A CES, or Centralized Examination Station, is a secure facility authorised by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to inspect imported or exported cargo. When CBP selects a shipment for examination, the cargo may be moved to a CES for X-ray scanning, tailgate inspection, intensive exam, sampling, or other review. The importer is usually responsible for related costs such as drayage, handling, exam fees, and storage. CES exams help customs verify cargo contents, documentation, admissibility, and compliance.
A Centralized Examination Station (CES) is a CBP-licensed private facility where containers selected for physical inspection are transported for examination by customs officers.
The CES Process
- CBP issues an exam order in ACE
- Importer or broker arranges transport of the container to the CES
- Customs officers conduct the physical exam
- Cargo is released if cleared; detained if issues are found
Costs
- CES handling fee charged by the facility operator
- Trucking cost to move the container from terminal to CES and back
- Additional demurrage accruing during the exam period
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Customs Exam, Customs Exam Fee, Intensive Exam, and X-Ray Exam.
