US Customs Exams Explained: 1H, 2H, 5H, 1A, 4A, 7H Types | YIDA Guide

English: Decode US Customs exam codes 1H, 2H, 5H, 1A, 4A, and 7H. Learn what each inspection entails, expected timelines, and how to respond effectively with YIDA's guide.

中文: 解读美国海关查验代码1H, 2H, 5H, 1A, 4A, 7H。了解每种查验的内容、预计时长,以及如何通过宜达指南有效应对。

US Customs Exams Explained: 1H, 2H, 5H, 1A, 4A, 7H Types | YIDA Guide

在美国的清关过程,经常会遇到海关查验,面对海关查验先不要慌,先搞明白海关查验主要查什么内容,然后针对性的去解决就可以。海关查验主要分为文件查验分为1A、4A, 开箱查验1H,2H, 5H,X光查验7H。
During U.S. customs clearance, cargo inspections are common. When an examination is assigned, there is ‘no need to panic’. The key is to first understand ‘what type of examination has been issued and what CBP is reviewing’, and then respond accordingly. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) examinations are generally categorized as: Document Review (1A, 4A), Physical Examination (1H, 2H, 5H), and Non-Intrusive Inspection / X-ray (7H).

  • 海关查验类型-1H/2H/5H/1A/4A/7H查验

    U.S. Customs Examination Types

    1H / 2H / 5H / 1A / 4A / 7H Explained


    在美国的清关过程,经常会遇到海关查验,面对海关查验先不要慌,先搞明白海关查验主要查什么内容,然后针对性的去解决就可以。海关查验主要分为文件查验分为1A、4A, 开箱查验1H,2H, 5H,X光查验7H。

    During U.S. customs clearance, cargo inspections are common.
    When an examination is assigned, there is ‘no need to panic’. The key is to first understand ‘what type of examination has been issued and what CBP is reviewing’, and then respond accordingly.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) examinations are generally categorized as:

    • Document Review: 1A, 4A

    • Physical Examination (Intensive / Tailgate): 1H, 2H, 5H

    • Non-Intrusive Inspection (X-ray): 7H


    一、文件查验

    I. Document Examination


    1A查验-文件查验

    1A Examination – Document Review

    1A is a standard document-only examination and is considered one of the least intrusive inspection types.

    CBP may request additional documentation to verify:

    • Declared customs value

    • Tariff classification

    • Country of origin

    Typical documents requested include:

    • Detailed commercial invoice

    • Transaction records

    • Proof of payment / remittance

    • Origin information

    Cargo is not physically moved, and documents are submitted electronically via email or CBP systems (e.g. ACE).

    • Typical delay: a few hours to several days

    • If discrepancies are found, the examination may be escalated

    • Upon release, the system status will update to 1B (Released)


    4A查验-针对“自由贸易协定”资格的文件查验

    4A Examination – Free Trade Agreement Qualification Review

    4A is a document examination specifically focused on Free Trade Agreement eligibility, such as NAFTA / USMCA or other FTAs.

    CBP will verify whether the goods legitimately qualify for preferential duty treatment by reviewing:

    • Certificate of Origin

    • Production and manufacturing records

    This is also a document-only review, similar to 1A.
    However, if sufficient proof cannot be provided, preferential duty treatment will be denied.

    ⚠️ Important Compliance Note
    Once CBP releases a shipment under 4A, the entry data must not be amended. Any post-release update may trigger automatic re-review by CBP systems.


    二、X光查验

    II. X-Ray Examination


    7H查验-X光查验

    7H Examination – X-Ray / Machine Scan

    7H refers to a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) using X-ray scanning equipment.

    Key characteristics:

    • No container opening

    • No transfer to an inspection warehouse

    • Cargo passes through an X-ray scanner

    Once scanning is completed and the NII fee is paid, CBP will review the images.

    • Some terminals issue the X-ray invoice prior to vessel arrival

    • Typical processing time: 2–3 business days

    • If no issues are detected, the container can usually be scheduled for pickup shortly after

    Upon release, the system will update to 7I.


    三、开箱查验

    III. Physical Cargo Examination


    1H查验-普通开箱查验

    1H Examination – Standard Physical Examination

    1H is a standard physical cargo examination involving container opening.

    CBP may inspect:

    • Declared unit value

    • Supporting documentation

    • Prohibited or restricted goods

    • Counterfeit or IP-infringing products

    Other agencies may also inspect:

    • FDA

    • CPSC

    • DOT

    Required certifications may include:

    • CPC certificates

    • FDA registrations

    • Country-of-origin labels

    • UL marks

    • Typical inspection time: several days up to one week

    • Upon release, status updates to 1I


    2H查验-农业部查验

    2H Examination – USDA / Agriculture Inspection

    2H examinations are conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    Applies to:

    • Animal or plant products

    • Food

    • Soil

    • Wooden products or packaging

    Includes ISPM 15 fumigation checks.

    • Release status updates to 2I

    • Non-compliance may lead to detention, re-export, or destruction


    5H查验-货物查验 + 文件审查

    5H Examination – Document Review + Physical Inspection

    5H indicates a combined examination:

    • Initial document review

    • Possible physical inspection

    This is considered an escalated version of 1H.

    CBP may:

    • Release after document review

    • Or require container opening

    Final release updates to 5I.


    五、查验流程与应对建议

    IV. Examination Workflow & Response Recommendations


    1️⃣ 收到通知 / Examination Notice

    Broker receives ACE notice with:

    • Exam code

    • Required materials


    2️⃣ 配合提供 / Cooperation

    • “A” exams → submit documents

    • “H” exams → move container to exam site

    Possible costs:

    • Drayage

    • Devanning

    • Storage

    • Exam fees


    3️⃣ 等待结果 / Await Decision

    CBP may:

    • Release cargo

    • Issue Detention Notice

    • Issue Violation Notice


    4️⃣ 合规提示 / Compliance Insight

    Frequent exams may indicate CBP risk flags — review:

    • Declaration accuracy

    • Classification

    • Compliance practices

Get in Touch: 📨

📞 Call us: +86-579-85652921
📱 WhatsApp: +86 19857947022 / +86 13715852726
💬 Live Chat: Chat icon at bottom right

🔗 LinkedIn – Follow Us
🔗 Visit Contact Page

✉️ Or email:

📝 Need a Quote Now? Submit via the form below:


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

"provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Yida International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.", "url": "https://www.yidaship.com", "logo": "https://www.yidaship.com/wp-content/uploads/logo.png", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+86-579-85652921", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US, UAE, Worldwide", "availableLanguage": ["English", "Chinese"] } };