A Licensed Customs Broker is licensed by US Customs and Border Protection and acts to ensure compliance with US import rules and regulations, to clear, store or transport import goods into or through the US from any port or border.

Picking a Customs Broker is an important decision.  Ensure you select a firm that give you access to the licensed broker.   Depending on the commodity and country of origin of the goods to be imported, rules and regulations can vary, and you’ll want to have access to a Licensed Broker who has the expertise and experience working with US Customs and other Government agencies.

In general they will ensure you’re in compliance with all U.S. rules and regulations, security, bonding, tariff and duty requirements, for importation of your goods.  A stalled or rejected importation can be very expensive.  They will file with US Customs, Other Agencies, and the Transportation Company, all the necessary paperwork to obtain releases of the cargo.  After releases are obtained, they will coordinate transport, storage, rehandling, or re-exportation, depending on the final destination of the cargo.

Once you feel comfortable with the Customs Broker of choice, you can expect signing a power of attorney so they can act on your/importer’s behalf and exchanging information on the details of your shipment along with procedural requirements to ensure compliance.  The import cycle starts with a security filing prior to your shipment leaving country of origin, and it’s recommended that you place your broker as an “Also Notify Party” on your transportation bills, so they are notified by the carrier status of arrival to the U.S.

Not necessarily. If you select a broker that is licensed for Remote Location Filing, or has offices near other port districts, you can use one broker independently of the border point or port of entry in the US, including Hawaii and Pto. Rico.

A good customs broker can assist with managing your landed costs, freight spend, cargo release efficiency, and risk mitigation of potential supply chain delays.  Take advantage of consultation opportunities to find out more.

A good customs broker can assist with managing your landed costs, freight spend, cargo release efficiency, and risk mitigation of potential supply chain delays.  Take advantage of consultation opportunities to find out more.