CY Cut-off (Customs Cut-off)

CY Cut-off / Customs Cut-off is a critical deadline in foreign trade and ocean shipping, referring to the last time specified by the carrier for containers to enter the terminal and complete customs clearance procedures. If this deadline is missed, the cargo cannot be loaded onto the scheduled vessel and must be rolled to the next sailing. Usage scenario: exporters must strictly adhere to this deadline when arranging trucking, customs declaration, and container loading; it is usually noted by the freight forwarder on the warehouse receipt or booking confirmation. Notes: the cut-off time is typically earlier than the CY closing time and vessel departure time, and may vary by shipping line and port; if customs inspection occurs, more time should be reserved. Difference from SI Cut-off: SI Cut-off is the deadline for submitting shipping instruction supplements, while CY/Customs Cut-off is the deadline for cargo to actually enter the terminal and be released; difference from CY closing: CY closing only refers to the container gate-in deadline, while CY/Customs Cut-off also emphasizes customs release. Foreign trade practitioners must confirm the specific cut-off time with the freight forwarder in advance to avoid losses such as dead freight and re-booking fees caused by delays.