What are Customs Holds and Exams
The U.S. CBP is responsible for monitoring security risks to protect the country. This includes inspecting cargo arriving in the U.S. from overseas. CBO collects data from various sources and assigns a “score” to each incoming shipment.
CBP flags a shipment for review if its score exceeds a certain threshold.
We do not know the metrics CBP uses to target and flag shipments. However, certain commodities, countries of origin, and certain flagged entities are more likely to be inspected by CBP.
Types of Customs Holds
Manifest Hold: Based on data, or the lack thereof, on the carrier’s manifest, as well as ISF data.
Commercial Enforcement Hold: Broad definition for any hold put on a shipment to address a potential issue under either Customs regulations, but possibly by any of the many other agencies involved with regulating goods entering the country. U.S. Customs is the watchdog for all of them (e.g. FDA, USDA, CPSC, FCC and many others).
Statistical Validation Hold: Typically, these are triggered by discrepancies between the data declared and what prior experience indicates cargo should be, e.g., value, weight, etc., for a given commodity.
CET Hold (A-TCET): Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team – all things bad, such as drugs and guns.
PGA Hold: A number of other Participating Government Agencies (PGAs), e.g., FDA, USDA, CPSC, and others, regulate products entering the U.S. Any of these agencies may instruct CBP to place a hold on a shipment to ensure compliance with regulations.
Types of Customs Exams
Customs generally employ three types of exams to properly address the type of hold.
X-Ray Exam: Also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS exam. CBP simply orders the container to be driven through the X-ray machine at the ocean terminal and reviews the pictures. If all is well, they will release the container. Otherwise, this exam could be escalated to either of the next two exams. Fees range from $150 – $600 per container, depending on the size of the container and the port at which the shipment is held.
Tail Gate Exam: The container is inspected at the pier. The Customs officer breaks the container’s seal and takes a look inside. If everything is found in order, they release the container; if not, the container is escalated to the final level of exams.
Intensive Exam: The entire container is taken to a Customs Exam Site (CES) where the container is stripped and inspected. Fees for an intensive exam can run well over $1,000 – $2,500 and beyond, all dependent on the labor involved, size of container, and the port at which it’s held.
We're Here to Help
Customs holds and exams are stressful and can impact the success of your import shipment. We have been assisting first-time importers and established businesses with freight forwarding and U.S. CBP services since 2009. Contact us if you need help with a shipment held by CBP.
