A Customs Broker is a highly trained import professional that is licensed by the Dept of Homeland Security – U.S. Customs & Border Protection. They provide information to importers on Customs tariffs including rates of duty, the methods of goods clearance and to receive, prepare and process import documents. .
FAQ
CAN FLASH BROKERS CLEAR YOUR SHIPMENTS IN OTHER PORTS?
Yes, Flash Brokers has a National License and is able to clear most types of entries anywhere in the U.S. through remote location filing.
HOW ARE A CUSTOMS BROKER’S FEES CHARGED?
Customs brokers usually base their fees according to the dollar value of the shipment. In some instances, the customs broker and the client may agree on a flat rate per shipment or arrive at minimum/maximum amounts. At Flash Brokers, we will work with you to determine a fee schedule that is appropriate and suits your business goals.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED TO IMPORT MY MERCHANDISE INTO THE UNITED STATES?
Your Customs Broker requires the following, at a minimum, in order to prepare an entry:
1. Power of Attorney – Flash Brokers, as a licensed customs broker is required to have a valid Customs Power of Attorney on file prior to transacting any Customs business on the behalf of the Importer of Record (19CFR 141.46). This instrument allows Flash Brokers to ONLY transact Customs business.
2. Commercial Invoice – Must be in English, which describes the product, terms of sale, and the purchase price FOB origin port. If the product originates in a country other than the one you purchase from, the actual country of origin of the merchandise should appear somewhere on the invoice. The name of the seller and the buyer and the currency of purchase should be clearly stated. Some importers think that they should include as little information as possible in the invoices they provide to their Customs Broker. This works against you! When we can’t get enough information to substantiate a lower duty classification on merchandise, we are required to use the higher classification. So, give your Customs Broker enough information to classify your shipment properly.
3. Bill of lading or Air Waybill – This is the transport document that covered the movement from origin to the port of entry.
4. Country of origin Marking – One of the most common problems that will hold up an entry is when the product or merchandise does not have any marking which indicates its origin. “Origin” does not necessarily mean where you bought it. “Origin” should be discussed with your Customs Broker so that you understand the term as it relates to U.S. Customs. Marking requirements are clearly stated in the regulations and your broker can be a valuable asset in determining what you must do.
5. Other regulatory agencies – Some products are also subject to approval by other agencies of the U.S. Government before entry is approved. Among these are: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others. Discuss this with your Customs Broker. He will coordinate entry with these agencies as part of his/her service.
6. Your Cooperation – Flash Brokers takes pride in providing the best service possible for its clients. In order for this to happen efficiently, the client is expected to supply any and all needed information in a timely manner.
WHAT PAPERWORK IS NEEDED TO CLEAR MY SHIPMENT?
The paperwork necessary to clear you shipment includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and a bill of lading. The invoice must be completed properly showing the total amount of the goods, currency used, country of origin, shipper, consignee and a very detailed description of the goods. Certain goods will require additional documentation, please contact us for more info.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO USE A CUSTOMS BROKER FOR CLEARANCE INSTEAD OF MY COURIER?
Couriers are Freight carriers and they specialize in that service. Customs Brokers are licensed by the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security to do one thing only and that is to clear your freight. That is all we do and we do it right!
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE IMPORTING TO THE UNITED STATES?
Requirements for importing specific commodities depend on a wide variety of criteria. Some information, such as whether an item is subject to quota restrictions, eligible for reduced rates of duty, or restricted from entry because they originate in an embargoed country.
Other requirements depend on other agencies’ safety, energy efficiency, health standards, etc. Many of the items governed by these various rules cannot be imported without a permit from the related agency.