When your cargo is subject to a physical exam by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or applicable Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), additional steps must be taken to ensure compliance and timely cargo clearance. The exam coordination fee in pCustoms is designed to provide you with advice, guidance, and general answers on how to proceed with the exam process, understand the requirements, and navigate any challenges that may arise.
It is important to note that the exam coordination fee does not cover direct coordination with CBP, the port, or the exam site. You will still be responsible for:
Communicating directly with CBP, the exam site, truckers, and other relevant parties.
Scheduling and handling logistics related to the physical examination.
Responding to CBP’s inquiries or additional requests for information.
Since customs exams can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks or longer, depending on exam type and your case, having access to expert advice can help prevent costly delays and avoid compliance risks. However, pCustoms will not act as your attorney or represent you in front of CBP, nor will we be able to coordinate the exam schedule on your behalf. If CBP requests additional legal documentation or has in-depth questions, you may need to hire a trade attorney for further assistance.
Let's explore this step-by-step guide on how to proceed with the exam coordination fee payment in pCustoms.
Step 1: Go to the Import Entry Filing module
You need to click on "Import Entry Filing" at the left navigation bar:
Step 2: Open the entity profile
Open the entity profile for which you need to pay the exam fee:
Step 3: Pay the exam fee
Now it's time to pay the exam fee. Click the "Exam fee" button in the middle:
Enter your payment method details:
Then, click on "Pay" to proceed:
You will be redirected to the Payment History page, where you can see the status of all your payments in the table like the one below:
Paying the exam coordination fee in pCustoms provides access to expert guidance, advice, and answers to general questions related to the CBP physical exam process. While this service helps importers navigate the complex requirements, it does not include direct coordination with CBP, PGA, exam sites, ports, or truckers. Importers must still handle scheduling, respond to CBP inquiries, and manage logistics independently. Since customs exams can take 6-8 weeks or longer, understanding the process and seeking expert input can prevent delays and ensure compliance.