishment, sellers can use AGL Air Freight services, which typically offer estimated transit times of 7 to 10 days.
For lower-cost bulk inventory movement, Amazon highlighted AGL Fast Ocean services, which generally operate within estimated transit windows of 30 to 45 days.
Transit times may vary depending on origin country, destination port, and carrier schedules.
No category-based restrictions
Another important point mentioned in the Seller Central notice is that AGL’s customs clearance and compliance support apply across all product categories.
However, Amazon noted that some product types may still face a higher likelihood of customs inspections regardless of the shipping provider used. Categories such as electronics, supplements, chemicals, toys, and regulated products often receive additional scrutiny from customs authorities worldwide.
Growing importance of logistics compliance
The update reflects a broader trend across global ecommerce and international trade. Governments and customs agencies are increasingly tightening import enforcement to combat undervaluation, incorrect declarations, and trade compliance violations.
As a result, logistics management is becoming a critical part of Amazon seller operations rather than just a backend shipping function.
Sellers who proactively improve documentation accuracy, importer compliance, and shipment planning may face fewer disruptions during peak selling seasons.
How sellers can start using AGL
According to the Seller Central announcement, sellers can begin using Amazon Global Logistics by:
• Setting up an AGL profile through the AGL program portal
• Creating shipments normally within Seller Central
• Selecting AGL as the preferred shipping method during shipment creation
Amazon has also directed sellers to its Amazon Global Logistics information pages for additional guidance and onboarding support.
The latest Seller Central update highlights growing risks around U.S. customs enforcement and the increasing importance of compliance-focused shipping solutions for Amazon sellers.
With shipment holds becoming more costly and disruptive, sellers importing into the United States may benefit from strengthening documentation practices, improving inventory planning, and using integrated logistics services that simplify customs processing.
For sellers scaling globally, the message is becoming increasingly clear: efficient logistics alone is no longer enough. Accurate compliance, faster documentation review, and proactive supply chain management are now essential parts of protecting inventory flow and maintaining stable ecommerce operations.
Also Read: Amazon opens its logistics network to every business with new Supply Chain Services
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the company.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.