A centralized examination station ("CES") is a privately operated facility, not in the charge of a Customs officer, at which imported merchandise is made available to Customs officers for physical examination. A CES may be established in any port or any portion of a port, or any other area under the jurisdiction of a district director.
Channel Distribution is a designated centralized examination station for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, one of only two in the port of Chicago.