A Lay Order Period is a period during which imported merchandise may remain at the place of unlading without some action being taken for its disposition.

Lay Order Periods are typically 15 days in duration, and commence upon arrival of goods from a foreign port, or when an In-Bond shipment arrives at its destination port. An In-Bond is an Entry which will stop the Lay Order Clock progress at first Port of Unlading. Once an In-Bond arrives at its In-Bond Destination Port, a new Lay Order Period of 15 days begins.