Customs Brokers
Customs brokers assist importers to 'clear' their goods through the Customs Territory of the United States for importation into the US. This involves the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation (and usually payment) on behalf of the client of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities. Customs brokers in the US often prepare and submit documentation to obtain the clearance from other government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Fish and Wildlife Service, and many others. Thus, Customs brokers need to be familiar with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S., a complex listing of duty rates and interpretative rules related to imported items. They must also understand the federal regulations governing imports, found principally in the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 19.
For example, a customs broker may need to advise an importer regarding country of origin marking requirements or the precise paperwork requirements for a clothing shipment subject to quota/visa requirements. Knowing the requirements of each type of import helps companies avoid costly delays or seizure of the merchandise. Many customs brokers specialize in certain types of transactions, such as wearing apparel, perishables, or clearing the crew and manifest of large cargo vessels. Customs brokers can be located near inland "ports of entry". Customs brokers normally arrange the transshipment or local delivery of cleared merchandise through relationships with trucking companies and others.
Oftentimes, difficulties arise in the importation process related to miscommunication between Customs brokers and FDA officials, which can result in costly delays, mischaracterization—and consequently, detention--of imported articles, and even FDA refusal.
FDA Imports.com, LLC has a team of experienced consultants and affiliated attorneys to help you resolve any problems that may result during the importation process involving Customs brokers. Our team has been through hundreds of matters involving customs brokerage, importing goods, labeling of foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and drugs. This experience is used to assist clients in loss prevention, developing shipping and logistics efficiencies, and maintaining a problem-free supply chain into the US.
FDA Imports.com, LLC is a full-service regulatory consulting firm with consultants and affiliated attorneys with substantial experience in the field of Customs Brokerage regulatory consulting. We can help you understand what requirements you need to follow to ensure that your company’s products flow freely into the United States. Let us show you “the way through” and show you how well the process can work when you have the right people backing up all of your decision-making.
