CBP has approved Laboratory Services, Inc. in Kemah, Texas, to perform specified petroleum gauging and laboratory testing for customs purposes.
The approval and accreditation took effect on July 22, 2025, and covers a three-year period under a notice published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Federal Register on September 29, 2026.
The notice identifies the company’s facility at 1001 Sue Drive, Suite A8, in Kemah, Texas, as an approved commercial gauger and accredited laboratory for petroleum and certain petroleum products.
Table of Contents
What CBP approved
CBP approved Laboratory Services, Inc. to conduct petroleum gauging procedures based on standards issued by the American Petroleum Institute.
Gauging generally involves measuring and calculating the quantity or characteristics of petroleum cargo, including measurements connected with tanks, temperature, samples and marine transfers.
- API Chapter 3 for tank gauging.
- API Chapter 7 for temperature determination.
- API Chapter 8 for sampling.
- API Chapter 12 for calculations of petroleum quantities.
- API Chapter 17 for marine measurement.
The approval does not authorize the company to perform every possible petroleum-related service.
Customers must confirm that the requested gauging procedure falls within the specific scope approved by CBP.
Laboratory testing methods covered
The Federal Register notice also lists two laboratory analysis methods for which the Kemah facility received accreditation.
The first is CBP Laboratory Method 27-08, which corresponds to ASTM D86, the standard test method for distillation of petroleum products at atmospheric pressure.
Distillation testing helps determine how a petroleum product behaves across different temperature ranges when heated under atmospheric conditions.
The second is CBP Laboratory Method 27-48, which corresponds to ASTM D4052.
That method measures density, relative density and API gravity of liquids using a digital density meter.
Those measurements can be important when petroleum products are identified, quantified or evaluated during customs-related commercial transactions.
Approval is limited to listed services
CBP’s notice does not represent a blanket certification for all petroleum testing, inspection or measurement work.
Instead, the authorization is limited to the gauging chapters and laboratory methods specifically listed in the notice.
Businesses seeking services from Laboratory Services, Inc. should obtain written confirmation that the company is approved or accredited for the exact test or gauging service required.
This step is important because a facility may be authorized for one petroleum analysis method while lacking approval for another method or product category.
When the approval took effect
Although CBP published the notice on September 29, 2026, the agency states that Laboratory Services, Inc. was approved and accredited as of July 22, 2025.
The approval is scheduled to cover the next three years from that effective date.
CBP states that the next triennial inspection date will be scheduled for July 2028.
The publication therefore provides formal public notice of an authorization that began more than a year before the Federal Register notice appeared.
Who may use the facility
Importers, exporters, vessel operators, petroleum traders and other businesses involved with covered products may seek services from the Kemah facility.
The notice does not require companies to use Laboratory Services, Inc.
It announces that the facility may provide the listed services for customs purposes within the scope of its approval and accreditation.
Businesses should independently determine whether a CBP-approved gauger or laboratory is suitable for a particular shipment, contract, compliance requirement or customs filing.
They should also confirm the product type, requested procedure, testing method and reporting requirements before sending samples or arranging field services.
How to verify a requested service
CBP advises anyone wishing to employ the company to request written assurances identifying the specific service for which the facility is approved or accredited.
Questions about the authorized scope may be directed to CBP Laboratories and Scientific Services.
CBP lists the telephone number 202-344-1060 for inquiries about approved gauger and laboratory services.
Inquiries may also be sent to [email protected].
When contacting CBP, a business should identify the company, the petroleum product, the requested test or gauging procedure and the customs-related purpose for which the result will be used.
What the notice does not change
The action does not announce a change to tariff rates, import quotas, petroleum safety rules or immigration procedures.
It also does not establish new testing methods or amend the listed API and ASTM standards.
The notice primarily confirms that a private facility has met CBP requirements to provide specified measurement and laboratory services connected with petroleum and certain petroleum products.
Any company relying on the facility’s work remains responsible for determining whether the resulting documentation satisfies its own commercial, regulatory and customs obligations.
Key dates and contacts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | Laboratory Services, Inc., Kemah, Texas |
| Approval effective date | July 22, 2025 |
| Federal Register publication | September 29, 2026 |
| Approval period | Three years from the effective date |
| Next triennial inspection | Scheduled for July 2028 |
| CBP contact | 202-344-1060 |
Bottom line for petroleum businesses
CBP’s action gives Laboratory Services, Inc. a defined authorization to perform listed petroleum gauging procedures and two specified laboratory analyses for customs purposes.
The most important practical step for a prospective customer is to verify the exact service in writing before relying on the facility’s work.
Companies that need testing outside API Chapters 3, 7, 8, 12 or 17, or outside ASTM D86 and ASTM D4052, should confirm whether another CBP-approved provider is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CBP approve in Kemah, Texas?
CBP approved Laboratory Services, Inc. as a commercial gauger and accredited laboratory for specified petroleum and petroleum-product services performed for customs purposes.
When did the approval become effective?
The approval and accreditation became effective on July 22, 2025, according to the Federal Register notice.
Which laboratory tests are covered?
The notice lists ASTM D86 distillation testing and ASTM D4052 density, relative density and API gravity testing using a digital density meter.
How can a company verify the authorized service?
A customer should request written confirmation from Laboratory Services, Inc. and may contact CBP Laboratories and Scientific Services at 202-344-1060 or [email protected].
Fact-Checked: The article was checked against the September 29, 2026, Federal Register notice and official CBP laboratory resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace shipment-specific customs, legal or regulatory advice.
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