Regarding US export and import inspections
Regarding U.S. cargo customs inspection (HOLD)
We would like to inform you about customs inspections (HOLD) of U.S. import and export goods.
As part of the anti-terrorism measures launched in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, the United States merged US Customs, the Department of Agriculture, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 2013, establishing US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland & Security.
This new organization, CBP, conducts customs inspections (HOLD) of U.S. maritime imports, and currently approximately 45% of U.S. imports are subject to these inspections. Currently, U.S. exports are also subject to inspections.
The tests are broadly categorized as follows:
- CET (Contraband Enforcement Team) Examination
* Randomly administered X-ray examinations
* Physical inspections will be conducted after the container has been devanned. - USDA (US Department of Agriculture) Examination
* Document inspection
* Physical inspections will be conducted after the container has been devanned. - Intensive Examination.
* Inspection of customs documents (physical inspection)
1) CET (Contraband Enforcement Team) Examination
This inspection is conducted randomly based on data sent to the customs system, or when suspicious activity is detected in the data. X-ray inspections are performed within one week of a vessel's arrival in the United States.
* X-ray examinations are usually performed randomly.
Cargo holding period: 5 to 7 days after the vessel's arrival in port.
*When the container is unloaded and its contents are inspected
Cargo holding period: 5 to 7 days after X-ray inspection is completed.
2) USDA (US Department of Agriculture) Examination
This inspection is conducted when food imports are detected based on data transmitted to the customs system. (This often applies to moving shipments and pharmaceutical-related goods.)
95% of the process is based on document review, but similar to CET inspections, containers may be opened and their contents inspected. The cargo holding period also varies depending on the type of container.
* Document inspection
Cargo holding period: 3 to 5 days after document receipt
*When the container is unloaded and its contents are inspected
Cargo holding period: 5 to 7 days after document review.
3) Intensive Examination
A physical inspection will be conducted as a result of the customs document review.
Cargo holding period: 5 to 7 days after the vessel's arrival in port.
*Please note that cargo storage fees at the terminal will be charged separately.
If a consolidated container is subject to inspection, we will bill you for the full cost of the inspection, prorated by volume (in RT units). We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.