During the customs clearance process in the United States, shipments are sometimes selected for inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If this happens, there is no need to panic. The key is to understand which type of inspection has been assigned and respond accordingly.

CBP inspections generally fall into three main categories:

• Document inspections (1A, 4A)
• X-ray inspections (7H)
• Physical cargo inspections (1H, 2H, 5H)

Understanding these categories helps importers reduce delays and manage compliance risks efficiently.

1. Document Inspections

1A Inspection – General Document Review

A 1A inspection is one of the most common and least severe inspection types. CBP requests additional supporting documentation to verify the accuracy of the customs declaration.

Typical requested documents include:

• detailed commercial invoices
• transaction records
• payment confirmations
• origin information
• product descriptions

In most cases:

• cargo is not physically moved
• documents are submitted electronically (email or system upload)
• delays typically range from a few hours to several days

If the inspection is successfully cleared, the system status updates to 1B, indicating release.

However, incomplete or inconsistent documentation may result in escalation to a higher inspection level.

4A Inspection – Free Trade Agreement Eligibility Review

A 4A inspection focuses specifically on verifying eligibility under free trade agreements such as United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

CBP typically reviews:

• certificates of origin
• supplier declarations
• manufacturing records
• regional value content documentation

Important note:

If valid supporting evidence cannot be provided, the shipment may lose preferential tariff treatment.

Once CBP clears a 4A inspection, import declaration data should not be modified, as updates may trigger automatic re-review by the customs system.

2. X-Ray Inspection

7H Inspection – Non-Intrusive X-Ray Scan

A 7H inspection refers to a non-intrusive inspection (NII) using X-ray scanning equipment.

Characteristics of this inspection:

• containers are not opened
• cargo does not enter an examination warehouse
• only scanning is required

In many ports, the X-ray inspection fee is issued before vessel arrival, so importers may receive billing in advance.

Typical processing time:

• approximately 2–3 business days
• depending on terminal conditions and cargo type

Once cleared, the system status changes to 7I, and the shipment usually becomes available for pickup shortly afterward.

Importers should monitor terminal appointment availability closely at this stage.

3. Physical Cargo Inspections

1H Inspection – Standard Physical Examination

A 1H inspection is a standard cargo examination where CBP opens the container to verify shipment details.

CBP typically checks:

• declared unit value
• product classification
• prohibited or restricted goods
• counterfeit risks
• labeling compliance

In addition, other U.S. regulatory agencies may participate in inspections, including:

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)

Depending on the product category, importers may need supporting certifications such as:

• CPC certification (for children’s products)
• FDA registration (for medical or food-related items)
• UL certification (for electrical components)
• country-of-origin labeling documentation

After release, the system updates to 1I.

Inspection duration typically ranges from several days to one week.

2H Inspection – USDA Agricultural Inspection

A 2H inspection is conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This inspection applies primarily to shipments involving:

• plant materials
• wooden packaging
• food products
• soil contamination risks
• animal-derived goods

Even when wood packaging declarations have been submitted, shipments using wood pallets may still be selected for fumigation verification.

If non-compliance is identified, shipments may face:

• detention
• re-export requirements
• destruction orders

Once cleared, the system status updates to 2I.

Processing time depends on USDA scheduling and compliance status.

5H Inspection – Combined Document and Physical Examination

A 5H inspection involves both document review and possible cargo examination.

Typical workflow:

1. CBP reviews submitted documentation
2. CBP determines whether physical inspection is necessary

Possible outcomes:

• release after document review only
• escalation to container unpacking inspection

Final release status appears as 5I.

4. Inspection Procedures and Recommended Responses

Step 1: Receive Inspection Notification

Your customs broker receives inspection notices through systems such as Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), including:

• inspection code
• required documents
• next procedural steps

Step 2: Provide Required Support

Recommended actions depend on inspection category:

For “A” inspections (document review):

• submit requested materials quickly
• ensure accuracy and consistency
• verify invoice values and origin data

For “H” inspections (cargo examination):

• arrange container transfer to inspection site
• coordinate unloading if required
• prepare for examination, storage, and handling fees

Step 3: Await Inspection Results

After completion, CBP may:

• release the cargo
• request additional documentation
• issue detention notices
• initiate compliance investigations

5. Why Some Shipments Are Frequently Selected for Inspection

Repeated inspections may indicate that a shipment pattern has triggered CBP’s risk assessment system.

Possible contributing factors include:

• inconsistent declared values
• incorrect HS classifications
• missing certifications
• origin discrepancies
• first-time importer status
• sensitive product categories

Reviewing internal compliance procedures and documentation accuracy can significantly reduce future inspection frequency.