I'm not aware of any circumstances under which UK Customs will apply a charge for an inspection at a port of entry other than when, if I recall correctly, the party concerned has specifically requested an inspection at an odd place or outside normal hours. 

I could be wrong, but this sounds like your shipper is ripping you off (for the second time, based on your previous posts, which I had intended to reply to).

Anyway, you've done the right thing.  If they can produce a genuine UK Customs invoice relating solely to your shipment (i.e. not their whole truck-load) then you should probably pay it.  Otherwise you should tell them that they have a unique feature in common with swans and long-necked geese: they can all shove their bills up their arses.

Good luck,

Andy

Just to clarify. You meant "radon inspection" or "random inspection" ? It is not quite the same. Hope you did not live near Three Miles Isld premises either.

Let's presume it is the latter. As it is strange UK customs officers decided to inspect your personal goods when unloaded from a (consolidated) container on UK grounds as they have final destination in Switzerland? Could be that your bill of lading was listing potentially hazardous/restricted items? or your sea freight forwarder agent is misleading and invoicing such inspection  with somebody else's cargo - instead of yours - i.e.sharing the same consolidated container which was randomly checked.?

Sorry, that is spelling mistake - is "RADOM"

I don't have any hazardous/restricted items, just some used clothes, shoes, books, bedding items, household items, cooking tools and dining items.

This is the explanation I got from shipper

Hi Elaine,

Your shipment has been selected for a random inspection. To explain the costs in detail, the Inspection fee levied on your shipment is a combination of customs x-ray charges, charges at port, port security fee’s, port rent charges.

The fee is basically is a combination of all of these factors and has been split among the importers.

We understand your shipment may not container illegal or suspicious items, however the inspection is random to deter other from doing so.

Kind regards,

Abigail

Euro Group International Movers

Joining with Andy and Alfi, we are getting convinced you have the rights to be suspicious although the note sender Abigail recognizes the extra charges "has been split among the importers".Interesting indeed, like if you would be responsible for demurage costs.

So please check your original signed agreement with the US removalist as such extras may not apply at all. Likely to be considered Euro Group International Movers operating fees at their expense.