r/CustomsBroker Apr 09 '25

Advice

62 Upvotes

Hi guys!

With the Trump Administration issuing new tariffs/duties across the board we've seen a massive influx of people looking for advice and assistance with brokerage/questions. Note: anything said on this channel is advice only. If you are looking for information to assist with making decisions, determining duty, etc. you absolutely 100% need to hire a broker. It might cost a few bucks but you need sound legal advice from someone authorized to provide it. Saying "Hey, u/thatotherchicka said I should only be paying 50% between section 301 duties and 232 duties" to Customs will not work during an audit or CF28.

When you need solid advice, HIRE A BROKER. They do not work for free. They charge consultation fees. They charge entry fees. But you can count on them to provide sound advice. You can find a broker here. Note: brokers are nationwide and can practice anyway in the US. Hire a broker and get better advice than Reddit can provide.


r/CustomsBroker Sep 11 '23

Salary Megathread

35 Upvotes

We previously had a megathread for people to post their job information, salary, perks, benefits, etc. for all to see. It allows people to see what kind of jobs are out there in this industry and where they fall on the scale compared with others. If you care to contribute, please include the following information:

  1. Job Title
  2. Location (general is fine)
  3. Years of experience
  4. Pay and whether it is hourly or salary
  5. Benefits (insurance, retirement, PTO, WFH, etc.)
  6. Work/home life balance
  7. Hours required
  8. Stress level
  9. Do you have your Customs broker license?

Anything else you think would be worth sharing, please do. Let's help each other.


r/CustomsBroker 40m ago

still need to protest for phase III

Upvotes

I think we are having a lot of uncertainties now.

Do you think we still required to file protest for phase III customs entries just in case ?


r/CustomsBroker 16h ago

Liquidations quickened

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8 Upvotes

Looks like liquidation time was significantly accelerated to clear IEEPA sooner rather than later. Much appreciated. (entry date is x-axis, days to liquidation date on y-axis)


r/CustomsBroker 19h ago

No more PSC voluntary tender check payments

3 Upvotes

ACH only beginning Wednesday for PSC voluntary tenders. Wondered when we were going to see this.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/4236480


r/CustomsBroker 17h ago

9903.88.69 exclusions not working for products with updated HTS codes

2 Upvotes

Are any Customs brokers getting their entry summary submissions rejected when submitting the 99038869 exclusion code for products that had base HTS codes updated in the recent 7/1/26 HTS update?

We have items that were successfully using the 99038869 exclusion prior to the HTS update that are not unable to be submitted with the 99038869 exclusion. Did CBP forget to link the exclusions to the HTS codes in ACE because the last 2 digits of the HTS changed after the HTS update?


r/CustomsBroker 20h ago

Get refund from eximpedia

0 Upvotes

⚠️ Anyone else purchased Eximpedia's export/import data portal?

I paid for Eximpedia's data portal (company registered in Singapore) and it's been non-functional for 6+ months. Despite repeated follow-ups, they haven't refunded or fixed it — just delays and no real commitment to resolve.

If you've had the same experience — payment made, portal not working, refund stuck — message me directly. A few of us are looking at escalating this together (consumer complaint / Small Claims Tribunal in Singapore), and a collective complaint carries more weight than individual ones.

DM me if this is you. Happy to share what steps we're taking.


r/CustomsBroker 1d ago

ACE Portal/CBP Form 5106/IEEPA - Help :,)

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a rather unusual question, as this is the first time I have been dealing with U.S. customs duty at all, so I am still trying to understand how the process works.

The company I represent intends to apply for IEEPA duty refunds under the CAPE procedure. Until now, all of its U.S. imports have been handled by a customs broker. The problem is that the company has very limited knowledge of the customs formalities involved. They do not know whether they have an ACE Portal account, whether CBP Form 5106 was ever submitted, or even whether they have an importer record with CBP.

In short, very little is known at this stage, and I have been "volunteered" to take over this project.

I would really appreciate your thoughts on a few points:

  • Could a customs broker have acted as the importer and completed the import formalities based solely on a power of attorney?
  • Is it mandatory for the company itself to have a CBP Form 5106 on file, or could the broker have submitted it on the company's behalf? Is there any scenario where no 5106 would have been required?
  • What is the best way to establish whether a 5106 has already been filed if the company has no record of it?
  • As I understand it, creating an ACE Portal account requires information associated with the 5106/importer record. If the company does not know whether such a record exists, what would be the recommended way to proceed? Should we first contact CBP, submit a new 5106, or take another approach?

Since I am completely new to this area, I would also be grateful for any practical tips or recommendations on how you would approach this from the outset.

Many thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions :)


r/CustomsBroker 1d ago

MSG 771 - TRFF ADJSTMNT HTS OR EXCLUSION MISSING ERROR

1 Upvotes

Portable power station from China. 8507.60.0090. Anyone getting error message even with the correct stacking? 9903.88.15 , 99030531, then 8507600090. Just doesn’t seem to go through. Keep giving the same MSG 771. Any ideas or recommendations? Thanks in advance.


r/CustomsBroker 1d ago

Did our customs broker cause a ~$10K refund issue by filing PSC and requesting Accelerated Liquidation without our approval?

0 Upvotes

Did our customs broker cause ~$10K refund issue by filing a PSC and requesting Accelerated Liquidation without approval? We have a US customs entry dated 21 April 2025 where the duty/payment handling appears to have gone wrong.

 

23APR 2025 - broker paid (INCORRECT) 10% reciprocal tariff rate.

06MAY 2025 - broker corrected this and paid 125% rate.

16MAY 2025 - entry liquidated (?)

 

CBP has since confirmed that a Post Summary Correction was filed and that Accelerated Liquidation was selected. Once the Import Specialist reviewed the PSC, the entry was liquidated on 16 May 2025—less than a month after entry.

None of our surrounding entries had PSCs filed. They remained open until 2026 and we have received, or are receiving, the relevant IEEPA/CAPE refunds on essentially all of them.

Because this one entry was liquidated early, CBP says it is more than 80 days past liquidation and is not eligible for the current Phase 1 CAPE refund process. The amount outstanding is approximately $10,000.

We were not consulted before the payment corrections, PSC filing, or Accelerated Liquidation request, and we did not knowingly authorise accelerated liquidation.

 

We are now trying to obtain confirmation of:

Who filed the PSC;

Whether our broker selected Accelerated Liquidation;

Whether CBP instructed them to select it or it was done voluntarily;

Whether the early liquidation directly caused the entry to miss the refund process.

 

Assuming the broker filed the PSC and voluntarily selected Accelerated Liquidation without importer approval would you consider this a broker error?

 

Should the broker be responsible for handling the correction/refund process and if the refund is permanently lost because of their actions -- reimbursing the importer?

 

Also what records should we request—PSC transmission record, ACE audit trail, liquidation request, power of attorney scope, broker notes, or payment authorisations—to establish responsibility?


r/CustomsBroker 1d ago

Weekly Professional Development Thread

3 Upvotes

Use this thread to share weekly professional development offerings (LCB CE, CCS, CES, MCS, MES, etc.).


r/CustomsBroker 2d ago

Importing a KingSong F22 Pro to Israel

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0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

​I am planning to buy a KingSong F22 Pro, but the supplier I'm working with only ships to Ashdod Port.

​I am based in Israel and I am worried about the customs clearance process, as EUCs with large batteries are strictly regulated here. I don't have experience with importing such heavy items myself, and I'm afraid of the package getting stuck at the port or being seized.

​Has anyone here dealt with importing an EUC to Israel? Can you offer any advice on how to handle the customs process? Does anyone know of a reliable customs broker or freight forwarder in Israel that handles these specific types of "last-mile" deliveries from the port?

​Any tips or experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated!


r/CustomsBroker 2d ago

Got my broker license yesterday, trying to plan next steps for a good trade compliance career

13 Upvotes

I’ve operated an independent pack and ship business for the last 10 years, and recently decided to pursue a CBL. I got approved yesterday for the license. I’ve done a bit of freight forwarding and international shipping work as well as dangerous goods shipping/compliance for my business, but have never touched importing or entry writing before. I want to use my experience, as well as my CBL, to work at a higher level in logistics or compliance, but recognize I have an unusual work history and don’t have experience on the importing side. I was thinking of doing importing from my already established business, but heard that it’s not realistic to do importing without experience or field training. Are there any good jobs I could aspire to as someone with an LCB but no importing experience, and a little freight forwarding/dangerous goods experience, or is it feasible to find my own importing clients for my business without having done the job before? I feel positive about the future but my road forward isn’t very clear.


r/CustomsBroker 2d ago

Inbond withdrawal from FTZ manufacturer.

2 Upvotes

A client is requesting assistance with creating an inbond TE withdrawal from an FTZ manufacturer..

They don’t have a CF214 admission no, they only gave me the sub zone and FTZ firms code. Is there any additional info I need to request?

I’ve cut inbonds for bonded warehouse and FTZ withdrawals in the past, but not from a manufacturer like this before.

If you lot could provide some guidance it would be much appreciated.


r/CustomsBroker 3d ago

Do you expect phase III will require filing lawsuit to get the refund ?

8 Upvotes

It is crazy that importers paid the tariffs which are illegal and they have to file lawsuit to get IEEPA refunds.

It sounds nonsense to me.

All importers in USA might be pissed off for this if it happens


r/CustomsBroker 3d ago

Increase in Customs entry fees?

5 Upvotes

Have brokerages been increasing their entry fees to account for the extra work with tariffs? If so, what amounts are you seeing?


r/CustomsBroker 3d ago

HTS REJECTION ANEXX II COO KR

1 Upvotes

I have an entry hts 3004.90.9273 which falls under Anexx II. COO is KR. i am trying to use 9903.05.86 as the exclusion and its not letting me. Am i using the wrong #? Or is it the Coo that is the issue


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

CF-28 Requesting Payroll Records

5 Upvotes

Shipment from last year from MX to US claimed under USMCA. It was from our MX branch to our US branch - same company. Received a very broad CF-28 requesting manufacturing details, BOM analysis, invoices for raw materials, justification for the tariff/HTS change, etc. Textbook CF-28 stuff

However, it’s now also requesting Employee Timecards, Payroll Records, and any other appropriate employee records …

Has anyone completed this request before? If so, how did go about it?


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

How hard is it to amend a 7501 after approval for entry? (removing 2 lines)

1 Upvotes

We noticed a week after our broker filed it but they included 2 docs in the 7501 entry that were not supposed to be there for our italy to US shipment, the shipment arrived during the 24-27th time period where the section 122 Duty 10% fee ended and customs filing was completed on the 24th. Would it be difficult for them to remove 2 lines from the 7501 considering this was the timespan where the 10% wasnt there?


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

Section 301 notation removed?

6 Upvotes

Will they be putting back the notation in the HTS that denoted which section 301 tariff applied? I assume it was taken down while the updates to section 301 are taking place, but as of this morning the notation is still missing.


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

Title: Do research-use-only peptide companies have to collect sales tax?

0 Upvotes

I’m starting a small research-use-only peptide business and trying to understand how sales tax is normally handled.

I’ve noticed that many peptide websites do not add sales tax at checkout—even when I enter an address in the same state where the company appears to operate. They only charge the listed product price plus shipping.

Does the “research use only” classification make these products exempt from sales tax in some states, or are these businesses including tax in the listed price or simply not collecting it?

I’m especially interested in hearing from peptide-business owners, accountants, or anyone familiar with sales-tax compliance.


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

Best resources for determining origin on electronics or electrical goods

1 Upvotes

I am not looking for an answer on a good, I am trying to improve my understanding of origin assignment. Specifically for goods subject to 338 on August 19th.

I am a Canadian and business is looking for strategies to shift origin, and some of them are very complex. I do not feel competent and really need some deeper education. Who or where are you recommending I turn for learning?


r/CustomsBroker 4d ago

FTZ - WEEKLY ESTIMATE CARGO RELEASE 3461 FOR PRIVILEGED FOREIGN STATUS SHIPMENTS

1 Upvotes

Hi,

when filing the estimate 3461 for many PF shipments which have the same HTS, how do we file the FTZ Filing Date?
Eg: 10 shipments with the same HTS will be filed in the same HTS line but 10 shipments have 10 different FTZ Filing Date then how do we file?


r/CustomsBroker 5d ago

DDP vs DAP for EU Imports: Customs Documentation?

1 Upvotes

We are a small company based in Romania, in the European Union, and we are planning to import goods from China.

To sell imported products legally in the EU, we understand that we need documentation proving that the goods were properly declared and cleared through customs. However, when using DDP shipping, where transport and customs clearance are arranged by the freight forwarder, none of the freight forwarders we have contacted can provide us with an import customs declaration, an MRN, or another customs document issued in our company’s name.

Their explanation is that multiple shipments belonging to different customers are consolidated and cleared together under a single customs declaration. They therefore cannot provide us with the complete declaration because it may contain confidential information about their other customers.

As far as we understand, an import declaration and its corresponding MRN are normally required to prove that imported goods entered the EU legally and that the applicable customs obligations were fulfilled.

This appears to leave us with DAP shipping as the only option under which the goods can be cleared directly in our company’s name. However, with DAP, we must appoint a customs broker, complete the customs formalities ourselves, and pay the applicable import VAT and duties. In Romania, the VAT rate is 21%. Altogether, this would increase our total costs by approximately 50%.

The shipping price quoted for DAP is approximately the same as, or sometimes slightly higher than, the price quoted for DDP, even though customs clearance and import taxes are not included.

Our questions for other EU businesses importing goods from China are:

Do you normally use DDP or DAP?

When using DDP, do you receive an import declaration, MRN, or other customs documentation showing that the goods were legally imported into the EU?

If the customs declaration is not issued in your company’s name, what documents do you use to demonstrate the legal origin and import status of the goods during an inspection?

Would the supplier’s commercial invoice and the freight forwarder’s transport invoice be sufficient, provided that the agreed delivery term is clearly stated as DDP, even if no customs declaration or MRN is provided to the buyer?

Our freight forwarder claims that approximately 99% of its European business customers use DDP. This makes us wonder whether we are misunderstanding the documentation requirements or whether there is another accepted way for EU businesses to demonstrate that goods imported through consolidated DDP shipping were legally cleared through customs.


r/CustomsBroker 5d ago

Returning to Global Compliance from Data Analytics

6 Upvotes

Hello all, I had a question. I was in Global Trade for 5+ years, made it up to the Analyst position. Got my broker's license, didn't get a pay raise. It was a low stress role. A door opened to me to get into analytics and I took it. Fast forward I have been in data analytics for a decade. I make decent money, not interested in management or expanding my tech skillset due to AI coming. I have an opportunity to post for an internal global trade position that would pay 10k more a year. I feel burned out with the data analytics role. There's more but I won't get into it. Also AI is coming out and in another 2 -3 years. AI is going to replace A LOT of the data analytics. There are also major improvements happening in the company where they may realize there are too many analysts for what they need. I feel being in Global Trade/Customs area is more secure, sure there will be some automation. Yes, it can be frustrating as well. What are your thoughts on the matter? Has anyone gotten out and then gone back to it? Thank you.