Customs Exam Fee

What is a Customs exam fee?

A customs exam fee is the fee incurred by the importer if a shipment is pulled for a customs exam. Depending on the type of inspection performed, the fee can run from $80 to more than $1,000.

The importer accepts liability for any customs fees incurred on shipments brought into the U.S.

What kinds of customs exams are there?

In the U.S., CBP may scan a container with X-ray or gamma-ray imaging, or it may order a tailgate exam, where the container doors are opened at the terminal. An intensive exam goes further and unloads the cargo for a full inspection. Higher-level exams usually cost more because they involve extra handling, drayage, and labor.

The charges come from the terminal or exam facility that handles your cargo. Delays can add storage and demurrage on top. Accurate paperwork lowers the odds of an exam, though CBP also selects some shipments at random.

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