UNITED STATES
Custom Clearance Services
We offer the following custom clearance solutions from Los Angeles and the United States, powered by over 15 years of freight forwarding experience. Comex is here to keep your cargo moving so you can focus on growing your business.
Imports and Exports
ISF Filing
The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2”, requires importers to submit specific information about their ocean cargo shipments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto a vessel destined for the United States. This requirement aims to enhance security by providing CBP with advance visibility into cargo details, allowing them to identify and mitigate potential risks.
AES Filing
AES filing, also known as Automated Export System filing, is the electronic method of reporting export shipment information to the U.S. government. It’s a mandatory process for many US export shipments and ensures compliance with export regulations. Most export shipments from the U.S. exceeding $2,500 per Schedule B number, requiring an export license, or involving rough diamonds or used self-propelled vehicles, necessitate an AES filing.
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AFR Filing
Japan’s Advance Filing Rules (AFR) mandate electronic submission of cargo information to Japan Customs before a vessel departs from its port of loading. This applies to all cargo, including containerized and non-containerized cargo, transported to or transshipped through Japan. The deadline is generally 24 hours before the vessel’s departure from the port of loading.
AMS Filing
AMS (Automated Manifest System) filing refers to the electronic transmission of cargo information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before goods are imported into the United States. This system is crucial for security and efficient cargo processing at ports of entry. It involves electronically submitting detailed cargo information to US Customs at least 24 hours before the cargo departs from the foreign port of loading.
How U.S. Customs Clearance Works
The process begins before your goods arrive in the U.S. You (or your customs broker) must file an entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This includes providing the Arrival Notice, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. You will also need to purchase a single-entry bond or a continuous-entry bond if you plan on importing more than once per year.
Custom Bonds
A single-entry bond is a type of customs bond used for a single, specific import transaction into the U.S. It ensures that the importer will pay all applicable duties, taxes, and fees associated with that particular shipment. This bond is typically used for infrequent or one-off imports and is required for commercial shipments valued at $2,500 or more.
A continuous bond allows an importer to bring in multiple shipments throughout the year without requiring a new bond for each one. Customs bond pricing depends on the bond value and type. Single-entry bonds are calculated based on the individual shipment, whereas Continuous Customs Bonds are based on 10% of the total taxes, duties and fees paid by the importer over the previous 12-month period.
$50,000 is the minimum Continuous Customs Bond size allowed by the CBP. Importers qualify to purchase a $50K bond if their duties, taxes, and fees paid to the CBP over the previous 12 months were less than $500K. New Importers can also purchase a $50K bond without a 12-month history, based on the assumption that their first-year duties, etc. will be less that $500,000.
Paying Duties
You’ll need to pay import duties and fees, which are based on: HTS Code, country of origin of your goods, and declared value of goods. You can pay CBP directly or your customs broker can clear on your behalf. Your goods will be released after payment and you’ll be issued a 7501 entry form. It serves as a summary of the import transaction.
Importing Food Products
Food imports require extra steps to clear U.S. Customs. Most products intended for consumption will be subject to FDA and/or USDA import requirements. In addition to submitting the packing list, commercial invoice, and arrival notice, you or your customs broker will also need to submit Prior Notice to FDA (Before Arrival). This includes details like product name, manufacturer, country of origin, and expected arrival date and time. CBP may also inspect your goods upon arrival to verify labeling, food safety, ingredients, and other details. This may cause a delay of a few days or weeks in your shipment.
FDA and USDA: Who Does What?
The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) regulates the import of products that may impact plants, animals, agriculture, and food safety in the United States. Agencies within the USDA such as APHIS and also regulate products such as Examples include:
- Plant products such as seeds and fresh fruits or vegetables, regulated by: APHIS – Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
- Animal Products & By-Products such as cheese, Regulated by: APHIS – Veterinary Services (VS)
- Grains, Beans, Nuts, and Cereals regulated by: APHIS – Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
- Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products. Must be from FSIS-approved countries and establishments. Requires import inspection upon arrival.
You can check if your product needs a USDA permit here.
The FDA is primarily responsible for products not covered by the USDA, including processed foods (except for aspects of some meat, poultry and egg products, which the USDA regulates); human and veterinary drugs; vaccines and other biological products; medical devices intended for human use; radiation-emitting electronic products; cosmetics; dietary supplements, and tobacco products.
