Closing Date

Closing Date (截关) is a critical time node in foreign trade and logistics, referring to the final deadline set by the carrier (shipping line or airline) for accepting cargo and completing customs clearance and release. Before this time, the cargo must complete customs declaration, inspection, release, and be delivered to the designated terminal or warehouse; otherwise, it cannot be loaded onto the vessel. Usage scenarios include booking, trucking, customs declaration, etc., and it is especially common in sea freight exports. Notes: The closing date is usually earlier than the port cut-off time (CY cut-off) and the vessel departure time (ETD), and closing dates vary by shipping line, port, and route, so it is necessary to confirm with the freight forwarder in advance. If the closing date is missed, additional costs such as rebooking fees and demurrage may be incurred. Terms easily confused with closing date include CY Cut-off (截港), SI Cut-off (截单), and ETD (开船). Closing date emphasizes the deadline for customs clearance and release, CY cut-off emphasizes the deadline for container gate-in, and SI cut-off emphasizes the deadline for submitting shipping instruction. Foreign trade practitioners should strictly distinguish them and allow buffer time.