---
title: What happens during a CBSA shipment examination?
description: Learn how a CBSA shipment examination works, why your goods may be held, who pays examination costs, and what happens before your shipment is released.
image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Import%20Foundations/Updated%20version/Import%20Foundations%20-%20CND%20(2).jpg
---
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# What happens during a CBSA shipment examination?
Trade Update: October 5,2026
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What happens during a CBSA shipment examination?
5:47
Being selected for a CBSA shipment examination doesn't mean something is wrong with your import, but it can delay the release of your goods and increase your costs.
## **At a glance**
- The CBSA may hold goods to conduct an examination or confirm that customs or other government requirements have been met
- The CBSA doesn’t charge for the examination itself, but third-party transportation, handling, and storage costs may be passed on to the importer
- Goods that meet applicable requirements may be released after examination, while inadmissible goods may be refused entry or seized
---
A **CBSA shipment examination** can happen when commercial goods arrive in Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) needs to verify shipment information or confirm that import requirements have been met.
An examination can delay the release of your goods and may result in additional transportation, handling, or storage costs.
In this article, we explain why the CBSA may hold or examine a commercial shipment, what happens during the physical examination process, and what to expect before your goods are released.
## **Why might the CBSA hold your shipment?**
The CBSA may [hold a commercial shipment](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/guide-5-eng.html) to determine whether legislative, regulatory, or program requirements have been met. It may also hold it to confirm requirements administered by another government department or agency, or to conduct an examination.
A shipment examination may be used to:
- Verify that the description, value, quantity, and markings of the goods match the information provided
- Confirm compliance with customs legislation
- Check permits or requirements administered by other government departments ([OGDs](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations/the-role-of-other-government-departments-ogds-in-the-importing-process))
- Detect prohibited, restricted, or smuggled goods
Selection for examination is not, by itself, a sign that the CBSA has found a compliance problem.
## **What happens during a CBSA shipment examination?**
The examination process can vary. The CBSA may use non-intrusive imaging equipment to examine goods without opening them, while some shipments may require a physical examination. Depending on the shipment and mode of transportation, goods may also need to be unloaded or moved to an examination facility for a more thorough examination.
Under [section 99 of the Customs Act](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-52.6/section-99.html), CBSA officers may examine imported goods at any time up to their release. They may open packages or containers, or have them opened, and take samples in reasonable amounts.
Under [section 13 of the Customs Act](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-52.6/section-13.html), the person who reported the goods, which for commercial shipments is generally the carrier, must present them for an examination when an officer requests it. That can include removing coverings, unloading a conveyance, or opening packages or containers. This may require the shipment to be transported to an examination location.
Unreleased goods may be held at a [sufferance warehouse](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-difference-between-a-sufferance-warehouse-and-a-bonded-warehouse). These are privately operated facilities licensed by the CBSA to control, store short-term, and examine imported goods until they are released or exported.
The CBSA then uses the examination to determine whether the goods meet applicable customs and other regulatory requirements before they can be released through the [Canadian customs clearance process](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-canadian-customs-clearance-process).
## **Who pays for the costs of a shipment examination?**
The [CBSA doesn’t charge importers](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/faq-eng.html) for conducting the examination itself. The agency covers the costs of its inspection personnel, equipment, and tools.
However, third parties may charge costs for processing or presenting goods for examination, which may be passed on to you. Depending on the shipment and examination, these can include:
- Transportation to and from an examination facility
- Unloading and reloading
- Warehouse labour and specialized equipment
- Handling and storage
## **How long does a CBSA examination take?**
There is no single timeframe that applies to every CBSA shipment examination or hold.
How long goods are held depends on the shipment and the type of examination, as well as whether additional information or other regulatory requirements must be addressed before release.
## **What happens after a CBSA shipment examination?**
If the CBSA determines that applicable program and regulatory requirements have been met and the goods are admissible, [the shipment may be released](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/guide-5-eng.html).
If the goods do not meet applicable requirements, what happens next depends on the circumstances. Goods found to be inadmissible may be refused entry and returned to the sender or destroyed. The CBSA may also seize goods where it believes a law has been violated.
Certain instances of non-compliance with customs requirements may also result in a monetary penalty under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System ([AMPS](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations/avoiding-amps-penalties-when-importing-into-canada)).
## **What should you do if your shipment is held for examination?**
Start by finding out why the shipment hasn’t been released. Your customs broker may be able to tell you its status and whether any documents or action are required.
Respond promptly to requests for information and make sure your [import documents required for Canadian customs clearance](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations/canadian-import-documents-required-for-customs-clearance) are complete and accurate.
Also, watch for potential storage, transportation, and handling charges while the goods remain unreleased, as these can add up quickly and affect your import costs.
## **Get help for your held shipment**
At Cole International, we provide trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian importers manage their imports and ensure customs compliance.
**If your shipment is held for a CBSA examination, reach out to one of our trade professionals to understand the requirements and navigate the customs clearance process.**
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