What Happens During a CBSA Inspection

Few words create more stress than this one:

“Your shipment has been held by customs and selected for inspection.”

That usually prompts the following questions:

• “What are they doing with it?”
• “Is this serious?”
• “Did we do something wrong?”
• “How long is this going to take?”

A CBSA inspection feels opaque from the outside, but in practice, it follows a fairly consistent pattern.

This post explains what actually happens during a CBSA inspection and what it usually means for your shipment.

First: An Inspection Is Not an Accusation

This is the most important thing to understand. A CBSA inspection does not automatically mean:

• There is a violation
• The shipment is prohibited
• You are in trouble
• The goods will be seized

Many inspections are routine or risk-based checks, not enforcement actions. The vast majority of inspected shipments are eventually released.

Why CBSA Inspects Shipments

Based on what we’ve seen, inspections are triggered for a few common reasons.

1. Information Needs Verification

CBSA may inspect a shipment when it needs to verify:

• The goods match the description
• The quantity and value make sense
• The shipment aligns with the paperwork

This often happens when descriptions are vague or shipment values raise questions.

2. The Shipment Fits a Risk Profile

Some shipments are inspected because they match specific risk indicators, such as:

• Type of goods
• Declared value
• Import history
• Inconsistencies across documents

This does not mean the shipment is wrong. It means CBSA wants a closer look before releasing it.

3. Random or Routine Selection

Not all inspections are tied to a specific concern. Some shipments are selected:

• Randomly
• As part of routine enforcement
• To maintain compliance standards

This is why people often say:

“Nothing about this shipment is unusual.”

Sometimes, that’s true.

What Actually Happens During an Inspection

While details vary, inspections generally involve one or more of the following steps:

• CBSA reviews the documents again
• The shipment may be physically examined
• Details are compared against the declaration
• Questions may be raised about value, description, or origin

During this time, the shipment is not progressing through the clearance process. In many cases, CBSA is simply confirming that the shipment matches the declaration before it can legally release it.

What an Inspection Does Not Involve

An inspection does not usually involve:

• Immediate penalties
• Automatic seizure
• Criminal investigation

Those outcomes are rare and tied to serious issues, not routine inspections. Most customers are dealing with procedural, not punitive, inspections.

What Happens if I Try to “Game” the System?

Most inspections are routine. But the situation changes completely if CBSA believes goods were intentionally misdeclared. For example:

• Choosing an HS code to minimize duty or evade surtaxes can trigger deeper review, reassessment, and penalties
• Using vague or misleading descriptions to avoid PGA/OGD requirements can lead to holds, inspections, or refusal of release
• Misdeclaring value or ignoring CBSA’s valuation method rules can result in reassessments and AMPS penalties.

A customs declaration is not a strategy decision. It is a legal declaration.

Why Inspections Take Time

Inspections can take longer because:

• They depend on officer availability
• Physical examination takes coordination
• Follow-up questions may be required
• Updated documents may need review

This is why inspection timelines are hard to predict. Waiting without resolving outstanding questions usually extends the process.

What CBSA May Ask For During an Inspection

During or after inspection, CBSA may request:

• Clarified descriptions
• Corrected invoices
• Proof of declared values
• Additional supporting documents

These requests are part of completing the inspection, not a separate process. CBSA may also request product specifications, ingredient lists, or proof of origin if classification or admissibility is unclear.

What Gets a Shipment Released After Inspection

Shipments are released when:

• CBSA is satisfied with the findings
• Any outstanding questions are resolved
• Duties and taxes are finalized
• Compliance concerns are addressed

Once released, the shipment returns to normal delivery flow.

Why Inspections Feel So Unclear

From the importer’s perspective:

• There are a few updates
• Status messages are generic (Carriers may use vague tracking terms like “held for inspection” or “selected for customs examination,” without explaining what CBSA is actually reviewing)
• Timelines are uncertain

This makes inspections feel more serious than they usually are. In reality, CBSA is working through a checklist to ensure clearance is justified. Most delays come from missing information or unanswered questions, not from the inspection itself.

The Most Important Takeaway

A CBSA inspection is a verification step, not a verdict. Most inspections:

• Are procedural
• End in release
• Do not result in penalties

They take time because CBSA must be confident before clearing the shipment. However, inspections can become much more serious if CBSA suspects the shipment was misdeclared to reduce duties or avoid regulatory requirements. Inspections can lead to reassessment of value and additional charges.

Use BorderBuddy’s duty & tax calculator to understand what CBSA may apply after review. BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods under the correct HS (Harmonized System) code, a key factor in determining the duty rate applied to an import.

What to Read Next

People whose shipments are inspected usually ask next:

• What does “held at customs” actually mean in Canada
• How long does Canada customs clearance really take?
• Why does CBSA ask for more information after submission
• What paperwork issues trigger inspections? (coming soon)

Still Need Help With Your Import?

If you still didn’t find what you were looking for, BorderBuddy is here to help.

• Call us at 1 (877) 409-8163
• Or email us anytime at service@borderbuddy.com

Our team can help you get clear answers and avoid delays at the border.