Expert insights, compliance updates, and practical guides from licensed customs brokers
"Customs broker software" covers two different products — broker-side filing tools and importer self-filing platforms. Here's how to tell them apart, and what either one costs.
The $800 de minimis exemption was suspended for all shipment modes on June 24, 2026. Here's what changed, what an entry requires, and when self-filing beats a broker.
MFN, Section 301, forced-labor 301, Section 232, and AD/CVD can all stack on one entry in 2026. Here's how they layer, what's capped, and how to audit your duty bill.
The Court of International Trade has ordered CBP to liquidate and reliquidate entries without IEEPA duties following the Federal Circuit's March 2 mandates. An appeal is expected. Here's what importers need to know.
The Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional, and roughly $165 billion in refunds now flows through CBP's CAPE process. Learn what the ruling means, how the recovery ladder works, and the entry-by-entry deadlines for claiming your refund.
Since February 6, 2026, CBP issues all refunds electronically via ACH — enrollment is required to receive any CBP refund, including CAPE refunds. Learn how to enroll in the ACE Portal and avoid refund delays.
The Supreme Court decision on IEEPA tariff validity could trigger billions in refunds—but only for importers who file the right paperwork before critical deadlines. Learn about PSC filing, deadlines, and how to protect your refund rights.
Customs valuation errors cost U.S. importers an estimated $2.3 billion annually in unnecessary duties and penalties. This technical guide explores advanced valuation strategies, recent regulatory changes, and practical methods for optimizing your customs values while maintaining compliance.
Understand ABI (Automated Broker Interface) software for customs clearance. Learn how ABI connects to CBP's ACE system, who needs it, and how to choose the right platform for your import operations.
Illustrative case studies show how meticulous documentation turns UFLPA detentions into releases — and which documentation strategies make the difference when CBP holds a shipment.
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act has fundamentally transformed import compliance requirements, with the UFLPA entity list reaching 187 companies as of August 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down UFLPA requirements into manageable steps.
With CBP detaining over $3.2 billion worth of goods in 2024 under forced labor provisions alone, supply chain due diligence has evolved from a compliance checkbox to a critical business survival strategy that can make or break import operations.
Should you handle customs clearance internally through self-filing, or partner with a full-service customs broker? With self-filing at $30 per entry versus traditional brokerage fees of $100 to $250 per entry, the decision extends far beyond simple cost calculations.
While conventional wisdom suggests customs brokers must be physically present at major ports, the digital transformation of international trade has rewritten the rules of geographic advantage. Discover how Montana-based operations provide unique benefits that translate to better service, lower costs, and enhanced compliance support.
A single ISF filing error can cost importers $5,000 per violation, with penalties capped at $10,000 per filing. Learn proven strategies to ensure your filings meet CBP's exacting standards while maintaining supply chain velocity.
Every product entering the United States requires a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code that determines duty rates, regulatory requirements, and even whether your goods can legally enter the country—yet 42% of customs penalties stem from classification errors.
Beyond the headline-grabbing penalties that can reach $100,000 per violation, import compliance mistakes create cascading financial impacts that most CFOs discover only after significant damage occurs—from supply chain disruptions costing millions in lost sales to reputational harm that takes years to repair.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection completed 200 audits in the first four months of 2025, recovering $134 million in duties—already surpassing the entire previous year's collections. Get our comprehensive protection checklist to safeguard your business.
AI speeds up customs classification and paperwork, but it can't replace broker judgment on compliance risk. See where it helps and where it falls short.
Our licensed customs brokers are here to help with your specific import challenges