A customs exam fee is a charge imposed by customs authorities on imported or exported goods for the purpose of inspecting and examining the shipments. The fee is applied to cover the costs associated with the inspection process, including labor, equipment, and administrative expenses. When a shipment is selected for a customs exam, customs officials may open and inspect the containers or packages to verify the accuracy of the declared information and ensure compliance with customs regulations. The customs exam fee is typically borne by the importer or their customs broker and varies depending on the type and complexity of the examination. Payment of the customs exam fee is an integral part of the customs clearance process for shipments entering or leaving a country.