---
title: "X-Ray Exam"
description: "An X-ray exam, also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) exam, is the least intensive Customs exam."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/xray-exam/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:14Z
topics:
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Customs Brokerage"
---

# X-Ray Exam

An X-ray exam, also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) exam, is the least intensive Customs exam.

## What is an X-ray exam?

An X-ray exam, also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) exam, is the least intensive Customs exam.

If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) selects your container for an X-ray exam, the container will be driven through an X-ray machine at the ocean terminal. A customs officer will review the X-ray images and either release the container, or escalate it to either a [Tail Gate exam](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/tailgate-exam/) or an [Intensive exam](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/intensive-exam/).

### How long does an X-ray exam take?

X-ray exams usually take 1-3 days, but exam timelines may vary according to congestion at the port. Your Flexport operations team will update your shipment schedule as necessary.

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

---

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