Get Help With Customs Clearance - and Avoid Mistakes That Can Lead to Fines of $5,000 or more

Common importing mistakes can have disastrous consequences including steep financial penalties, cargo seizure, and even a ban on future shipments. Not following ISF filing requirements alone can result in a $5,000 fine for each violation.

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Thankfully, working with an experienced and reliable U.S. Licensed Customs Broker will help you avoid these costly mistakes. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, is a Licensed U.S. Customs Broker that can handle all of your importing needs.

U.S. Customs Brokerage Services

Our customs brokerage services are designed to ensure a smooth, hassle-free customs clearance process.

Avoid the ISF Filing penalty

One of the most common penalties assessed to importers is the $5,000 fine for missing/late ISF filings. Our Licensed Brokers can submit this for you to help you avoid this fine.

Don’t use the wrong product classification

The HTS code applied to your products determines import requirements, duties, and more. We’ll ensure your products are properly classified and being assessed the correct duties.

Recover Section 301 Duties

If you’ve been hit by Section 301 duties on your imports from China, you’re not alone. We’ve recovered millions in duty refunds for our clients and can do the same for you.

Ensure compliance with government entities

Dealing with government agencies like the FDA and USDA can be complex. Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in this area and will make sure your shipments are compliant.

Optimize your importing program

It may be possible to reduce or mitigate your duty burden. We can analyze your importing situation to identify opportunities for financial and efficiency improvement.

Fix past importing mistakes

Previous importing errors are often costly, but can be fixed. Our experts can file protests and post summary corrections for you to recover refunds that you’re eligible for.

Commonly Asked Questions >

Getting Help With Customs Brokerage

Importing products into the U.S. can be complicated which is why many importers choose to work with a licensed broker. From government agency regulations to duties and taxes, brokers have extensive knowledge and experience of the customs clearance process.

Our Licensed Customs Brokers can assist you with:

Tariff Classification

Classifying your product with the correct HTS code is a critical step in the customs clearance process. Your product’s HTS code will determine import duties, government regulations, and more. Having the wrong HTS number for your product can cause significant problems. Our experts can provide you with a binding tariff classification ruling that provides you with exact duties and required regulations.

Duty Drawback & Mitigation

In some situations, a complete or partial refund of import duties is possible. Our team of brokers evaluate your current importing program to determine your eligibility for duty drawback or mitigation. From there, we can assist you with applying for and receiving applicable drawbacks.

Section 301 Support

Many imported products from China are currently being assessed additional tariffs under the Section 301 act. Some products have been granted exclusions and previous imports are eligible for partial duty refunds. We can provide you with up-to-date information on current tariffs. Additionally, we’ll help you receive any applicable section 301 refunds that you’re eligible for.

Importer Security Filing (ISF)

All commercial ocean shipments arriving at a U.S. port of entry require an ISF Filing. The filing must be submitted to CBP 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a boat bound for the U.S. Failure to submit the ISF on time will result in a $5,000 fine from CBP. We can file the ISF for you to ensure that your shipment doesn’t face any issues at the border.

Partner Government Agency Compliance Assistance

If the products you’re importing are subject to regulations by government agencies like the FDA, USDA, and the EPA you’ll have more work to do. Your products will require additional paperwork at the very least and will face increased inspection upon import. Our Licensed Customs Brokers can evaluate your shipment and ensure it’s in compliance with all relevant agencies. If your shipment isn’t compliant, we’ll provide you with everything you need to get it where it needs to be.

Customs Protest and Post Summary Correction Submission

Due to tariff changes or errors made on previous import shipments, you may wish to file a customs protest or post summary correction (PSC). While the outcome of these solutions can be positive, the process can be confusing and complicated. We can quickly and accurately file these requests for you, so there’s no wasted time.

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Our Customs Brokerage Process

We believe in an individualized approach to customs brokerage. Each importing situation is unique and requires a customized plan for success. Our experts take the time to thoroughly understand your needs and challenges before crafting and executing your unique customs clearance plan.

Whether you’re brand new to importing or you’re a seasoned veteran, our team provides you with the same level of care and service. All of your questions and concerns are addressed before we implement your customs plan.

While all of our customs brokerage plans are uniquely tailored to your needs, the steps that we follow to reach the end are consistent.

Our customs brokerage process is as follows:

Initial discussion of importing needs
Our licensed professionals conduct all necessary research based on your situation
Customs brokerage process is presented and discussed
Plan is agreed upon and implemented
Follow-up after import takes place along with any additional steps needed

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With USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, you have a reliable partner by your side through every step of the import process.

Section 301 Support

Have you been charged additional duties on your imports from China? Thanks to the Section 301 act, nearly all products coming from China have been hit with additional tariffs as high as 25%. Fortunately, many products have been excluded from these additional tariffs. If you’ve been charged with these additional duties, you may be eligible for a refund, but you need to act quickly. There is a deadline in which you’re able to file for refund of these additional duties.

China Manufacturing for Import and Export

Our Licensed Brokers can file the duty refund request on your behalf. We ensure that your request is filed accurately and on time. This ensures that you receive the maximum refund amount as quickly as possible. Don’t risk your request being denied or not receiving everything you’re entitled to. Let our team of experts handle this process for you.

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Beyond Brokerage

There’s no arguing the importance of a successful customs brokerage plan. However, it’s also important to realize that clearing customs is one part of a larger supply chain journey. Products travel a significant distance before and after they’re cleared at the border. While some companies simply focus on customs brokerage, we prefer a more comprehensive approach.

Thanks to our sister company, R+L Global Logistics, we’re able to manage all of your supply chain needs.

In addition to customs brokerage, we offer the following supply chain services:

Door-to-door domestic and international shipping (air, ocean, rail, and cross-border trucking)
Warehousing
Order fulfillment (pick and pack, kitting, cross docking, and more)
Reverse Logistics
High Value/High Risk transportation
Heavy Haul
And more…

Having one reliable source for all of your supply chain needs allows you to reap some useful benefits. The convenience of having fewer contacts to manage your supply chain will free up your valuable time. Additionally, utilizing multiple services through our companies gives us the opportunity to save you money.

Simplify your supply chain and transportation needs by allowing our experts to handle the heavy lifting for you.

Meet Our Licensed Customs Brokers

The team behind the business needs to lay the foundation of success. Our team at USA Customs Clearance goes above and beyond in everything we do for you. Each team member uses their vast knowledge and experience to serve your unique business objectives.

Paul G.

Licensed Customs Broker

Paul is a Licensed Customs Broker with over 25 years of experience assisting importers with various aspects of customs clearance. His areas of expertise include tariff classification, duty drawback, regulation compliance, and more. Paul’s knowledge spans a wide range of industries as well. This ensures he’s able to help your business achieve its import objectives no matter what the operation is.

Paul G.

Linda D.

Licensed Customs Broker

With over 30 years of business and import experience, Linda is a valuable asset for companies looking to optimize their import operations. In addition to being a Licensed Customs Broker in the U.S., Linda is also a Qualified Canadian Customs Broker. This valuable combination gives Linda an unprecedented level of knowledge when it comes to cross border shipments between Canada and the U.S. Linda is also a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) through the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America.

Linda D.

Sarah J.

Licensed Customs Broker

Sarah began her Brokerage career over 20 years ago, and became a Licensed Customs Broker in 2010. She has worked in various roles with specific expertise in the area of Post Entry. This includes Custom’s audits, Trade Remedy Programs, and duty mitigation. Her participation with various Brokerage associations gives her insight into upcoming regulatory changes that may affect the future of International Trade, and how Importers do business.

Sarah J.

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Customs Broker Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions that we receive. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at (855) 912-0406.

What Does a Customs Broker Do?

In short, customs brokers help importers clear their shipments through customs and into the United States. This occurs through a variety of tasks that a customs broker is responsible for. These tasks include:

Serving as the communication liaison between Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the importer
Assists in determining the proper tariff classification prior to entry
Verifying and filing all standard import paperwork
Submitting the ISF for ocean shipments
Offering a customs bond to cover one or more shipments
Identifying and complying with all necessary Partner Government Agencies (PGA) rules and regulations
Transmits specific CBP/PGA required data to CBP via CBP’s ACE system
Remote location filing
Determining exact duties and fees to be paid upon importation
And more…

While the goal of a customs broker may seem simple, the path to get there can be complex and labor intensive. Many customs brokers, including those you’ll find at USA Customs Clearance, offer even more services beyond what’s listed above. These services include customs consulting, duty drawback, domestic & international shipping, warehousing, and more. Our ultimate goal is to simplify and assist with all of your supply chain needs.

Do I Need a Customs Broker?

When importing goods or products into the U.S., you do not need a customs broker. With that being said, all of the tasks listed above, in addition to getting access to CBP’s entry system ACE, will be your responsibility if you choose to not work with a customs broker. It’s certainly possible to gather most or all of the information needed to safely and legally import into the U.S. However, even with all of this information, it’s still possible to overlook any of these details. Even minor mistakes can lead to the negative consequences mentioned earlier.

While working with a customs broker isn’t required, many importers still choose to do so. The benefits gained from working with a professional U.S. Customs Broker are more than worth the cost in most cases. The peace of mind knowing that your shipment will safely clear customs is often enough of a benefit itself to justify the cost. After all, customs brokers are experts in all things related to importing and exporting. This expertise goes a long way in maximizing the efficiency of your supply chain.

How Much Does a U.S. Customs Broker Charge?

Speaking of cost, it’s important to understand what fees are associated with using customs brokerage services. All customs brokers will operate differently in terms of the costs, however, there are a couple of fundamental details to know.

1. Fee calculations will vary.

The way in which customs broker fees are calculated will vary quite a bit. Some of the different calculations methods are listed below:

Flat rate
Per hour
Per shipment
Percentage of total shipment value
Percentage of duties
And more…

There are also minimum charge thresholds in many cases. It’s worth noting that the fee amount, calculations, and more will vary from company to company. For example, one company may charge a flat rate with a minimum cost threshold for a product, another company might charge a different price based on percentage value.

2. Broker fees can sometimes be reduced when utilizing other services

Similar to other scenarios, you may be able to obtain a lower rate in some cases when bundling multiple products and services through your broker. This is only possible when brokers offer a wide array of services. While some customs brokerage firms specialize in one product or service, such as customs bonds or ISF Filings, USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, offers a comprehensive range of customs brokerage services. Because of this, we’re often able to help you save on customs broker fees when compared to the competition.

How Do I Find a Good Customs Broker?

This one’s easy! You already have! We pride ourselves on being more than just a ‘good’ customs broker. By providing trusted world-class service and putting our expertise to work for you, you’ll never have to worry about your imports safely getting into the U.S.

Do Customs Brokers Help With Transportation?

In some cases, yes. You’ll find that some brokers provide customs brokerage services and nothing else. Others like USA Customs Clearance offer a full range of supply chain services including domestic and international shipping, warehousing, and more.