- Referral-to-release time: 3-5 business days, vs. 2-3 days typical
- Exam selection rate: holding near typical seasonal levels, no meaningful change
- CES (Centralized Examination Station) queue volumes: elevated
- Cause: CES throughput has not kept pace with broader volume increase tied to early peak-season imports
- Additional dwell exposure: 2-3 days beyond normal terminal free time for flagged containers
| Referral-to-Release Tier | Business Days | Free Time Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | 2 - 3 | Usually within free time |
| Current | 3 - 5 | 2-3 days beyond free time likely |
| Worst-case (CES backlog) | 5+ | Detention charges likely |
Customs processing data calibrated against independent field data combined with on-ground terminal telemetry shows the extension is a throughput issue at CES facilities, not a change in exam selection criteria.
Why are CBP exam referral times extending if the selection rate hasn't changed?
The proportion of containers selected for exam has not changed meaningfully and is holding near typical seasonal levels. The delay is on the processing side: CES facility throughput has not kept pace with the broader volume increase tied to early peak-season imports, so flagged containers are queuing longer before referral-to-release completes.
How much extra dwell time should shippers budget for a flagged container?
Shippers with containers flagged for exam should budget for an additional 2-3 days of dwell beyond normal terminal free time, based on the current 3-5 business day referral-to-release window versus the typical 2-3 day window. This gap is what determines whether a container exceeds free time and begins accruing detention.
Can importers reduce their exam selection frequency?
Importers with a pattern of frequent exam referrals may reduce future selection frequency by reviewing HTS classification accuracy and documentation completeness with their customs broker. This does not affect containers already flagged this cycle but can lower selection rates on future shipments.
What Shippers Should Do
- Budget for an additional 2-3 days of dwell beyond normal terminal free time for any container flagged for exam.
- Request expedited exam scheduling where eligible to reduce exposure to the extended CES queue.
- Review HTS classification and documentation completeness with your customs broker if exam referrals are frequent.
- Track free-time expiration closely on flagged containers to avoid unplanned detention charges.