The Customs Clearance Process in the U. S.: Should Importers Work with Customs Brokers?

All goods crossing borders need customs clearance. If you are trying to import goods into the United States, the U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the customs agency that checks cargoes and gives clearance. Every importer will want to bring goods into the U. S, without delay and this is possible when they comply with laws and regulations. For this to happen, it is often important to hire Clearit USA customs brokerage services, so importers get the necessary assistance with customs clearance.

How Customs Brokers Help Importers

Customs brokers help importers navigate the complexities of international commerce including admissibility requirements, entry procedures, product valuation, duties and taxes, as well as HS code classification. Importers must make proper declarations and comply with customs and other agency regulations. A customs broker can vet products for priority trade concerns, review and prepare documents, ensure products are properly classified and valued, as well as give advice on related issues. 

Common Customs Clearance Mistakes

Many of these mistakes result from improper paperwork and failing to check and double-deck information before customs entry is filed. The following are common mistakes importers make when navigating through the customs clearance process:

• Failing to give a compliant commercial invoice. Importers must present proper paperwork to their broker to guarantee a release by Customs. The paperwork includes a commercial invoice, transport document, packaging list, and others. Supplier invoices need to be accurate and complete. 
• Not giving proper Incoterms. Incoterms outline buyer and seller responsibilities including who pays and when customs clearance and duties. Importers need a clearly defined Incoterm to get proper clearance. 
• Incorrect HS code. The code informs Customs of the product to be imported, the admissibility of this product, and the due taxes and duties. Misclassifying products is a violation of the law and can result in cargo delays and fines.

Benefits of Working with Customs Brokers

Importers who partner with customs brokers can avoid delays and fines. Incorrect customs entries could result in fines, inspections, lost sales, and supply chain delays. Also, having a broker handling the customs process for an importer means the latter can concentrate on their core business. Regular imports require the creation of customs entries, which can be time-consuming and take an importer’s attention away from running their business. By entrusting this work to a professional broker, an importer can keep their company compliant and allow them to focus on more strategic work.