If you import household goods to the USA, beware of the possible extra charges incurred as a result of the latest laws enacted by U.S. Congress and enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S Coast Guard and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to name a few.  Do not take it out on your customs broker when your shipment is selected for one of many possible exams as they are just the messenger.

It used to be the exception for an import shipment to be selected for an exam.  But now, it is rare that a household goods shipment escapes inspection from U.S. government officials seeking to find weapons of mass destruction or other prohibited, restricted or dutiable items.  Most shipments are randomly selected for inspections.  Yet shipments from some select countries are always inspected.  It is the goal of U.S. Congress for all shipments to be at least x-ray scanned.  Below is a partial list of possible inspections for your reference:

VACIS Exam – security x-ray scan

Intensive Exam – physical inspection of items by U.S. Customs or other government agents (inspections are carried out at the agencies bonded warehouse facilities)

CET- Inspection by Contraband Enforcement Team

AQI- Inspection by Agriculture Quarantine Inspection, part of the USDA

FDA – Inspection by the Food & Drug Administration

MET – Inspection by the Merchandise Exam Team performing Trade Fraud Exams

A-TCET – Inspection by the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team

Such exams can and usually do result in extra charges to importers such as costs for the exam, extra trucking to the exam site, warehouse handling & port storage, demurrage, fumigation, extra  documentation/processing, merchandise processing fees, duties, taxes and bond fees.  These fees could add up to be from $100 to $2,000 or more depending on the intensity and time it takes for the exams.

Diamond Worldwide is often the bearer of bad news to customers who’s shipment is selected for an exam.  We do our best to expedite the process and minimize costs.  Yet there is only so much that can be done.  Providing all the necessary documentation timely and having an accurate and detailed inventory is critical and helps to avoid an exam.  Citizens of the U.S. should be comforted by the measures being taken to keep us safe, protect our food supply and to manage the importation of restricted and prohibited items.  Yet the cost to the importer is high and should not be a surprise.

For more information, contact Diamond Worldwide Relocation at info@diamond-worldwide.com or call: