Customs examination is a crucial process carried out by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to ensure the safety and legality of international trade transactions. This process involves the inspection of goods entering or leaving the country to verify that they comply with import/export regulations, declared values are accurate, duties and taxes are paid, and restricted or prohibited items are not being transported.

The customs examination process can involve various methods to inspect goods, such as physical examination, review of documentation, X-ray scanning, and other inspection techniques. These methods are used to detect any illicit or dangerous items that may pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Physical examination involves the physical inspection of the goods, which may include opening packages, containers, and other forms of packaging. Review of documentation involves verifying the accuracy of the documents submitted for clearance, including invoices, bills of lading, and any other supporting documents. X-ray scanning involves using advanced imaging technology to scan the goods for any hidden or concealed items that may be difficult to detect through physical examination.

Customs examination is conducted at ports of entry, airports, and other border checkpoints by CBP officials to ensure the security and legality of international trade transactions. This process plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the U.S. economy and protecting the interests of businesses and consumers alike.

How to know if the shipment is on hold?

In the United States, if a shipment is marked for examination, it means that customs or relevant authorities have flagged it for closer inspection. This could be due to various reasons such as suspicion of prohibited items, incorrect documentation, or random selection for inspection.

When the shipment is on hold by the customs, the clearance brokers or the customs house agents will inform you about the hold. Also, you may get an email message about the hold and the reasons for the hold. Hold can also be seen on the automated broker interface (ABI) notes, where a notification or a hold code will be shared through an electronic data interchange. Certain disposition codes in ABI messages can indicate whether the cargo is undergoing inspection or has been released. This can indirectly suggest whether the cargo is still within the hold or has been offloaded. The image attached below indicates a sample ABI note where the cargo has been released from hold.

1A hold by customs:

In the context of U.S. Customs, a "1A hold" typically refers to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hold placed on a shipment for examination. This hold indicates that the shipment has been flagged for a thorough inspection by CBP officers to ensure compliance with import regulations, verify the contents of the shipment, and assess any potential risks associated with it.

When a shipment is subject to a 1A hold, it may experience delays in clearance while CBP conducts the necessary examinations and assessments.  If you're dealing with a shipment, it's advisable to communicate with the CBP or your customs broker for further information and guidance on the clearance process.

You may also need additional documentation or information may be required, also that the shipment may undergo physical inspection or testing to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The specific requirements and procedures for clearing a shipment subject to a "1A hold" will depend on the nature of the goods and the regulatory requirements of the agency conducting the review.

Customs examination and FDA examination:

US Customs examination enforces laws and ensures national security. FDA examination protects public health and safety by regulating products.

US Customs Examination:

Scope: US Customs examination primarily focuses on inspecting goods entering or leaving the United States to ensure compliance with customs regulations and laws.

Purpose: The main purpose of the US Customs examination is to prevent illegal goods from entering or leaving the country, enforce trade laws, collect duties and tariffs, and ensure national security.

FDA Examination:

Scope: FDA examination specifically targets goods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.

Purpose: The primary goal of the FDA examination is to safeguard public health by ensuring that products comply with FDA regulations regarding safety, efficacy, labeling, and quality standards. This examination aims to prevent the distribution of adulterated or misbranded products that could pose health risks to consumers.