Classification and Inspection

For the selected shipments, ICS expert personnel assist Customs officials in performing a Classification and Inspection Verification. This verification is performed on arrival and alongside Customs officials at the Customs clearance points, and Customs will maintain responsibility and control over the inspection process and the resulting quality of information. 

The main goals of the Classification and Inspection verification are the following:

1. To verify that the type of goods inspected corresponds with the type of goods described in the documentation accompanying the Customs declaration [false declaration] 
2. To verify that the quality of the goods inspected is identical with the quality stated in the documentation [quality – sampling – analysis] 
3. To verify that the quantity of the goods inspected is identical with the quantity stated in the import documentation and Customs declaration [quantity] 
4. To verify that the declared tariff codes are correct for the type and quality of the inspected goods. 
5. To provide on-the-job training of advanced inspection methods and methodologies for Customs officers.   

The verification of the type and quality of the goods represents an important part of the physical inspection performed by ICS. Procedures for verifying quality vary according to the nature of the merchandise. 

When verifying the type and quality of goods the ICS field inspector will normally verify:

That packing conforms to the description on the shipping document and packing list 

• That the goods correspond to the type of goods described in the import documentation (this may include a verification of brochures or manuals accompanying the goods, of labels, serial numbers, engravings, etc.) 
• That all product specifications meet those declared by the importer. 
• That products are correctly declared by the importer in terms of being ‘new’ or ‘used’ 
• Any analysis or manufacturer’s test certificates included 
• Batch numbers, and expiration dates (especially for pharmaceuticals and canned foods)   

The ICS field inspector will also verify that: 

• Markings correspond to those indicated in the shipping document (for all non-bulk shipments) 
• Container and seal numbers match those indicated in the shipping document (for all containerized goods) 
• The proper labels have been attached prior to shipment (for hazardous materials)   

When it is impractical to inspect 100% of the merchandise because of the size of the shipment a statistically representative sample is verified. 

Classification and Inspection