What Happens if US Customs Inspects Your Shipment?

When a shipment enters the United States, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sometimes selects it for inspection.

That inspection often triggers immediate questions:

• What is CBP doing with the shipment?
• How long will this take?
• Did something go wrong?
• What happens next?

This post explains what happens when US Customs inspects your shipment, based on the real inspection concerns that repeatedly arise in import situations.

An Inspection Does Not Automatically Mean a Problem

CBP inspects shipments to verify information. CBP does not inspect shipments only to find violations. Many inspections happen because CBP wants to confirm:

• The goods match the paperwork
• The value makes sense
• The classification fits the product
• The shipment meets admissibility requirements

Most inspected shipments still clear once CBP finishes the review. An inspection is often a verification step, not an accusation.

Why CBP Selects Shipments for Inspection

CBP chooses inspections for a few consistent reasons. CBP may want to confirm that the physical shipment matches:

• The invoice description
• The declared quantity
• The declared value

If details look unclear or incomplete, CBP asks for a closer look. Some inspections are also triggered by risk indicators such as product type, origin, routing patterns, or enforcement priorities.

CBP Sees Classification or Value Questions

CBP relies on correct classification because classification drives duty rates. If the goods description feels too general, CBP may inspect the shipment to confirm:

• What the product actually is
• How it should be classified
• Whether duties apply correctly

In today’s environment of additional duties and heightened enforcement, classification and valuation accuracy matter more than ever.

CBP Flags the Shipment for Compliance Review

CBP sometimes inspects shipments based on:

• Product category
• Import history
• Risk indicators
• Random selection

CBP uses inspections to enforce consistency at the border. Some inspections are also tied to broader compliance screening, including concerns about counterfeiting or forced labour.

What CBP Does During an Inspection

CBP follows a practical review process. CBP may:

• Recheck documents
• Examine the goods physically
• Compare labels and packaging to declarations
• Confirm value and classification details
• Request additional supporting information

During this time, the shipment stops moving through clearance. Some inspections are non-intrusive (such as X-ray or imaging scans), while others are intensive physical examinations that require unloading and detailed review.

What Happens After the Inspection

After CBP completes inspection, one of several outcomes occurs:

• CBP releases the shipment
• CBP requests additional documentation
• CBP reassesses duties or value
• CBP holds the shipment until issues are resolved

CBP focuses on clarity and releases shipments once the documentation and goods are in order. In many cases, CBP may issue a formal request for information (CF28) if questions remain after the exam.

Why Inspections Take Time

CBP inspections often take time because CBP must:

• Schedule the examination
• Review the results carefully
• Resolve any open questions
• Finalize duties and fees

The shipment does not proceed until CBP completes those steps. Exams may also create additional costs, since inspection fees, storage, and handling charges are often billed back to the importer.

How to Reduce Inspection Delays

Strong preparation helps reduce inspection friction. Imports move faster when:

• Descriptions stay specific
• Values remain well supported
• Documents stay consistent
• Classification matches the product

Clear paperwork leads to fewer follow-up questions. While no importer can prevent all inspections, clear documentation significantly reduces the likelihood of extended holds.

The Most Important Takeaway

CBP uses inspections to match goods to declarations and duty treatment, and to verify shipments. 

When documentation remains clear and classification remains accurate, CBP clears shipments more quickly. Even after release, importers must retain records in case CBP reviews the entry later through audit or post-entry enforcement.

Want to Estimate Duties Before Inspection Issues Arise?

Accurate classification and duty planning reduce surprises during inspection.

Use the BorderBuddy duty & tax calculator to get a quote. It helps you estimate expected import duties, taxes and fees, potential tariff-related charges, and total landed cost before the shipment reaches the border.

BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods under the correct HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule), which determines duty rates on US imports.

What to Read Next

People dealing with inspections often ask next:

• How long does US customs clearance usually take? (coming soon)
• What happens during a US customs hold? (coming soon)
• Common documentation mistakes in US imports. (coming soon)
• Are there duties on imports into the United States? (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.