When goods arrive in the United States after crossing the ocean, their first big hurdle is customs inspection. Are you ready for systems like VACIS, CET, Tail Gate, and the strict MET? In this article, you’ll find a straightforward overview of the main types of U.S. customs inspections, status codes, timelines, and costs. This information will help you identify risks, plan ahead, and ensure your shipments arrive on time.
U.S. Customs Inspection Types
VACIS EXAM (Document Inspection): This basic inspection verifies that customs manifests and clearance documents, such as bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, and permits, are accurate and consistent. It works much like the identity checks you see at airport security.
CET (Machine Scanning Inspection / Non-Intrusive Inspection): At the port, large X-ray machines scan containers to create images of their contents. If something suspicious is detected in the scan, customs may decide to open the container for a closer examination using a Tailgate or MET inspection.
Tailgate Inspection (Simplified Container Opening Inspection): If CET scanning detects something suspicious but lacks sufficient evidence, customs officers open the container door for a quick check. They usually inspect the goods near the door, check the seal, and review the general condition inside, but do not thoroughly search the entire container.
MET (Manual Inspection / Intensive Inspection): This is one of the strictest inspection methods. The container is moved to a customs-approved inspection site, often run by private companies like SCE. There, officers open the container and carefully check all the goods inside, sometimes taking samples for testing.
Features: Time-consuming (typically several days to weeks, though document review may be completed within 24 hours), high costs, and requires provision of more detailed cargo information or supporting documents. During the inspection period, the goods are under customs supervision (CBP Hold).
The system determines whether an inspection is necessary and which type to use, based on factors such as risk assessment, declaration details, and the origin of the container. If the process reaches the MET stage, it becomes much more detailed and takes longer.
Customs inspection status code
U.S. Customs Inspection Codes: 1H, 2H, 5H, 7H, 1A, and 4A represent different types of inspection methods and outcomes.
- 1H: Indicates a standard container inspection. Customs primarily checks the unit price of goods, documentation, and whether they are prohibited items, counterfeit products, etc. After clearance, it displays as 1I.
- 2H: Represents an inspection by the Department of Agriculture, primarily targeting wooden products, which may include wood product declarations and fumigation of wooden pallets. After clearance, the system displays 2I
- 5H: Represents an inspection type yet to be confirmed. Customs will first review the documents and then decide whether to conduct a physical inspection. After clearance, the system displays 5I
- 7H: Represents an X-ray inspection, i.e., machine scanning inspection. After the goods pass the X-ray inspection, pay the inspection fees, and the system will display 7I
- 1A: Indicates document inspection. Customs will first review the documents, and if the information does not match, it will be transferred to a physical inspection. After clearance, the system will display 1B
- 4A: Indicates that documents will be reviewed first to determine whether a physical inspection is necessary. If the documents do not match, there is a high probability that a physical inspection will be conducted. After clearance, the system will display 4C.
Inspection time and fees
- Manual inspection time: Depends on the type of inspection (partial opening, full opening, or full inspection), peak season impact, and cargo sensitivity (e.g., certification requirements, hazardous goods classification). Customs typically provides results within 5–10 working days after inspection completion (actual time may be longer, especially for MET).
- Machine inspection time: VACIS/CET (7H status) is generally faster, taking approximately 1–2 days.
- Fees: Basic inspection fees (e.g., VACIS/CET) typically range from $300 to $ 500. MET inspection fees will significantly increase (including site fees, labor costs, demurrage fees, etc.).
- Current trends: Due to geopolitical factors and trade policies (e.g., tariffs), inspection rates have increased, and inspection times may be extended. Emphasize the importance of compliant declarations.
Choose a freight forwarder who knows U.S. regulations, has plenty of shipping experience, and is known for reliability. Building a long-term partnership with the right forwarder helps make customs clearance easier. At Hongocean, our compliance and customs team is ready to assist sellers in clearing customs quickly and efficiently.
To help your goods clear customs smoothly and arrive on time, keep an eye on updates from U.S. Customs and any changes in their policies. Ensure that all your paperwork meets customs requirements to avoid delays and problems.
