U.S. CBP exams have long been shrouded in mystery! Many exporters to the United States are unaware of the processes involved. Today, let’s dive into the workflows and nuances behind U.S. Customs exams.
What are the Common Types of U.S.CBP Exams?
U.S. Customs primarily conducts four standard types of exams: VACIS Exam (Basic Exam), CET (Machine Scanning Exam), Tail Gate Exam (Container Door Exam), and MET (Manual Examination). These exams account for over 95% of all cargo exams. Let’s examine them in detail:
1. VACIS Exam (Basic Exam)
The VACIS Exam applies non-intrusive imaging using gamma-ray technology to scan containers. This is the most fundamental type of exam conducted by U.S. Customs. The importer is required to provide all relevant customs clearance documents (such as warehouse receipts and clearance paperwork) for review. This process is similar to being stopped by a police officer on the street to verify your ID for any irregularities.
2. CET (Machine Scanning Exam)
Also known as Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), CET uses advanced scanning technology, such as X-ray machines, to identify irregularities without physically opening the containers at the port. Customs personnel review the images, and if everything appears normal, the container is released as per protocol. This exam is comparable to security checks in domestic subway systems, where items are scanned before entering the station.
The VACIS Exam and CET exam methods are routine and occur almost constantly at U.S. ports. They typically do not affect standard shipping times. However, if any irregularities arise, the exam may escalate to one of the stricter methods outlined below.
3. Tail Gate Exam (Container Door Exam)
If the X-ray scan raises further questions, U.S. Customs may break the seal on the container door to visually exam its contents. This exam does not typically involve unloading all the goods, but only a simple check to verify everything is in order. In practice, customs agents will often examine items near the entrance of the container. If issues are detected, the exam may escalate to the next level.
4. MET (Manual Examination)
MET is a thorough manual examination where the entire contents of the container may be unloaded for exam. This approach is certainly the most stringent exam method used in U.S. maritime shipping. The container is transported to a designated site authorized by U.S. Customs, often operated by a private company like SCE. Here, all goods within the container are unloaded and examined one by one. If any suspicious items are found, U.S. Customs officers are called in for further investigation, such as sample testing.
Although these four methods dominate, there are other, less common exam types, such as sample testing or chemical analysis. These rarely occur, with a low probability that you might not encounter them even after 500 exams.
Key Insights into the U.S. CBP Exam Process:
- Container-Based Exams:U.S. CBP exams are generally conducted in a sealed container format. The status is only marked as “complete” or “incomplete”, and the specifics of the process or items examined are usually not disclosed.
- Full Container Detainment:If a single shipment within a container is flagged for exam, the entire container will be detained until that shipment is cleared. This can often cause delays for other shipments in the same container.
- Expedited for Compliance:As long as your goods comply with U.S. Customs regulations, the exam process is usually swift. However, shipments with violations or concerns may face significant delays. Common reasons for higher exam rates include counterfeit goods, trademark infringements, textiles, electronic items, and safety-related products.
Understanding these processes helps exporters better prepare and reduce potential risks when shipping goods to the United States.
Timeframes for Each Exam Type
Here is an overview of the timeframes:
| Exam Type | Average Timeframe |
|---|---|
| VACIS Exam (Basic Exam) | 24 hours |
| CET (Machine Scanning Exam) | 48 hours |
| Tail Gate Exam | 3 to 5 days |
| MET (Manual Exam) | 5 to 10 days |
Each type of exam requires a specific amount of time:
- VACIS Exam (Basic Exam):If all documents are in order, the process is typically completed within 24 hours.
- CET (Machine Scanning Exam):This process usually takes up to 48 hours.
- Tail Gate Exam: If the exam escalates to Tail Gate Exam, the timeline extends to 3–5 business days.
- MET (Manual Examination):Manual exams take the longest, requiring 5–10 business days under normal circumstances. Weekends or holidays can cause further delays. If issues are found, the timeline becomes unpredictable.
For example, in one case, a shipment was delayed for over two months because the glue included with the goods required safety testing by Customs.
Additional Exams Beyond CBP
While the four types of exams mentioned above are conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other regulatory agencies like the FDA, CPSC, or DOT may also exam or detain goods after CBP releases them.
Notification and Tracking of Exams
U.S. Customs exams typically do not involve formal written notifications. Importers rely on updates from the Customs system, which reports the status of the goods. It is essential to monitor the system closely to stay informed about exam progress.
By understanding these exam methods and timelines, exporters can better prepare for potential delays and minimize risks in the shipping process.
Exam Timing Considerations
1. Seasonal Patterns of Customs Exams
In addition to understanding the types of exams, the timing of exams is also critical. U.S. Customs often intensifies exam efforts during specific periods, focusing primarily on products prone to intellectual property infringement.
Based on an analysis of exam rates, U.S. Customs tends to increase enforcement during March-April and November each year. While these timeframes are helpful as a reference, they may vary in practice.
2. Advice for Exporters to the U.S.
A word of caution for businesses exporting to the U.S.:
- Companies with a history of non-compliance in past customs clearances are subject to significantly higher exam rates.
- When delivering goods, it’s crucial to inform your logistics partner of any prior issues, allowing them to develop tailored strategies to mitigate exam risks.
That said, it is impossible to completely avoid exams. The best approach is to ensure full compliance with customs regulations.
Operating legally and ethically not only reduces risk but also builds a sustainable foundation for long-term business success.
Avoid cutting corners for minor gains, as this can lead to substantial losses and jeopardize future earning opportunities.
Commonly Used U.S. CBP Exams Site URLs
Below are the URLs for commonly used exam facilities, which can be helpful for your day-to-day reference:
- Los Angeles Price Transfer Exam Facility:
- Los Angeles FCL Exam Facility:
- Los Angeles, California Exam Facility
- (This facility is less frequently used for container exams)
cestracking.calcartage.com
- (This facility is less frequently used for container exams)
- New York HM Exam Facility:
- New York East Coast Exam Station
- (This facility is also less commonly used for container exams):
eastcoastwarehouse.com/solution/ces-solutions
- (This facility is also less commonly used for container exams):
Feel free to use these links as needed for tracking and managing your customs Exam processes.
Common Los Angeles Exam Stations for Container Exams
Containers in Los Angeles are typically examined at the following stations. These websites allow you to check the status without requiring registration. Here’s the information for your reference!
Customs exams can be quite frustrating. On one hand, there’s no clear indication of the exact release time or progress of the exam, and you’re left guessing when you’ll be able to retrieve your container. If you have a reliable overseas agent, they might provide you with real-time updates. However, as far as I know, most people struggle to get timely updates on the exam progress.
While you can’t control customs exams, you can at least monitor their current status to improve logistics visibility. Here are the websites:
1.www.pricetransfer.com
- The interface is simple to use. In the “Container” field, input your container number and click Search to view the results.
- Alternatively, you can enter your Master Number (Bill of Lading number) in the respective field and click Search.
2.www.fcllogistics.com
- This website is almost identical to the first one. You can use it in the same way.
- When the status shows FCL RELEASE, it means the container is ready for pickup.
3.cestracking.calcartage.com
- Use the Quick Search feature.
- Enter the container number in the Container field or the bill of lading number in the Master field, then click Find to search.
- EXAM IN PROGRESS means the exam is ongoing.
- CBP RELEASED indicates that customs has cleared the container, but you may still need to pay fees. Once the status updates to CCN RELEASED, the container is ready for pickup.
4.new-webportal.fcllogistics.com
- This appears to be the new website for FCL and is affiliated with the second exam station.
- The interface and usage are similar to the third website, and it’s straightforward to use for tracking your container.
By using these resources, you can track the exam status of your containers more effectively, ensuring better transparency in your logistics process.
A Side Note: Insights on Container Exams
From my experience, containers undergoing exams can usually be tracked using the four websites mentioned earlier. These exam sites are all officially recognized and designated by Los Angeles Customs.
However, it’s worth noting that exam times tend to be long, even if there are no issues with the goods. This delay is mainly due to slow transportation of the container to the exam site and the backlog during peak seasons, which slows down customs processing. Interestingly, the actual exam itself is relatively quick. After the exam is completed, additional time is needed for reloading the container, generating the invoice, and making payments. These steps can delay the process by several more days.
This is why many customers wonder why their containers haven’t been picked up for delivery even after Customs has released them. The reasons lie in these additional logistical delays.
Tips for Reducing Exam Risks
It’s essential to take proactive steps to minimize your exam risk. Being subject to exams has significant downsides:
- Time Delays:Exams can easily take 10-15 days or more, disrupting delivery schedules and negatively affecting the customer’s shipping experience. Delays often lead to complaints and dissatisfaction.
- High Costs:Manual exams typically cost around $1,000 USD, and the longer exam periods can incur detention fees from the shipping company if the free container usage period expires. Detention fees are often as high as $200 USD per day, adding up quickly and creating significant financial strain. In most cases, these costs must be borne by the shipper.
Given these challenges, it’s vital to focus on compliance and planning to reduce the likelihood of exams. Exams can not only disrupt operations but also hurt customer satisfaction and increase costs, making them a frustrating experience overall.
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