There are five main reasons for a customs exam from CBP. 

Commodity

Perhaps the most common reason is an inaccurate product value on the cargo. Occasionally, an importer may misclassify HTS numbers to get a lower duty rate. This can be completely unintentional, but the government is especially concerned about collecting necessary fees. With the total import value for goods in fiscal year 2022 was $3.35 million it’s not hard to understand why CBP will want to double check that your cargo’s duty has been paid correctly!

Another commodity-based reason is the cargo in question is subject to requirements from a different government agency. The FDA, DEA, EPA, and Lacey Act for Wood are all agencies that work in tandem with CBP to make sure all imports are legal.

CBP also keeps an eye out for trademark infringement. This is most often related to fashion products in order to prevent counterfeits from entering the market.

Lastly, CBP will use customs exams to make sure there is no antidumping or countervailing. Antidumping protects American businesses from unfair foreign pricing that can undermine or upturn the domestic market.

Importer Security Filing too Close to Departure

This is the easiest trigger to avoid. If the Importer Security Filing (ISF) is filed within 24 hours prior to departure, you will likely get a physical customs exam. The best way to stay on top of all of these details is by working with a trusted freight forwarding company, like SiShips, which leads us into the next reason.

Past History of Importer

If CBP is aware of any issues the importer has previously faced, such as a failed customs exam, they will most likely flag the cargo for another inspection. New importers are most likely for this type of customs exam. Again, working with a trusted import professional can lessen the likelihood of facing an exam.

Suspicious Packing

If the cargo has suspicious packing, CBP will hone in on your cargo. Unusual or untidy packaging is often associated with drug smuggling.

Random Selection

Finally, it’s just random. You can, and should, put yourself in the best position to move through customs as efficiently as possible, but sometimes your cargo will be randomly selected. There is nothing to worry about, as long as you have followed all regulations on imports your cargo will pass the inspection easily.

So, now that we know the reasons why CBP might feel the need to inspect your cargo further, what are the different types of holds and customs exams?

Non-Intrusive / VACIS Exam

A Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System or Non-Intrusive Exam sounds complicated, but it is just a fancy way of saying “x-ray”. This exam will be performed right at the terminal, similar to putting your bag through the x-ray machine at the airport. The entire container will be scanned and no seals or cargo will be physically opened. This exam typically takes one day or less. If something appears suspicious, the cargo will then be subjected to one of the next two exams.

Tailgate Exam

A Tailgate Exam is a simple procedure, but may take a bit longer than a non-intrusive exam depending on manpower and the amount of imports waiting to be inspected. Usually, the container will be opened at the pier. A Customs officer will break any seals needed to look inside a few boxes. There is no major disruption to the cargo. If any imports fail this exam, they will be kicked up to the next and final level of examination.

Intensive Exam

This is the big one and will require a transfer of the cargo to a Centralized Examination Station (CES). You will want to avoid an intensive exam at all costs, because it can delay your shipment anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks. For an intensive exam, agents will physically open the shipment and perform a detailed hands-on inspection. Such an examination can be triggered from the risk assessments outlined above, a CBP officer, a PGA officer, a failed non-intrusive or tailgate exam or a random selection. But, again, if your imports are legal and all the paperwork is in order there is no risk to your cargo and it should pass through the process without delay.