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First-time importers & exporters

First import or export? We’ll guide you through every step

We help you understand the compliance needs of U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA, FCC, EPA and DOT, so your first shipment succeeds and you avoid costly mistakes, no matter how small or large it is.

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Wherever you’re located, we’re here to help. We’re a nationally licensed customhouse broker by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, so we can do business at any U.S. port or airport.

What we cover with you

Your first-shipment checklist

Importing to the USA

When you’re importing, we’ll explain

  • Why you need to file an ISF 10+2 with U.S. Customs & Border Protection for ocean imports, and how to avoid penalties
  • Who the shipper, consignee and notify party are in your shipment, so your documentation is set up accurately
  • Which import documents U.S. Customs requires, and which your supplier or seller must provide
  • Shipping terms and terminology such as FOB, CIF and Ex-Factory
  • Payment options for carrier charges: air, ocean, pier and warehouse
  • Whether you should cover your shipment with cargo insurance
  • The best possible U.S. Customs entry for the clearance and release of your shipment
  • U.S. Customs X-ray and physical examinations, and their related costs
  • Every delivery option to your residence or place of business
ISF requirements

Exporting to another country

When you’re exporting, we’ll advise on

  • Which documents CBP and the Commerce Department require
  • Whether air or ocean shipping is best and most cost-effective for your product
  • The best packing for your goods: pallet, liftvan, or 20′ or 40′ container
  • Who the shipper, consignee and notify party are in your shipment
  • The requirements for filing an AES export declaration
  • Why CBP requires an original title to export a motor vehicle
  • Whether you should cover your shipment with cargo insurance
  • Trucking services to pick up and deliver your shipment at origin and destination
Freight & delivery services

Quick answers

First import, or goods already on the way?

Short answers to what importers ask us most. The fastest help is a phone call: someone is here Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST.

My shipment is arriving and nothing is filed yet. What do I do?

Call us right away. Tell us what’s coming, how and to which port, and we’ll tell you exactly what we need to file your customs entry. If it came by ocean and no ISF was filed, we can still file it. Call 510-887-7800 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST) or send us the question form.

It’s my first import. What do you need from me?

Usually three things: a customs power of attorney, a customs bond, and contact with your overseas seller or supplier. We’ll walk you through each one. Call 510-887-7800 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST) or send us the question form.

Can you clear my goods at any U.S. port?

Yes. We’re licensed customs brokers and handle clearance at all U.S. ports, airports and border crossings, wherever you are located. Call 510-887-7800 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST) or send us the question form.

Can you file my ISF? What if it’s already late?

Yes. An ISF (10+2) is required for goods arriving by ocean vessel, and we file it the same day you send us the details. If it’s late, it still has to be filed, and filing it lowers the chance of penalties. Call 510-887-7800 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST) or send us the question form.

Do I need a continuous customs bond?

If you import often, a continuous (annual) bond means you don’t buy a bond for every shipment, and you don’t need a separate bond for ISF. For a one-off import, a bond for that shipment can do. We’ll tell you which fits. Call 510-887-7800 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST) or send us the question form.

Let’s talk through your first shipment.

Call or email to discuss your options. We’d like to help you become compliant with all the regulations.

Call 510-887-7800 Request a quote