Four Questions to ask a Customs Broker before importing goods into the U.S.

Four Questions to Ask a Customs Broker Before

Importing Goods Into the U.S.

Importing Goods:Are You Prepared?

DocumentationProcessFederal Agencies coordination

Can be confusing…

Here are four questions to ask before signing on the

dotted line

What’s Your Track Record?

Do some researchDo they have an online presence?What are your first impressions of the Website?Do they use Social Media?Are they engaging with customers on their pages?What is the stability of the brokerage firm?Will they collaborate with your business needs?

Get References!

What Is The Vision?

What makes the customs brokerage significant in their initiatives over their competitors?

Where does the brokerage firm see itself in 6 months, 1 year and even 2 years?

What are their strategic initiatives?

Where are they headed?

What types of technological advances do they see will help with the customs clearance processes in the future?

What is their financial strength?This will help determine the long-term viability of the brokerage company.

Where are they headed?

Are there FederalViolations?

Check with the Office of Foreign Assets Control

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of Treasury.Resource for research on customs brokerage partners. Regulates foreign trade sanctions and policies.Are they sanctioned?

Dealing with federal lawsuits or violations can be damagingto the reputation of the customs brokerage firm.

Source:

http://www.treasury.gov/about/organizational-structure/offices/Pages/Office-of-Foreign-Assets-Control.aspx

Cost?

Custom brokerage prices may vary!

Request a detailed breakdown of costs:Customs Entry FeeImport Security Filing (ISF)Courier FeeOGA Reporting3299 Personal EffectsTIB Entry

*This is only a sample of charges that may appear on a detailed breakdown of fees.

If you are importing goods into the United States AFC International can help. Allow us to put our

experience and knowledge to work for you.

1.800.274.2329http://[email protected]

Reference: http://www.afcinternationalllc.com/blog/questions-to-ask-a-customs-broker/