---
title: "CES (Centralized Examination Station)"
description: "A CES (Centralized Examination Station) is a privately operated facility designated by CBP for physical examination where imported or exported cargo is made available for a Customs inspection."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/centralized-examination-station/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:04Z
topics:
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Customs Brokerage"
---

# CES (Centralized Examination Station)

A CES (Centralized Examination Station) is a privately operated facility designated by CBP for physical examination where imported or exported cargo is made available for a Customs inspection.

## What is a CES?

A CES (Centralized Examination Station) is a privately operated facility designated by CBP for physical examination where imported or exported cargo is made available for a Customs inspection.

Shipments selected for a Tail Gate or Intensive exam will be trucked to a CES.

The importer is [responsible for all costs](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/help/customs-exams-who-pays/) associated with a Customs exam, including trucking to and from the CES, the CES fee, storage, etc.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/centralized-examination-station/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/centralized-examination-station/) for AI/LLM consumption.*