ABOUT

Marian Richardson

Trade Compliance Writer at USA Customs Clearance

Marian Richardson is a Trade Compliance Writer at USA Customs Clearance, working under the direct regulatory oversight of the Compliance Team at AFC International, LLC.

With a background in journalism and compliance research, Marian uses guidance from CBP and its PGAs to explain import regulations, compliance requirements, and customs procedures that help businesses import goods into the United States.

Using her journalistic experience, Marian has conducted numerous interviews with industry experts like licensed customs brokers and logistics professionals to gain unique perspectives that she shares in her articles.

At USA Customs Clearance, Marian’s work covers duty reduction strategies, CBP compliance, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), country of origin requirements, and customs strategies to help importers make informed trade decisions.

Follow Marian Richarson on LinkedIn for more information on customs compliance and global trade.

Articles by Marian Richardson

CBP Post Entry: How To Fix Each (PSC, Protest, Prior Disclosure)

CBP post entry corrections allow importers to correct errors or challenge CBP decisions before or after liquidation, and this guide is for importers and customs brokers who need to identify the appropriate path to resolve entry form mistakes.

Published April 27, 2026

Duty Drawback: Qualification, Timelines, and Pitfalls

Duty drawback is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that refunds up to 99% of import duties when goods are exported or destroyed, provided the importer meets documentation and eligibility requirements.

Published April 24, 2026

Tariff Engineering: Examples, Case Studies, and What’s Legit

Tariff engineering involves designing or modifying a product’s materials or use before import so it qualifies for a lower-duty classification, and this guide is for importers, manufacturers, and supply chain compliance professionals who want to reduce import duties while staying compliant with CBP regulations.

Published April 16, 2026

Do I Need a USDA Import Permit For Plants?

Many plant and plant-product imports require USDA permits before they can clear U.S. customs, and this guide helps importers understand which items need APHIS approval, when Lacey Act declarations apply, and what extra rules or prohibitions can affect plants entering the country.

Published December 11, 2025

Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ): What It Is and When It Actually Saves You Money

A foreign-trade zone lets importers bring merchandise into a secure CBP-supervised area before formal entry and duty payment, and this guide helps businesses understand how FTZs can defer duties, reduce customs costs in qualifying manufacturing scenarios, support long-term storage, and streamline entry processing for high-volume import operations.

Published December 11, 2025

How Customs Brokerage Services Reduce High-Value Import Fees

Customs brokerage services help importers manage duties, documentation, and compliance for high-value goods, and this guide explains how broker support can reduce fees, delays, and costly filing mistakes.

Published December 11, 2025

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