US Customs Brokerage
We Do Customs Clearing Right
Importing into the United States can be complicated. With tariff classifications, regulations, compliance and other participating government agencies to consider, it might feel like a daunting prospect.
A reliable and experienced customs broker is crucial to your business success; proactively keeping you ahead of federal rules and regulations and other compliance updates.
When you partner with IBI, you are assured all your filings are optimized for a compliant and expedited release of your cargo.
ISF and Customs Clearance
Importer Security Filing
(ISF) , also commonly known as 10+2
Why? This is to improve U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) ability to identify high-risk shipments in order to prevent smuggling and ensure cargo safety and security.
ISF does not replace the AMS (Automated Manifest System) filing, but instead is additional information required by U.S. Customs
The Importer. The ISF Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. Typically, the ISF Importer is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licensed customs broker.
Importers and VOCC’s (Vessel Operating Common Carriers) are required to transmit data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection about the cargo they are importing or transporting.
The importer is required to report 10 pieces of information, while the VOCC is required to report 2 pieces of information, also known as “10+2”.
Required Elements from the Importer:
- Importer of Record Number
- Consignee Number
- Seller (Owner) Name and Address
- Buyer (Owner) Name and Address
- Ship To Party
- Manufacturer (Supplier) Name and Address
- Country of Origin
- Commodity HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) Number
- Container Stuffing Location Name and Address
- Consolidator (Stuffer) Name and Address
Required Elements from the VOCC or NVOCC:
- Vessel Stow Plan
- Container Status Message data
24 Hours. The Import Security Filing (ISF) is required to be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no later than 24 hours prior to the cargo being loaded on the vessel destined to the United States.
CBP may issue liquidated damages per violation for the submission of an inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely filing.
We require the following:
- Power of Attorney. In order to legally conduct Customs business on your behalf, we are required by U.S. regulations to obtain a valid U.S. Customs Power of Attorney from every entity we represent. Go to Resources page to view PoA instructions and form.
- A valid US Customs bond to cover this transaction
Please also ensure your vendors provide the necessary information to file timely. For your convenience, click here to download an ISF Form and send to your vendors to fill out and return. The form must be filled out properly and entirely for each entry of imported goods in order for you to comply with U.S. Customs regulations.
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance has been the benchmark of our business for many years. Through IBI, you have access to a wide range of services associated with clearance. Here are just a few:
- ISF (Importer’s Security Filing)
- Remote entry filing in all participating ports nationwide
- Customs Entry preparation and processing (Consumption, I.T., I.E., T&E)
- Other Government Agency declarations (FDA, EPA, USDA, ATF, etc)
- Surety Bonds for ISF’s and entries
- Assistance with Binding Rulings on tariff classifications from U.S. Customs
- Duty Drawback filings
- Classification and Valuation Assistance
- Carnets
- Temporary Importation Bonds (T.I.B.)
What Can a US Customs Broker Do for You
What is a Customs Broker?
Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting Federal requirements governing imports and exports. Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and charge them a fee for this service.
Brokers must have expertise in the entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, valuation, and the rates of duty and applicable taxes and fees for imported merchandise.
Corporations, partnerships and associations must have a broker license to transact Customs business. Each of these businesses must have at least one individually licensed officer, partner or associate to qualify the company’s license.
Source: cbp.gov