X-Ray Exam

What is an X-ray exam?

An X-ray exam, also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) exam, is the least intensive Customs exam.

If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) selects your container for an X-ray exam, the container will be driven through an X-ray machine at the ocean terminal. A customs officer will review the X-ray images and either release the container, or escalate it to either a Tail Gate exam or an Intensive exam.

How long does an X-ray exam take?

X-ray exams usually take 1-3 days, but exam timelines may vary according to congestion at the port. Your Flexport operations team will update your shipment schedule as necessary.

How can you prepare for an X-ray exam?

You can't usually speed up the exam, but you can prepare. Make sure your documents match the cargo, and keep your trucking appointments flexible, since the container may sit at the terminal until CBP releases it. Exam fees and extra storage can apply, depending on the terminal. If the officer sees an anomaly in the images, the container may move to the next exam level.

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