Frequently Asked Questions

Q         Why would my company want to out-source the training of our staff?
A         There are many benefits to out-sourcing knowledge and experience.

•  Staff will gain a better understanding of their responsibilities.                     

• They maintain a more consistent level of knowledge and skill.

•  Training reduces errors and the potential for delays, and related costs, at the border.

•  Training more clearly identifies the expectations of staff and employer.

• Employees develop a confidence that comes with a clearer understanding of their work.

•  Out-sourcing provides a resource for the employer when there is a loss of staff.

•  Out-sourcing helps to maintain continuity of knowledge with Customs related matters.

Q         How do I know if we’re compliant with Customs regulations?
A         The following is a check list of questions that would help:

•  Do you have a knowledgeable and reliable source for customs related information?

•  Do you have reliable procedures to ensure your commodities are correctly described?

• Do you have a reliable source that provides accurate tariff classifications?

•  Do you qualify the duty free status of goods with support documentation?

•  Do you have accurate pricing, terms and transaction party relationships identified?

•  Do you have procedures to provide support documentation to CBP upon request?

• Do you accurately describe the country of origin on your export documentation?

• Do you properly mark your merchandise with country of manufacturer identification?

•  Do you provide US manufacturers’ affidavits for claims of US goods being returned?  

Q         How can we properly evaluate our customs broker’s cost and services?
A         A third party consultant can effectively evaluate those costs and services.       

Typical customs brokerage service fees include:  

• Brokerage Fee:        Basic charge for services

•  Disbursement Fee:   Cost of money for duties, etc.

•  Line Charge:            Per HS classification fee

•  Surety Bond Fee:     Use of the broker’s bond

•  Transit Bond Fee:     I.T. TlB, T&E and I.E. bond

•  Border Security:      Charge for additional cost

•  OGA Charges:        Transmission of FDA, etc

•  Misc. Charges:        Phone, Fax, CF28, etc.   

Q         What services can I normally expect from my customs broker?
A         Typically a customs broker will provide the following services:

•  Timely and effective clearance of goods            

•  Technical support

•  Accurate and timely billing of services

•  Effective liaison with US Customs

• Effective notification of issues & circumstances

• Competitive costs

• Effective and cordial customer service  

Q         How frequently should we review our customs brokerage services?
A         The evolving nature of rules and programs would suggest every two years.

It would be recommended that the broker’s services and costs be compared to other providers of similar services. Most customs brokers are open to the opportunity to review a client’s needs. However, outsourcing this activity brings a greater level of objectivity to the process.  

Q         What issues should we be aware of for effective border crossings?
A         There are many issues that can cause delays at the US border.

Many of the issues are driven by the commodity and the other government agencies that handle those items. This may include, but would not be limited to such articles as, food, textiles, vehicles, agricultural implements and a variety of other commodities. In addition, there are many new programs introduced by US Homeland Security. These includes FAST, C-TPAT, PAPS, ACE and other programs that will allow the USA to improve security while still effectively clearing shipments at its borders. Effective training can provide detailed information on the various programs and allow your company to make an informed decision as to which ones are most beneficial to participate in.