Shipping Exam

Container was examined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and being charged a fee by the Centralized Examination Station (CES).

UnderĀ 19 USC 1467, CBP has a right to examine any shipment imported into the United States and it is important to know that you,Ā the importer, must bear the cost of such cargo exams. Per the CBP regulations, it is theĀ responsibility of the importer to make the goods available for examination-- "The importer shall bear any expense involved in preparing the merchandise for CBP examination and in the closing of packages" (19 CFRĀ 151.6). Ā Household effects are not exempt. Ā No distinction is made between commercial and personal shipments. In the course of normal operations, CBP does not charge for cargo examinations. However, there may still be costs involved for the importer. For example, if your shipment is selected for examination, it will generally be moved to a Centralized Examination Station (CES) for the CBP exam to take place. A CES is a privately operated facility, not in the charge of a CBP Officer, at which merchandise is made available to CBP officers for physical examination. The CES facility will unload (Devan) your shipment from its shipping container and will reload it after the exam. The CES will bill you for their services. There are also costs associated with moving the cargo to and from the exam site and with storage. Rates will vary across the country and a complete devanning may cost several hundred dollars.

The CES concept fulfills the needs of both CBP and the importer by providing an efficient means to conduct exams in a timely manner. CESs are discussed in part 118 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are available for viewing byĀ clicking here.

Note: Exam-delays can be linked to missing/incomplete/misleading consignee/manufacturer information, also, missing/incomplete/misleading country of origin, poor item description (materials that is made out of ), unrealistic values, missingĀ Fabric/Textile (i.e.:Ā cotton%, woven%Ā & etc.) detail sheets & etc. Below exam fees are for stander shipment, REEFER, Ā Hazard, & etc. shipment exam could beĀ double/triple or more.Ā  Also, Ā LATE ISF filings. IF US Customs Required your shipment to move toĀ Exam site after 10am (pacific time) Ā or Ā PTT is issued after 10am by Customs, Ā Ā it will be considered as next day move/delivery to exam site, meaning you will be paying other days of storage fees (IF any). DispositionĀ Ā CodeĀ Ā a 2ā€‘position alphanumeric code transmitted in AMS in a status notification message indicating the action that has been taken against the bill. (Importer Frequency of Examination (FOE)

US Customs & other Government Agency has rights to Examine your shipment(s) ANYTIME ANYWHERE. Ā Even if you received Customs Release documents (Form 7501, 3641 & DO) & picked-up a shipment.

If any,Ā EXAMĀ byĀ US Customs/DHS/AgenciesĀ to, Ā Ā Who will be receiving Exam Notice, FIRSTĀ Ā Ā &Ā Ā Ā who will be Notifying Exam to You (Importer / Consignee) Ā & Ā Ā Your Customs Broker also, what is a Customs Broker.

  1. Most of Exam are issue 6-7 days before your shipmentĀ is in US port,Ā by US Customs/Agencies to your US Freight Forwarder. Ā Only then, your Forwarder will notify you & your Customs Broker withĀ Arrival-Notice.
  2. After receiving your Arrival-NoticeĀ & with all your import documents (Invoice,Ā Packing-list,Ā BLĀ &Ā etc.), Customs Broker electronically transmits toĀ US Customs/Agencies, if any, then after, your broker receives ā€œmanifest holdā€ atĀ ABI.
  3. So, Beyond this point, for your Broker could do,Ā shipment-QueryĀ every 24-48 hour withĀ ABI, for up-date, Ā BUT, your Forwarder is notify immediately by US Customs/Agencies, since, your forwarder is moving cargo to destination.
  4. US Customs/Agencies could notify your Forwarder by email/fax/phone/freight-software: (Examples: continue-toĀ Ā or Ā stop for exam....... Ā or Ā move-it-to-exam-site.............) Ā (95% of the time)
  5. When Exam (VACIS,Ā NII,Ā X-Ray,Ā IBET,Ā Tailgate,Ā METĀ &Ā ETC.) are done, Ā Exam-Site will forward the Invoice to your Forwarder. Ā Exam fee will be add it to yourĀ NEWĀ Revise Arrival NoticeĀ Ā from your Forwarder. Ā Ā (95% of the time).
  6. IF Exam (CET ExamĀ /Ā Ā A-TCET ExamĀ /Ā Intensive Exam / Stop SignĀ /Ā TradeĀ /Ā IPRĀ /Ā Emergency Action NotificationsĀ (EAN) & Ā ETC,), your Exam-Site/Broker will be Notify you Ā & Ā you MUST payĀ DIRECTLYĀ to exam site. (100% of time).
  7. We can pay your vendor, BUT you will be paying 4 wire fee (+$100): (1) your bank charges you to wire. (2) to received wire form you, (3) us to wire your vendor, (4) your vendor to receive from usĀ & Ā delay from BankĀ orĀ $50+$47.50.
  8. Customs Broker is Broker between US Customs/Agencies & Importer: Ā To transmits/submitted all importer info/documents on your behalf, way it was received from Importer/your-vendors, to US Customs/Agencies.
  9. Customs Broker is NOTĀ a Broker between you & your vendors (Supplier / Factory / Forwarder / Warehouse / Shipping-company / CET-Exam-Site & etc.)
  10. Customs Broker invoices are (ISF filingĀ &Ā Entry filing) Ā Entry $150/$199, Ā Service $25/$50Ā Ā Duty/Tax, Ā HMF/.001250, Ā MPF/.003464, Ā SingleĀ EntryĀ BondĀ /Ā Continuous Bond. Ā IFĀ Subject-toĀ Document processingĀ $85+Ā MessengerĀ $45.
  11. For Full ContainerĀ Ā &/orĀ LCLĀ withĀ Subject-toĀ (FDA, Ā USDAĀ & Ā ETC,), most ofĀ ExamĀ notice may coming from Customs Broker as (ExamĀ ProcessingĀ $40+MessengerĀ $45) Ā ++US Customs MAY invoice you their own processing fee.
  12. For US Customs/DHS/AgenciesĀ to Ā ExaminingĀ Ā Cargo/ContainersĀ Ā is MoreĀ Ā Important thanĀ Ā ScanningĀ Ā Emails. Ā Ā Container could contain, almost anything, such as: Ā ("Terrorism'sĀ Ā TrojanĀ Ā HorseĀ Ā Attack" Ā andĀ Ā OTHER.)

VACIS exam (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Systems Exam)Ā Ā / Ā Non Intrusive Inspection (NII)Ā /Ā X-Ray Exam:

Using a gamma ray imaging system to examine the containerā€™s, contents without breaking the seal. Ā VACIS, NII & X-ray exam are Ā usually done either at the pier or at another location in the port complex. VACIS / NII / X-Ray Exam for LCL & Full Container, Forwarder or Broker could look-up the fees on Terminal website or by calling the Terminal.

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost = $15-$35 Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-20 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $150-$250 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-20 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $200-$350 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-20 working days)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate TransportationĀ (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 70% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.
Xray Shipping Exam

Tailgate examĀ Ā /Ā Ā Backdoor ExamsĀ Ā / Ā Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET):

Customs or another government agency opens the back of the container and looks in without handling the cargo. Ā These exams are looking for anything suspicious that may necessitate an intensive exam. Tailgate / Backdoor / IBET Exam for LCL & Full Container, Forwarder or Broker could look-up the fees at Terminal website or by calling the Terminal & bill the importer or importer could pay directly

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost = $40-$50 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-25 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $100-$500 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-25 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $200-$700 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-25 working days)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate TransportationĀ (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 50% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.
Tailgate Shipping Exam

CET Exam (Contraband Enforcement Team)Ā Ā / Ā A-TCET Exam (Anti Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team)Ā =Ā Intensive exam/Examination Notice (Stop Sign):

Physical examination of any import entering the territory of the US. Ā Should importer become subject to a CET Exam/Intensive Exam/A-TCET you can expect that it will be transported to a Customs Examination Station (CES) andĀ undergo an actual hands on physical inspection & x-rays. It may requires complete unloading and staging of the shipment for piece by piece examination of the cargo. CBP is looking for illegal cargo, smuggling, weapons of mass destruction, & other contraband. Ā Ā Ā Many times narcotics dogs and X-ray machines are implemented in searching for items that are not allowed into the US. i.e., drugs, weapons, other suspicion & Etc. Ā Ā Samples (click here)

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost $50-$300 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $350-$2500 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $500-$3500 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate TransportationĀ (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 50% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.

MET Exam (Manifest Examination Team)Ā / Ā (Compliance Exam) / Ā InvoiceĀ Ā /Ā Ā Proforma InvoiceĀ /Ā Commercial invoice Exam:

Team of U.S. Customs officials that examine invoices and packing lists on a random basis, it could led to other exam. Ā Most common problems is Under-invoicing true value on the commercial invoice to submit to Customs and byĀ lowing the duty/tax that need to be paid.

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost is $20-$50 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. Ā (2-25 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $100 - $300 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-25 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $150 - $700 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (2-25 working days)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate Transportation (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 70% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.

Emergency Action Notifications (EAN): Ā (FDA, Ā EPA/DOT, Ā USDA, Ā Lacey-Act, Ā other Government Agencies Exam):

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost = $300-$1000 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (10-45 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $1000 - $4000 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (10-45 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $1500 - $7000 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (10-45 working day)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate Transportation (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 25% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.

USDA is usually looking for insect infestation or improper wood packaging (Fumigation-Certificate/ReportĀ &Ā all other documents are importer responsibility,Ā NO other). Ā USDA may do either a tailgate exam & an intensive exam & X-ray & other exams, depending on what they find. Ā Various products and countries with a history of problems may be repeatedly flagged for USDA exams. (for example, ceramic tiles shipments from Italy, is know to have Oulema leaf beetle, Xerotricha conspurcata snails and Helicellinae snails ). IF import can't supply Fumigation Report to US Custom/Broker, US Customs will issueĀ Emergency Action NotificationsĀ (EAN) and ordered the importers to fumigate the containers (Fumigating an container in US Port could cost $1,000's & other fees & delaying your shipment being releaseĀ from US Customs). Ā Could take,Ā over 10-45 working days. Ā For more details (click here). Ā Ā Ā Fumigation Certificate =Ā 'pest control certificate' ISPM 15 RULES (click here).
NOTE: Fumigation should be done BEFORE your shipment could leave from foreign countries, ask for Fumigation Certificate from your supplier/factory. ExampleĀ of other:Ā Emergency Action NotificationsĀ (EAN) was issued with Vacuum-Cleaned/Fumigation (click hereĀ During the Exams US Customs hasĀ found seeds in importers container). After Vacuum-Cleaned/Fumigation is done, importer received invoice (click here sample). Ā + Moving the Container to Vacuum Site & Moving it back to Terminal (click here). USDA & other government agencies will be invoicing to Consignee/Importer/Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier. Ā (all fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer)

In some cases:

IF FDA / USDA / other US Government related, CBP will release the shipment, but there is still FDA hold on it. Ā You could pick-up your shipment, but canĀ NOT be sold or altered until FDA hold is lifted. FDA may visit location of shipment Ā Ā or Ā Ā email/mail/call the consignee send notification when you could use or sell Ā or Ā if the shipment must be returned to your vendor (normally it could take 4 weeks fromĀ FDA/US Customs) ORĀ FDA MAY NOTIFY THAT IT MUST BE DESTROYED, (click here) for sample of notification. IF so, Fees will applied:Ā Customs destruction forms = +$200Ā Ā + Ā Messenger Fee = +$50 +Ā FDA fees = +$150Ā Ā +Ā Solid Waste Fee +$300Ā + Ā Storage (if any) + Ā Pickup and Delivery of shipment to Waste (if any) Ā +Ā Lab Test (if any) Ā + Ā ETC..... Ā Ā (all fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer).

In other cases:

FDA Released after Detention, months later with Notice of: Ā These products are released. This notice does not constitute assurance that the product released complies with all provisions of the
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or other related Acts, and does not preclude action should the product later be found violative. (click here) sample.

In other case ofĀ Fish and Wildlife (FWS) / USDA:

Consignee import a Woman/Hand Bags, BUT Consignee/Supplier/Factory did NOT disclose all ofĀ MaterialsĀ that is made out of, on all doc's, Ā Such asĀ Fabric/TextileĀ (ie:Ā cotton%, woven% & etc) andĀ Some of the bags has a Sea-Shell, Ā shipment had to Segregate from other bags, all shipment was transport it toĀ Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Exam Site & Ā Consignee had to hire someone who has access to US Customs/Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Site (cost over $1000) + Storage/ Demerge fees. Ā Ā Ā + Entry was refile by Local Broker (Consignee paid for Two Entry Filing). Ā (click here) sample.

IF your shipment value is over $250 & shipment is Subject-to: FDA,Ā EPA/DOT,Ā USDA,Ā each government agencyĀ submission fee $85Ā +Ā submission messengerĀ feeĀ $45Ā Ā = Ā $125 per agency Ā (click here for details)

WithĀ ExamsĀ orĀ With-OUTĀ Exams, some of the fees will apply from US Customs Bonded WarehouseĀ +Ā above fees

  1. Pier pass Traffic Mitigate fee (TMF) =Ā 20ft container ($61.50 - $100)Ā Ā Ā / Ā 40ft container ( $123 -$200Ā )
  2. Warehouse / Terminal Demurrage / Storage = They will giving this fees after the exam is Done.
  3. Diem Charges / Over usage of ContainerĀ Ā =Ā They will giving this fees after the exam is Done.
  4. Moving your shipment to Exam-Site by US Customs Bonded Trucker = They will giving this fees after the exam is Done.
  5. Examination / Examining / Ā inspection / Ā inquiry / investigation = They will giving this fees after the exam is Done.
  6. Some of Known fees (CBP FEE, DAD FEES, DOCUMENTATION, EQPT SURCHARGE, CFS FUEL S/C, PTT FILING FEE, INSURANCE FEE, LOADING CHARGES & ETC.)
  7. Etc & Etc feesĀ =Ā They will giving this fees after the exam is Done
  8. ALL Fees will be forward to you/import Ā Ā and Ā Ā Ā  ALL FEES MUST BE PRE-PAID BY CONSIGNEE/IMPORTER.Ā Ā Ā Ā 

Trade ExamĀ / Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) : Ā Ā Trademark SearchĀ /Ā US PatentĀ & Ā Trademark. Seizure StatisticsĀ +Ā Hazard & Etc. shipment. Tips for Importers & Exporters by US Customs.

  1. Per CBMĀ average cost $50-$300 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā Ā +Ā if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  2. For 20 feet (TEU) container average cost = $350-$2500 Ā Ā Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  3. For 40/45 feet (FEU) container average cost = $500-$3500 Ā Ā +$40 Document's Process feesĀ Ā +$45 Messenger submission feeĀ Ā +if any, Transporting fee to exam site, Ā Storage feeĀ Ā Ā & Etc fees. (5-25 working days)
  4. IF US Customs issues move-order to exam site, Immediate TransportationĀ (IT) must be issued, cost is $100. (other 1-5 working days)
  5. 50% of the time, it will lead to OTHER exam.
  6. All fees MUST be pre-pay by consignee/importer.

Telex-Released Bill-of-Lading(BL) ExamĀ Ā Ā vs Ā Ā Original-Bill-of-Lading(OBL) Exam:
IFĀ Intensive Examination Notice (Stop Sign), Ā IBET-Exam, Ā Ā A-TCET-Exam, Ā USDA-examĀ Ā &/or Ā any other ExamĀ is issued & if it'sĀ Telex-Released at Bill-of-Lading(BL), your Ā shipment/container could be moved to Exam site ASAP, BUT if your shipment/container requires Original-Bill-of-Lading(OBL), your Freight Forwarder/Carrier MUST received OBL with your signature on the OBL, in order to move it to Exam Site. Until OBL is receive you may be paying Storage Fees/Demurrage fees & other fees. Ā With or With-OUT exam, your US Freight Forwarder/Carrier MUST receive OBL to release your shipment to you, OBL is Consignee/Importer RESPONSIBILITY only, Ā OBL/Telex term are negotiate between Consignee/Importer & your factory/suppliers.

Here are some of other US Government Agencies who may be examining your shipment(s)

  1. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  2. US Food and Drug AdministrationĀ (FDA)
  3. USĀ Dep of Agriculture (meat, plants,Ā produce)Ā (USDA)
  4. ( To Import Live Fish, USDA linkĀ )
  5. US Dept of Fish and WildlifeĀ (FWS)
  6. USĀ Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco & FirearmsĀ (ATF)
  7. US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
  8. CaliforniaĀ Dep Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
  9. USĀ Consumer Product Safety CommissionĀ (CPSC)
  10. USĀ Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  11. USĀ Department of TransportationĀ (DOT)
  12. USĀ Environmental Protection AgencyĀ (EPA)
  1. USĀ Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  2. USĀ Harmonized Tariff ScheduleĀ (by keywords)
  3. USĀ Harmonized Tariff Schedule (byĀ chapter)
  4. USĀ International Trade AgreementsĀ by CB
  5. US Int. Trade Administration on TextileĀ imports
  6. USĀ Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
  7. USĀ International Air Transport Ass (IATA)
  8. USĀ DoS Travel Warnings
  9. USĀ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
  10. Application for Explosives License or Permit (ATF/BATF)
  11. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  12. U.S. Coast Guard & other Government Agencies

IF you are Consignee as Foreigner / NOT a US citizen / Non-Resident or Foreign company (NOT register in US) Ā & Ā if you are importing your personal USED items &/or Importing commercial goods into US, US Customs can take up-to 90 days to clear your shipment(s). Ā Ā After your shipment has been cleared & Payment is made in full you will be receiving (CBP Personal 3299Ā / Personal USED) Ā & Ā (Pick Up Order & BillĀ of Lading(DeliveryĀ Order/DAD/ DO) Ā & Ā IF any, File Notes Listing /Ā ABI ReportĀ (ONLY if, your shipment is other then Long Beach/Los Angeles Port). For more details (www.cbp.gov)

Exam fee is NOT including your vendors (it's only for exam), such as if any, other Exams Fee Ā Ā + Customs Clearing Fee Ā Ā + If any, other US government agencies fees, Ā + Ā if any, your CFS warehouse + if any, your Freight Forwarder, Ā or any other fee (+ Ā if any, Etc. fees,) Ā Ā + US Customs has the discretion to modify/amended Duty/Tax at any point.

IFĀ US Customs &/or any other US Government Agencies finds any violation/misleading information of importation, US Customs may Hold / Confiscate / Seize / Penalize / the US importer/exporter & .........

Importers are getting more used to the frequency of exams, but itā€™s still often a mystery Ā as to why Ā a particular shipment may be chosen. Ā It is a fact that US Customs Ā does not disclose its examination selection process to the trade community. Ā To do so would be a national security risk.

There are four major factors to an import transaction that tend to play a predominant role in determining the need for an exam ā€“ the shipper, the importer, the country Ā of origin/export, and the tariff number. Ā Although an exam could be completely random, these four factors are of prime interest to US Customs. Itā€™s worth noting that if you are a new importer, you should plan for your first few shipments to be examined until you have an established track record with US Customs. Likewise, if you have a history of Ā compliance violations, Ā such as country of origin marking issues, your cargo is much more likely to be examined.

Who will received Exam Notice first:

  1. Freight Forwarder receives Exam Notice, if Notify Party on your Bill-of-Lading is blank or it has Consignee info (other then Customs Clearing Agent)
  2. Or when Customs Clearing Agent electronically transmits the entry to US Customs. Ā The broker receives a response in the system as ā€œmanifest holdā€ on the cargo.

 

NOTE:
Manifest hold may later be overridden to an other exam. Ā For those Ā importers that are C-TPAT certified or validated, their Ā containers get preferential treatment by being advanced to the front of the queue when they reach the site. Ā All fees (Demurrage/Storage/Exam/Storage & etc.) MUST be pay before you could pick-up/transport.

If your shipment is LCL (Less Container Load/NOT a full cargo): Ā it may NOT be, US Customs are trying to Examine your shipment, But since you are sharing a container spaces with others, 99% of the time, US Customs will X-ray/VACIS/Tailgate/CET/A-TCET Exam the whole container & bill the whole container, and all the consignee / owner-of-shipment will be paying for the % of spaces that was exam. Ā IF you shipment is FCL (Full Container Load), you will be bill for full amount.

Above Exam Processing Fees are our service arrangement to exam site!!!
To AVOID Our reimbursement Service Fees (CLICK HERE). Ā Pay your vendors directly. Ā We areĀ NOTĀ payment center for all your Vendors, we are here to clear you shipment with US Customs.

For more details on Exams (click here). Ā Other example of Exam chargers from Price Transfer (click here) from Long Island CES Exam Sites
" Importers are responsible for all fees, US Laws & International Laws. " Ā (click here) Ā Ā Intensive exam/Examination Notice (Stop Sign)

IF your shipment is FULL Container & if it's under Exam, your Forwarder / Carrier will receive Exam Notice from US Customs, during the Exam & Once exam is done:

  1. Your Forwarder / Carrier will be emailing Revise Arrival Notice (ie; invoice)
  2. Once is done your Forwarder will receive notice to remove from Exam Site by US Customs
  3. You Must communicate with your Forwarder / Carrier, your contact information is on your First arrival notice you received from your Forwarder / Carrier.
  4. Forwarder / Carrier owns or lease the Container, so Forwarder is responsible to shipment & notification of any exams to Consignee
  5. IF shipment needs to be move to exam site, BEFORE US Customs has release, Broker need to issue IT# to warehouse / terminal to move it with Bonded Trucking
  6. Once exam is done, your Forwarder will be emailing ReviseĀ Arrival Notice adding the Exam fee
  7. During the exam you will need to communicate with your Forwarder (info on Arrival Notice)
  8. Many time we are the Last to know if your shipment is in Exam, because US Customs had to notify your Forwarder then your forwarder will notify us

NOTES:

  1. US port & before entry is filed with US Customs.Ā .Otherwise, you will be paying for two entries or more, one with us & other with Local Broker. Please do NOT assumeĀ that US Customs/we will know the items you are importing, only you/Importer/consignee is responsible for all notification to us/US Customs.Ā Note: US Customs could reclassify your shipment asĀ FDA,Ā USDA,Ā Lacey-Act,Ā FWS,Ā any US Government Agencies,Ā ADDĀ /CVD,Ā Trademark,Ā PatentĀ Ā & etc before/after you have receive(d) shipment, up-to 5 years
  2. IF US CustomsĀ &/or any otherĀ US Government AgenciesĀ finds any violation/misleading information of importation & Etc. US Customs mayĀ Confiscate/Seize/Penalize/Fines/Examine/Recall,Ā Request of Information & Etc,. for violation, misleading, incomplete, LATE ISF filing, Customs Entry Filing & Etc. Ā IF any, US Customs will notify you by email/phone/mail/letter within 1-12 month (Normally). Ā Ā Also, US Customs may contact us to relay the letter/message to you. Ā IF so, you MUST pay & reply US Customs ASAP. Ā Otherwise US Customs / Other US Government Agencies will/may add interest, Other-fines, Black-list you, visiting you & Etc. Ā Please disclose detailed descriptions of shipment on all Doc's (Invoice, Ā Packing-list, Ā Bill-of-lading(OBL),Ā HTC/HTSĀ Code, withĀ MaterialĀ that is made out of &Ā Etc.). Example: Detention NoticeĀ and Custody Receipt for Detained Property (Confiscate/SeizeĀ Ā CBP form 6051D (click here)
  3. Disclaimer / Terms / Conditions / Agreements (click here) for Complete details. Ā Ā Details about US Customs & Import requirements (click here) Sea/OceanĀ International shipping, Ā AirĀ Ā International shipping, Ā Truck / RailĀ Ā International shipping, Ā Hand-CarryingĀ International shipping,Ā DomesticĀ Trucking Arrangement Ā & Ā Self-Pick-up.
  4. ADDĀ /Ā CVD,. Importer's Blanket Statement of NON-reimbursement (click here)
  5. Other statement: Letter of Transfer (click here). Negative Declaration (click here). Quota Declaration (click here). Toxic Substance Control Act Statement / TSCA (click here).
  6. IF US Customs &/or any other US Government Agencies finds any violation/misleading/missing information of importation & etc, US Customs may Confiscate/Penalize/Fines/Recall/ExamineĀ /Ā Re-ISF-Filing &Ā Re-Entry-FilingĀ the US importer/exporter shipment(s) & Recall the US importer/exporter,Ā anytime, up-to 5 years. Ā Please disclose detailed descriptions of shipment on all Documents (Invoice, Ā Packing-list, Ā Bill-of-lading/OBL) & withĀ HTC/HTSĀ Code,Ā MaterialĀ that is made out of &Ā Etc.).Ā Importers/Exporter are responsibleĀ for all fees (click here) & US/International Laws (cbp.gov) Ā EXAMPLE: CBP Action WithOUT Notification BackDated Duty/Tax IF US Customs decided toĀ Confiscate/Seize/Penalize/Fines/Examine/Recall,Ā Request of Information &/or for violation, misleading, incomplete, LATE ISF filing, Customs Entry Filing & Etc. Ā IF any, US Customs will notify you by email/phone/mail/letter within 1-12 month (Normally). Ā Ā Also, US Customs may contact us to relay the letter/message to you. Ā IF so, you MUST pay US Customs ASAP. Otherwise US Customs/Government Agencies will/may add interest, Other-fines, Black-list you, visiting you & Etc. Ā "ONLY Consignee is responsible for all Documents,Ā fees,Ā US LawsĀ &Ā International Laws. "Ā cbp.gov.

Here are some of the Exam fees we known, but they could create new term & fees anytime/anywhere. (Reference only). To Search other (click here) Ā 
DispositionĀ Ā CodeĀ Ā is a 2ā€‘position alphanumeric code transmitted in AMS in a status notification message indicating the action that has been taken against the bill.
Importer Frequency of Examination (FOE)

  • Los Angeles, CA Rates
    $220.00 = Shipside Exam
    $220.00 = IBET Exam
    $220.00 = X-Ray Exam
    $220.00 = CTG Exam
  • Mobile, AL Rates
    $149.22 = AQI
    $373.05 = Out of Gage Fee
    $79.94 = Vacis Shipside Exam
    $159.87 = Vacis Staged Exam
  • Jacksonville, FL Rates
    $79.54 = Vacis Shipside Exam
    $132.57 = Vacis Staged Exam
    $83.83 = USDA Exam
    $371.2 = Container Rework
  • Portsmouth, VA Rates
    $160.70 = US Coast Guard Exam
    $160.70 = FDA Payment
    $160.70 = USDA Fee
    $142.85 = Vacis Shipside Exam
    $285.70 = Vacis Staged Exam
  • Houston, TX Rates
    $85.57 = USDA Fee
    $51.55 = Vacis Shipside Exam
  • $449.10 = On Terminal Exam (Dry)
    $512.35 = On Terminal Exam (Reefers)
    $449.10 = Tailgate Fee
    $449.10 = US Coast Guard Exam (Dry)
    $512.35 = US Coast Guard Exam (Reefer)
    $449.10 = Pop and Tap Tailgate Fee (Dry Grounded)
    $512.35 = USCG Exam Reefer (Grounded)
    $115.00 = Segregation Handling Fee
  • Miami, FL Rates
    $85.00 = Vacis Shipside Exam
    $175.00 = Vacis Staged Exam
    $125.00 = USDA Exam
    $125.00 = US Coast Guard Exam
    $125.00 = LQV (Limited Quantity Verification) Exam
    $132.21 = Dray Charges