Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.

No, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not physically open every single package that enters the country. Instead, every package is scanned via X-ray or high-tech imaging systems to detect irregularities. Officers only open a package if the scan reveals something suspicious, if the paperwork is missing or doesn't match the contents, or during random spot checks. In 2026, the use of AI-driven scanning has made this process faster, allowing customs to flag "high-risk" shipments for physical inspection while letting the vast majority of mail pass through untouched. If your package is opened, it will usually be resealed with official green or yellow tape indicating it was inspected by CBP. This ensures that while security is maintained, the global flow of commerce remains efficient for millions of legitimate international shipments.