Difference between first check appraisal and second check appraisal in Imports.

• What is First Check Appraisement in Imports? 
• How does second check appraisement work in import customs clearance procedures? 
• Why do an importer request customs for First check procedures under import customs clearance formalities? 
• Can imported goods be examined / inspected before import customs clearance?

A legal document called bill of entry has to be filed with customs department against goods arriving from other country. The cargo has to be value appraised. In certain case of imports, the importer does not know the exact quantity or quality of goods received from his overseas buyer. Or in some other cases the importer may have a dispute or suspect on quality of goods arriving. The importer complete customs clearance and take delivery of cargo to his place means, he has taken ‘delivery of goods’. So, before taking delivery of goods or before completing import customs clearance procedures, importer wants to confirm on the quality, quantity or contents of the consignment shipped by his overseas supplier. He can approach concerned customs appraising officer and request for ‘first check appraisement’.

In some other cases, the customs officials may order for first check procedures to have a thorough inspection of goods before value assessment.

If Bill of Entry is filed manually – without electronically - the importer or their customs broker completes the ‘entry procedures of import’ and requests the concerned customs appraising officer to mark ‘open examination order’. After obtaining the necessary open order from the appraiser, the customs broker or importer approaches concerned customs personnel to inspect the cargo.

At a customs location, where in electronic facility is available, the importer requests customs officials of first check procedures or the customs officials order for first check procedures depends up on the nature of goods imported.

The goods are inspected completely or partially as per the requirements, and prepare report on examination of goods. The Samples of commodity is drawn for quality check, if the importer or customs needed. Once after confirming and satisfying the quality, quantity and contents of consignment, the importer proceed further in completing import customs clearance procedures to take delivery of cargo. If he is not satisfied with the goods, he informs his overseas supplier about his dispute. If dispute could not be settled each other, the cargo is abandoned ‘un cleared’.

Once after completing the reporting of inspection either electronically or manually if no electronic filing system available, the appraisement procedures are carried out. The importer takes delivery of cargo after payment of duty if any.

In second check appraisement, the examination of cargo takes place after value appraisement. Once after filing Bill of entry by CHA or importer, the document transfers to value appraiser. The concerned value appraising group asses the value and appraise the goods after verifying the necessary documents submitted. Once after completion of appraisement of goods, the goods are inspected.

In a first check assessment, the examination of goods is carried out before appraisement and in second check assessment, the examination of goods are done after appraisement of goods. This is the major difference between first check appraisement and second check appraisement.