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Subject: Formal Notification Regarding Centralized Examination Station (CES) Drayage Procedures
Date: October XX, 2025
To: All Concerned Parties
This notification outlines updated procedures and requirements pertaining to the drayage of cargo to Centralized Examination Stations (CES) for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) examinations. These measures are implemented to ensure the continued safety, efficiency, and integrity of the examination process.
Background: CESs are critical facilities that enable CBP staff to conduct thorough examinations of high-volume, complex, hazardous, or compliance-sensitive shipments. These examinations are integral to ensuring a predictable and auditable process that complies with existing CBP and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) risk-based selection criteria. CES examinations are not arbitrary but are a vital component of safeguarding agriculture and national security. CES facilities are specifically designed to provide the necessary space, equipment, and trained personnel for safe, thorough, and efficient inspections, thereby meeting all CBP requirements.
Mandate for Drayage: To uphold the standards of safe, thorough, and efficient inspections, the port director deems it necessary to mandate that the drayage of containers from the port of arrival to the designated CES be conducted under the following authority:
Under 19 CFR 151.15(b), when merchandise designated for examination is transferred to a CES liability for its proper safekeeping and delivery shifts based on the party performing the transfer: the importing carrier remains liable under its international carrier bond if it directly transfers the goods; a bonded carrier is liable under its custodial bond if it transfers from its facility or delivers directly to the CES; the CES operator assumes liability under their custodial bond if they transfer containerized cargo to their own facility using their own vehicles; and the importer or their agent assumes liability under their importation and entry bond if they transfer the merchandise to the CES.
The basis for this authority stems from: 19 CFR 151.15(d), which states: "Designation of bonded movement and CES to be used. In the event the port director deems it necessary, he may direct the type of bonded movement to be used to transfer merchandise to a CES and may designate the CES at which examination must take place. In either case the port director's action will be noted on the Customs Form 3461 or 3461 (ALT), or their electronic equivalents, or attachment thereto."
Action and Scope: This notification affects cargo designated for the following types of examinations:
- Trade – Trade Enforcement Team
- Agriculture – Agriculture Examination
Customs Brokers will continue to notify CBP of their selected exam site through the ACE Cargo Release – Elected Exam Site or Document Image System.
For CBP-mandated re-exportations of full container shipments, the transfer of cargo will be coordinated by the CES Operator in conjunction with CBP requirements.
Inquiries and Support: For issues or inquiries related to the drayage of cargo from the terminal to the CES, please contact CBP at houseaag@cbp.dhs.gov. The Trade Interface Unit is available to assist with problem-solving and support.
Exceptions: Exceptions to the requirements referenced within this document may be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the port director. Such exceptions may be considered only for extraordinary circumstances, such as operational disruptions or other unforeseen events. Inquiries for the purpose of requesting exceptions will not be accepted; any exceptions will be initiated solely by the port director.
We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these updated procedures, which are essential for maintaining the security and efficiency of our trade operations.
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