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What is Customs Tailgate Exam Hold?

Updated: 4 days ago


A man with a walkie-talkie opening a container door

Learn about the Customs Tailgate Exam hold


The exam typically takes place at the Port of Entry and is usually conducted either within the port or at an examination facility nearby. Typically, the container is backed up into a dock, where Customs Officers inspect it by opening the container and examining the shipment without physically handling the cargo. Tools such as mirrors, X-ray scanners, or sniffer dogs may be used for this examination.

If it is deemed that further examination is necessary, officers will then place the shipment on an Intensive hold for a more detailed examination.


The examination schedule varies from port to port and from facility to facility.

Keep in contact with your forwarder, agent, or customs brokerage for updates on the status.


Need assistance with a shipment that's currently under customs hold? We can help!

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