Customs Inspections
Don't go through it alone

Have a Customs Inspection on Imported Freight?

CUSTOMS INSPECTIONS

All imported freight is subject to a physical inspection by Customs and Boarder Patrol. The majority of freight coming into the U.S. is not inspected, but can happen randomly at any time during Customs selection process. Importers are required by law to make imported freight available for inspection.

A customs inspection almost always incurs additional costs to the importer. These fees vary from shipment to shipment and include (not limited to) storage fees, penalty fees and transportation costs of the cargo to the examination facility. Most of the the time when a customs inspection takes place freight will be moved to a Centralized Examination Station (CES). CES is a private facility that is not operated by CBP. Freight that arrives at CES will be unloaded for the examination and reloaded back into the container for delivery. All charges incurred by CES are the responsibility of the importer of record.

NEED HELP WITH A CUSTOMS INSPECTION?

CALL 847-427-1775

Customs Inspectors Look For

Trademark Infringement
Country of Origin Markings
Accurate Weight and Quantity Count
Goods Are Declared and Classified Accurately
Accurate Weight
Commercial Invoice is Accurate
All Required Paperwork is Filed

Obtain Representation by a Customs Broker for an Inspection

Reduce The Chances of an Inspection

Using the same customs broker and classifying freight consistently can reduce the chances of imported freight getting inspected.
Make sure that imported cargo is marked properly with the country of origin
Know what materials your goods are made of, by whom and where.
Include a detailed description of freight on the commercial invoice. Mark and number each package so that it matches corresponding numbers on the commercial invoice
Make sure all paperwork is filed with corresponding government agencies

Specialty Services

Cargo Insurance

Want to make sure that your imported freight is covered in the event of an accident while in transit to the US? Purchasing additional cargo insurance is an option that a customs broker can offer to protect importers from financial loss due to damaged freight.

Forms

Download Power of Attorney

Customs Bonds

Have an import shipment valued at $2,500 or more? A customs bond will be required. Both single entry and continuous bonds can be obtained at a discounted rate through one of our Chicago customs brokers.

Customs Inspections Don't go through it alone