Physical Examination

Physical examination is a form of customs control involving direct inspection of goods by customs officers. It includes opening packages, containers or means of transport, examining goods, taking samples for laboratory analysis, and comparing the actual state with the customs declaration data. Physical examination is the most thorough but also most time-consuming form of control.

Customs directs goods for physical examination based on risk analysis or random selection. The examination may be complete (covering the entire consignment) or partial (covering selected lots). A protocol is drawn up, and if discrepancies are found, customs proceedings are initiated.