GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Physical inspection
Customs officers and receiving staff carry out a physical inspection by directly accessing a shipment – opening containers, counting or weighing goods, and checking condition and packaging against the accompanying documents such as the packing list and commercial invoice.
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Customs officers and receiving staff carry out a physical inspection by directly accessing a shipment – opening containers, counting or weighing goods, and checking condition and packaging against the accompanying documents such as the packing list and commercial invoice. Functional or sensory testing may be included for specific product categories. Unlike non-invasive scanning methods, physical inspection requires hands-on access to the cargo itself. It is resource-intensive but indispensable for high-risk shipments, documentary discrepancies, or whenever a risk-based selectivity system flags a consignment for closer examination. For importers and exporters, a physical inspection typically translates into measurable clearance delays.
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