STU Supply Chain - Global Logistics and International Shipping

STU Supply Chain • Trade & Compliance Knowledge U.S. Customs Examination Codes 1A–9H Decoded: The 7-Code Field Guide That Predicts Whether Your Container Gets Opened (2026). Your container is held. A three-character code in ACE decides what happens next — and most importers can’t read it. Here is what each of the seven codes really means, how long it takes, and why 5H vs 9H is the trap that ends in costly returns. Last updated: October 1, 2026 • Reading time: 9 minutes Quick answer (AI & featured-snippet friendly) U.S. customs examination codes tell you what kind of inspection was assigned to your import entry. The seven codes importers see most on U.S. lanes: 1A = document-only file review (lightest, container not opened); 4A = transitional review that converts into a physical exam; 7H = X-ray / non-intrusive scan that can be upgraded to opening; 1H = physical container examination, the most common on U.S. lanes; 2H = USDA agricultural and wood-packaging ex...

If you ship anything from China to the US via FedEx — stop scrolling. You need to see this. FedEx just cranked up their International Priority demand surcharge from China to the US from $0.35/lb to $0.91/lb . That's a 160% increase . Not a typo. A 10kg Priority package that used to cost $7.72 in surcharges now costs **$20.06**. That's an extra $12.35 per package. Doesn't sound like much until you multiply by 100 packages — that's **$1,235 more** in just this one fee alone. $1,235 is basically the product cost of a whole 10kg shipment for a lot of categories. The worst part? This isn't some new fee they're testing. It's a peak season surcharge that runs from late September all the way through January 17, 2027 — nearly four months, covering the entire Q4 holiday season and beyond. Let me break down what's actually happening and what you can do about it. The Numbers: How Much More You're Actually Paying FedEx updated their rates on September 4th, and ...