Stuck at the Border? A Complete Guide to US Customs Exams (Costs, Timelines & Prevention)

You check your tracking number, expecting to see "Out for Delivery." Instead, you see the ominous status: "Customs Hold" or "CBP Examination."

Suddenly, your supply chain stops. Your Amazon inventory is dwindling. You have questions: Why me? How long will this take? And most importantly, how much will this cost?

At Forest Leopard, we handle thousands of shipments from China to the USA every month. While we pride ourselves on a 99% smooth clearance rate, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) exams are a reality of international trade.

Here is the transparent, unfiltered truth about US Customs exams in 2026—and how to handle them.

The Direct Answer: What Is Happening?

If your goods are flagged, it doesn't necessarily mean you did something wrong. CBP uses algorithms to randomly select shipments for inspection to protect national security.

The "Rule of Thumb" Timeline:

• Minor Exams (X-Ray): 2–4 days delay.
• Major Exams (Intensive): 1–3 weeks delay.

The 3 Types of Customs Exams (And What They Cost)

Not all holds are created equal. Understanding which exam you are facing is crucial for managing your expectations (and your budget).

1. The VACIS / NII Exam (The "X-Ray")

What is it? Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) or Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). CBP runs the entire container through a giant X-ray machine at the terminal. They do not break the seal or open the boxes. They are looking for anomalies (e.g., density that doesn't match the declared manifest).

• Delay: 48–72 hours.
• Estimated Cost: $250 – $350.

2. The Tail Gate Exam

What is it? The CBP officer breaks the seal and opens the back doors of the container. They peek inside to ensure the cargo looks like what is described on the paperwork. They usually don't unload anything.

• Delay: 3–5 days.
• Estimated Cost: $300 – $400.

3. The Intensive Exam (The "Nightmare")

What is it? This is the one you want to avoid. The container is hauled from the port to a private CES (Centralized Examination Station). There, a third-party contractor physically unloads every single box. CBP officers may open cartons, cut open products, and check for IP infringement, hidden drugs, or safety violations.

• Delay: 7 days to 3 weeks (depending on congestion at the CES).
• Estimated Cost: This is expensive. You pay for the drayage (trucking) to the CES, the labor to strip the container, and the storage fees.

                20ft Container: ~$1,200 – $2,000

               40ft Container: ~$1,800 – $3,000+

Who Pays the Bill? (The DDP Question)

This is the most common question we get at Forest Leopard.

"I booked DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. Doesn't that cover everything?"

Usually, Yes. If you ship via our LCL (Less than Container Load) or Air Express DDP services, Forest Leopard typically absorbs the risk for routine inspections on the consolidated container. This is one of the biggest benefits of shipping LCL with us—you are insulated from the shock of random exam fees.

However, for FCL (Full Container Load) shipments: Standard industry practice (Incoterms 2020) dictates that Customs Exam fees are the responsibility of the importer (buyer). Why? Because inspections are considered a government intervention ("Force Majeure"), not a logistics failure. The fees are billed by the US Government and the CES facility, not by Forest Leopard. We simply pass the invoice to you at cost, with full transparency.

Why Was My Shipment Flagged?

While many exams are random, certain "Red Flags" trigger the CBP algorithm:

1. New Importer: If this is your first time importing under your IOR (Importer of Record) number, inspection probability is high.
2. Vague Descriptions: Using descriptions like "Gift", "Samples", or "Daily Goods" instead of specific HTS codes.
3. High-Risk Categories: Batteries, Baby Products, Medical Devices, and Food.
4. Data Mismatch: If the ISF (Importer Security Filing) doesn't match the Bill of Lading perfectly.

How Forest Leopard Minimizes Your Risk

We cannot stop CBP from doing their job, but we can drastically lower your "Risk Score."

• ISF Precision: We file the ISF 10+2 data before the vessel leaves China (as required by law). Late filings are a magnet for inspections.
• HTS Code Consulting: Our team reviews your commercial invoice. If you are shipping "gym gloves" but classify them as "leather apparel" to save tax, that's a red flag. We help you classify correctly.
• Paperwork Consistency: We ensure the weight and piece count on the Manifest match the Packing List down to the kilogram.

Summary: Patience is Key

If your shipment is held, do not panic. It is a standard part of global trade.

• Do: Ask your Forest Leopard account manager for the specific type of hold.
• Do: Prepare your commercial documents in case CBP asks for proof of value.
• Don't: Try to contact CBP directly (they will not talk to importers, only brokers).

At Forest Leopard, we monitor these statuses 24/7. If an exam happens, we will notify you immediately, provide the official CES invoices, and work to get your cargo released and back on the road to Amazon as fast as possible.

Worried about compliance? Ship with a partner who understands the rules. Contact Forest Leopard for a compliant shipping quote today.

FAQ: Common Questions About Customs Holds

Q: Can I pay extra to expedite a Customs Exam? A: No. CBP does not offer an "express service." Exams are processed in the order they are received. Anyone promising otherwise is lying to you.

Q: Will Amazon penalize me for the delay? A: Amazon won't penalize your account health for a shipping delay, but you may go out of stock. We recommend always keeping 2-4 weeks of safety stock to account for potential customs delays.

Q: Does Forest Leopard mark up the exam fees? A: No. We believe in transparency. If your FCL container is inspected, we provide the original invoice from the examination station.