It is important to know the types of US customs inspections and holds
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for protecting the country and monitoring security risks, in addition to preventing smuggling and misvaluation.
As a result, they pull more shipments for exams using a targeting system that assigns a score to each shipment. If the score is above a certain threshold, the shipment is subject to further review and potentially an exam.
CBP collects data from various sources, including the Automated Manifest System (AMS), Importer Security Filing (ISF), and entry data transmitted by brokers.
The targeting system takes into account factors such as the importer's history, the commodity, the country of origin, and flagged entities. Based on the data and score, CBP may put holds on the shipment for further action or detain it.
There are several types of Customs holds that can be placed on shipments:
- Manifest Hold: Based on data or lack thereof on the carrier's manifest and ISF data
- Commercial Enforcement Hold: Addresses potential issues under Customs regulations or other agencies regulating goods entering the country
- Statistical Validation Hold: Triggered by discrepancies in data declared against prior experience for a given commodity
- CET Hold: Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team handles issues such as drugs and guns
- PGA Hold: Participating Government Agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and CPSC may instruct CBP to place a hold on a shipment to ensure compliance with regulations
If there is a hold on a shipment, Customs will electronically notify the broker and importer. They may request additional information or documentation and may proceed to inspect the cargo through various methods. The hold may then be released or escalated to an exam.
Customs uses three types of exams to address holds on shipments:
- X-ray or non-intrusive inspection (Non-Intrusive Inspection) exam: The container is driven through an X-ray machine at the ocean terminal and the pictures are reviewed. If everything is in order, the container is released. If not, the exam may be escalated to the next level. Fees range from $150-$350 per container.
- Tailgate exam: The container is inspected at the pier. The Customs officer breaks the seal, opens the doors, and takes a look inside. If everything is in order, the container is released. If not, the exam is escalated to the next level. Fees range from $150-$350 per container.
- Intensive exam: The entire container is taken to a Customs Exam Site (CES) where it is stripped and the contents are inspected and possibly sampled. Fees for this exam can range from $1,000-$2,500 and beyond, depending on the labor and size of the container. If the shipment is less than a container load (LCL), the costs are typically divided proportionally among the importers and are usually collected by the freight forwarder coordinating the movement of the container.
If you would like to learn more about customs exams, please check Customs Exams article.
Is there any way to expedite the examination process?
There are a few options that may help expedite the examination process:
- Pre-Notification: You can notify Customs in advance of your shipment's arrival, which may allow them to schedule the examination in advance and potentially reduce the amount of time it takes.
- Priority Shipping: Some carriers offer priority shipping options, which may help your shipment move through the examination process more quickly.
- Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): If you participate in the ACE program, your shipments may be able to move through the examination process more quickly, as the program provides for expedited clearance of shipments that have been deemed low-risk.
- Filing a Request for Expedited Examination: In certain circumstances, you may be able to request an expedited examination of your shipment. This may be possible if you can demonstrate that the delay is causing undue hardship or if the goods are perishable.
It's worth noting that even if you take one or more of these steps, there is no guarantee that your shipment will be examined more quickly. The examination process can be unpredictable, and many factors can affect the length of time it takes.