ABOUT

Marian Richardson

SEO Content Writer

Marian Richardson is a customs clearance writer who creates factual, detailed content for importers, eCommerce businesses, and entrepreneurs. She uses guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) to explain import regulations, compliance requirements, and customs procedures in clear business language. Her background in journalism helps her verify official information, separate confirmed guidance from speculation, and publish content that is accurate, consistent, and easy to understand.

At USA Customs Clearance (powered by AFC International), Marian Richardson writes educational content that helps businesses understand the rules that apply when importing goods into the United States. Her work covers customs compliance, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), country of origin requirements, and strategies that can help reduce high-value import costs and avoid unnecessary delays. By translating complex government regulations into practical guidance, she helps importers make informed decisions and navigate the customs process with more confidence.

Articles by Marian Richardson

Customs Broker vs Freight Forwarder: What’s the Difference?

Customs brokers and freight forwarders support different parts of the import process, and this guide helps importers understand who handles compliance, who manages shipping, and when to use each.

Published December 10, 2025

How to Navigate an FDA Import Alert

FDA import alerts flag repeat compliance problems tied to products, shippers, or manufacturers, and this guide helps importers understand alert types, detention risks, and how to seek removal.

Published December 4, 2025

What is Country of Origin? Best Practices for Compliance

Country of origin marking is a core U.S. import requirement that tells buyers where a product or its last substantial transformation took place, and this guide helps importers understand COO labeling rules, free trade agreement origin standards, certificate of origin requirements, and the compliance risks tied to tariffs, duties, and improper transshipment claims.

Published November 26, 2025

CBP Tariff Stacking Explained (Why Your Duty Bill Is Higher Than Expected)

Tariff stacking can sharply increase import costs when multiple trade measures apply to the same product, and this guide helps importers understand which duties can combine, which goods face the greatest exposure, how stacked tariffs are calculated, and what entry data should be reviewed before customs filing.

Published April 23, 2025

Trump’s America First Trade Policy: What It Means for U.S. Importers in 2025 and Beyond

America First trade policy changes affect tariffs, de minimis rules, and sourcing decisions, and this guide helps U.S. importers prepare for higher costs, stricter enforcement, and supply chain shifts.

Published January 31, 2025

2024 Q1 US Trade Report: Global Logistics and Importing Trends

The Q1 2024 U.S. trade report offers trade updates in logistics and importing. In this article, we’ll discuss 2024 market conditions that affect U.S. supply chains.

Published April 12, 2024

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USA Customs Clearance - Powered by AFC International

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