DHS Shutdown and Customs Delays: What Importers Need to Know

February 13, 2026

Government shutdown customs delays](https://www.dhs.gov) are a real possibility that importers need to prepare for. When layered on top of the ongoing Federal Maritime Commission shutdown that's now entering its third week, the situation creates a dual-agency disruption with cascading effects throughout the supply chain.

Here's what you need to know about the DHS shutdown customs operations and the CBP shutdown 2026, its potential impacts on your cargo, and how to navigate the uncertainty ahead.

Customs Processing Delays: What Happens When CBP Works Without Pay

Customs and Border Protection officers and staff are classified as excepted employees, meaning they will continue working through a DHS shutdown. Essential functions at ports of entry—including cargo examination, entry processing, and enforcement activities—remain operational. However, the reality of working without pay introduces several risk factors that can translate into customs processing delays:

Reduced Throughput and Staffing Challenges

During previous shutdowns, CBP maintained essential operations but at reduced capacity. Officers working without pay may experience decreased morale, higher absenteeism, and reduced efficiency. Even when officers show up, non-essential support services that smooth operations—administrative processing, guidance requests, specialized training units—may be curtailed.

Port-Level Variability

The impact won't be uniform across all ports. High-volume facilities like Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, and Savannah may see more pronounced delays due to the sheer volume of cargo processing required with potentially fewer staff. Smaller ports with leaner teams could face challenges covering essential functions if absences occur.

Examination and Hold Processing

Cargo examinations and holds may take longer to resolve during a shutdown. Agencies that partner with CBP on inspections—including FDA, USDA, and EPA—may also be operating with reduced staffing, creating secondary delays for shipments requiring partner government agency clearances.

Historical Context: How Past Shutdowns Affected Trade

Looking back at previous government shutdowns provides valuable context for what we might expect from the current CBP shutdown 2026.

The 2018-2019 Shutdown: The Longest in U.S. History

The partial government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019 lasted 35 days—the longest in U.S. history. While DHS remained funded through that initial period, subsequent lapses during that same fiscal year affected multiple federal agencies with trade responsibilities. Importers during that period reported:

Increased cargo hold times at major ports
Delayed responses from CBP centers for rulings and guidance
Slower processing of refunds and drawback claims
Backlogs that took weeks to clear after funding was restored

The 2013 Shutdown: CBP Furloughs Reduced Processing

The 2013 government shutdown lasted 16 days and directly affected DHS operations. While CBP maintained port operations, approximately 14% of CBP personnel were furloughed, including many administrative and support staff. Importers experienced:

Longer wait times for entry summary processing
Delayed responses to electronic inquiries via ACE
Reduced availability for urgent rulings and classification guidance
Slower processing of bond adjustments and account updates

The 2013 experience demonstrated that even when front-line officers remain at their posts, the supporting infrastructure that keeps customs moving efficiently can be significantly degraded.

Key Takeaway: Shutdowns Create Backlogs, Not Blackouts

The historical pattern is clear: shutdowns don't stop customs, but they do slow it down. The import delays government shutdown effects are cumulative—each day of reduced processing adds to the backlog, which then takes time to clear after funding is restored and normal staffing resumes.

The Compounding Effect: FMC Shutdown + DHS Shutdown

What makes the current situation particularly challenging is that the trade community is already operating under a Federal Maritime Commission shutdown that began on January 31. Now facing a potential DHS shutdown simultaneously, importers must navigate dual agency disruptions.

FMC Shutdown: No New Enforcement or Rulings

Since January 31, the FMC has suspended all non-essential operations. This means:

No new detention and demurrage complaints being processed
No new service contract approvals or reviews
No rulings on tariff interpretations or shipping practices
No agreement approvals or vessel-sharing arrangements

For ocean freight stakeholders relying on FMC action to resolve disputes or move forward with contracts, operations have effectively stalled for two weeks.

The Combined Impact on Supply Chains

When you layer potential customs processing delays from a DHS shutdown on top of an existing FMC shutdown, the effects compound:

Operational Delays: Cargo arriving at ports may face longer clearance times if CBP processing slows. With the FMC unable to intervene on service disputes, any terminal or carrier delays that arise during this period have no immediate regulatory recourse.

Contract Uncertainty: Shippers awaiting FMC rulings on contract provisions or agreement interpretations are already in limbo. Adding CBP delays on top of that creates extended uncertainty for shipment planning and cost forecasting.

Dispute Resolution Bottlenecks: Detention and demurrage disputes that would normally be addressed through FMC complaint processes are on hold. If customs delays cause cargo to sit longer at terminals, shippers have limited options to challenge related charges until the FMC reopens.

Regulatory Guidance Gap: Both CBP and FMC provide essential guidance to the trade community on complex regulatory questions. With both agencies potentially operating in limited-capacity mode, importers seeking answers to nuanced compliance questions may face extended wait times or no response at all.

Why This Dual Shutdown Matters More Than Either Alone

A single agency shutdown is disruptive but manageable—importers can often work around temporary delays at CBP or the FMC. Two simultaneous shutdowns create compounding risks that affect different parts of the supply chain at the same time. Ocean freight issues that might be escalated to the FMC for resolution remain stuck, while customs clearance issues that would be addressed through CBP may also experience delays. Importers caught in the middle have fewer levers to pull to keep cargo moving.

What Importers Should Do Now: Practical Preparation

Given the uncertainty ahead, importers should take proactive steps to minimize the impact of DHS shutdown customs disruptions on their supply chains.

Build Extra Time Into Your Clearance Timelines

Assume that customs processing may take longer than usual over the coming days and potentially weeks. Build buffer time into your shipment planning, particularly for:

Time-sensitive deliveries with strict deadlines
Shipments moving through high-volume ports where delays may be most pronounced
Cargo requiring partner government agency inspections (FDA, USDA, EPA)
Entries with complex documentation or classification questions

Ensure Your Entries Are Clean Before Filing

The fewer questions CBP has about your entry, the less likely it is to face delays. Before filing:

Verify all documentation is complete and accurate
Double-check classification and valuation for potential issues
Confirm partner government agency requirements are met in advance
Ensure your broker has all necessary information to file a clean entry

A clean entry that can be processed quickly without additional review is your best defense against shutdown-related delays.

Communicate Across Your Supply Chain

Don't operate in a vacuum. Make sure all your supply chain partners are aware of the potential disruptions:

Carriers: Alert your ocean carriers and freight forwarders about possible delays and discuss contingency plans
Warehouses: Coordinate with 3PLs and warehouses on potential receiving delays and storage capacity
Terminals: Stay informed on terminal operations—some may adjust hours or procedures during shutdown periods
Customers: Set realistic expectations with customers about potential delivery delays

Monitor Developments and Stay Flexible

The situation is evolving rapidly. Funding could be restored within days, or the shutdown could extend longer than expected. Build flexibility into your planning and be prepared to adjust as conditions change.

Key sources to monitor:

CBP.gov for operational notices and port advisories
DHS.gov for agency-wide shutdown updates
FMC.gov for commission status and reopening announcements
Trade news outlets for political developments that could affect funding

Document Everything for Potential Recovery

If shutdown-related delays result in additional costs—detention charges, storage fees, expedited shipping expenses—document the circumstances thoroughly. While there's no guarantee of compensation, having clear records of how the shutdown affected your shipments may support claims or negotiations after normal operations resume.

The Bottom Line: Political Standoff, Real Trade Risk

It's important to keep perspective: this is a political standoff over funding, not a trade policy change. The laws and regulations governing imports haven't changed. Essential customs functions will continue.

But operational risk is real. Layering a DHS shutdown on top of an existing FMC shutdown creates genuine challenges for anyone moving cargo through U.S. ports right now. The import delays government shutdown effects may be temporary, but they require active preparation and contingency planning.

The trade community has navigated shutdowns before and will navigate this one. But importers who plan ahead, communicate proactively, and stay informed will be best positioned to minimize disruptions to their supply chains.

Transmodal is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as developments unfold. If you have concerns about specific shipments or need guidance on navigating shutdown-related challenges, contact our team for support.

DHS Shutdown Customs FAQ

Will CBP stop processing cargo during a DHS shutdown?

No. CBP officers and frontline staff are excepted employees who continue working through shutdowns to maintain essential operations at ports of entry. Cargo processing continues, though delays are possible due to reduced staffing and support services.

How long will customs delays last if the shutdown extends?

Delays tend to accumulate day by day as backlogs build up. Past shutdowns have shown that once funding is restored, it can take weeks to clear accumulated backlogs and return to normal processing times.

What should I do if my shipment is delayed during the shutdown?

Document the delay thoroughly, communicate with your customs broker and carrier, and stay informed on agency status updates. If additional charges accrue due to shutdown delays, maintain records for potential recovery discussions after normal operations resume.

Does the FMC shutdown affect my ocean freight shipments?

Yes. The FMC shutdown that began January 31 means no new enforcement actions, rulings, or agreement reviews are being processed. If you have pending detention and demurrage complaints or need contract approvals, those will remain on hold until the FMC reopens.

How can I minimize the impact of shutdown-related delays on my supply chain?

Build extra buffer time into shipment planning, ensure entries are clean before filing, communicate proactively with supply chain partners, monitor agency updates, and stay flexible as conditions evolve.

Resources and Official Sources

Stay informed with these official resources during the shutdown:

CBP.gov — Customs operational notices and port advisories
FMC.gov — Maritime commission status and updates
DHS.gov — Department-wide shutdown announcements

Related Resources

Stay informed on the latest trade and logistics developments:

*Transmodal Corporation provides expert customs brokerage and trade compliance services. Contact us for support navigating shutdown-related disruptions or any other import challenges.*