When is customs exam

Your shipment may be selected for a customs exam upon import into the U. Ready to Get Started? Flexport makes shipping your cargo transparent, reliable, and affordable Get Started. What is a Customs exam? How does Customs select shipments for exams? Where does Customs get information about my shipment?

If the contents appear to be normal, the container will be closed and released. The container will be fully unloaded, and the contents will be physically inspected by CBP. This process can delay a shipment anywhere from a week to 30 days. This exam is intended to protect U. This exam physically inspects the cargo for outside pests or anything that will disrupt or harm the U.

Cargo subject to the USDA exam includes food products or wood products, including shipping pallets and crating, that may contain harmful pests. Each type of exam has its own timeline and associated fees. It is hard to define the exact cost or the amount of time an exam will take as factors such as the type of exam, port congestion, availability of equipment and inspectors and moving freight to the CES, all have an impact on the timing and cost.

The importer is ultimately responsible for providing any required information and bears all associated costs for moving cargo, storage, and the exam.

Being prepared to respond to CBP on a Manifest Hold request can result in the expedited release of your cargo. For example, exams that take place at busy port terminals or airports will probably take a lot longer to occur than exams that take place in smaller ones. Also, having your freight transferred to an in-bond warehouse or facility is beneficial so one can avoid storage fees and increase the chances that the exam will be completed quicker.

Exams can occur on random or if something looks fishy to a CBP officer. The following CBP holds can occur at time of clearing. Your U. Customs broker will typically be notified of the hold and in some cases even take care of a hold without the importer even knowing. If there are any discrepancies, then the U. Customs broker will involve the importer. It is the ultimate responsibility of the importer of record to relay pertinent information, details of product and decide on the HTS Classification they want filed with CBP.

For new importers, this one is tough. If you are a new importer, your first couple of shipments will most likely go through some sort of US Customs exam. However, here are some tips to take to help avoid future exams:. Reduced number of CBP examinations 2. Front of the line inspections 3. Possible exemption from Stratified Exams 4. Shorter wait times at the border 5. Military ID, U.

Government Issued Visa, U. AND citizenship U. Your name must match on both forms of identification. All submitted documents both identification and citizenship paperwork must be current and unexpired. Expired IDs are not acceptable, this includes expired passports.

There will be no exceptions and no refunds will be given. Please note that an original marriage or divorce certificate can be provided to corroborate a name change between the two forms of ID presented. No photocopies, scans, or facsimiles of any documentation will be accepted. Please bring the required documentation and allocate sufficient time for travel to the examination site, as NO exceptions will be made for traffic delays, late trains, or similar incidences.

Once the test administrators have closed the doors to the examination room, registrants will not be permitted into the examination room and will not be allowed to sit for the exam. There will be no exceptions and no refunds will be given if you are turned away for insufficient identification or late arrival. Reasonable modifications: CBLE candidates will have the opportunity to request reasonable modifications based on disability needs only during the registration period from August 23, through September 21, for the Fall CBLE.