A Practical Guide for FCL & LCL Sea Freight from China to Malaysia
When you’re involved in import/export or cross-border shipping—especially via sea freight from China to Malaysia or Singapore—it’s quite common to hear:
“Your container has been selected for inspection.”
Many customers panic upon receiving this notice, worried about delays or fines. In fact, container inspection is a standard part of the customs clearance process, not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Why containers are inspected
What to do if your container is selected
How to minimize the risk of inspection
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Customs inspection is a procedure where authorities check whether the cargo matches the declared documents and complies with import regulations.
This process may involve:
Opening the container for photo checks
X-ray scanning
Manual box-by-box inspections
Full physical verification
It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong—it’s part of ensuring cargo legitimacy and safety.
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Random Selection
Like airport security, customs systems randomly flag containers for checks. Being selected doesn’t mean there’s an issue—it’s just part of the routine.
High-Risk Cargo Types
Items such as electronics, batteries, liquids, powders, and food are considered sensitive and are more likely to be inspected.
Mismatch in Documentation
If your invoice, packing list, or declaration doesn’t clearly match the actual goods, it can trigger a red flag in the system.
Shared Container Issues (LCL)
In LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, multiple customers share one container. If one shipment has a problem, the whole container may be inspected.
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Don’t panic. Your freight forwarder will inform you and help handle the process.
Make sure you provide accurate and complete documents:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Import License (if required)
Product Certificates (e.g., SIRIM, CIDB for Malaysia)
Note: Inspection times vary depending on the type of inspection. Here’s a general guide:
| Type of Inspection | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo inspection | 1–2 days | Quickest process |
| X-ray scanning | 1–3 days | Depends on queue |
| Manual inspection | 3–7 days | More detailed and time-consuming |
| Document hold-up | Varies | Waiting on authorities’ approval |
Non-compliant items?
Goods may be returned or destroyed. Costs are borne by the customer.
Misdeclaration or undervaluation?
You may face additional duties, penalties, or even cargo seizure.
✅ Clearly declare product names, uses, and quantities
✅ Avoid mixing high-risk products in one shipment
✅ Prepare all documents in advance
✅ Choose a reliable freight forwarder with customs expertise
Container inspection is part of international shipping and not something to fear.
The key is to be well-prepared and work with a trusted logistics partner.
At Vspeed, we specialize in both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping from China to Malaysia. Our experienced team helps you handle inspections, customs clearance, and ensure your cargo arrives safely and on time.
Have a shipment coming up and worried about inspection risks?
📩 Message us for 1-on-1 advice on how to ship safely and avoid costly mistakes.
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