How do I clear my goods without a customs broker?

When do I need a customs broker?

Considering the fact that you are not an expert in customs clearance, DocShipper is here to explain it to you. Here is a clear and concise explanation of what a customs broker is and when it can be useful to call one.

The customs broker’s role

A customs broker is a professional who helps clear goods through customs on your behalf. They play important roles in facilitating the customs clearance process and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Here is a list of the common roles of a customs broker:

• Vet your products for priority trade issues and other government agency reporting requirements.

• Review and prepare the required documents.

• Make sure they are complete and compliant, then submit them.

• Vet your products for correct classification and valuation, so duty payments are accurate.
• Advice on a range of issues that can save you time and money

 Special cases: Canadian and Mexican imports/exports 

As a non-expert, it can be difficult to know when you have to hire a customs broker. Following the different laws in Canada and Mexico, here are some conditions to note:

• When exporting from Canada to the USA:

If your goods value is under $800.00 USD, no formal customs clearance is required, consequently, you do not need a customs broker.

If a shipment exceeds a value of $800.00 USD, a customs broker is required. If you do not have your own customs broker, you can contact us, and you’ll have an answer in the next 24 hours.

• When importing from the USA to Canada:

If the value of your goods is under $20.00 CDN, you do not need to go through formal customs procedures, therefore, no broker is required. If the value exceeds $20, and you do not have an existing customs broker, you can contact us, and you will have an answer in the next 24 hours.

• For Mexico/U.S. Cross-Border:

A customs broker is necessary on both sides of the border. Similar to Canada, most cross-border customs brokers have operations in both Mexico and the U.S., so you will likely only have to hire one provider to cover your entire shipment’s journey.

How much does a customs broker charge?

If you aren’t used to working with a customs broker, you may have a lot of questions about them, including the cost. Customs brokers typically charge a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the complexity of the goods being imported and the regulations of the country where the goods are being imported. Fees may be based on a percentage of the value of the goods, a flat fee, or a combination of both.

It is important to obtain a clear understanding of the costs involved before engaging a customs broker. Most brokers begin with a base charge of about $40 and add on from there. Flat rates typically vary between $200 and $400, but prices may change based on the state of the economy. There are two types of customs bonds that brokers can arrange on behalf of their clients.

The qualities you have to find in a good customs broker

• Are they proven in the marketplace? You have to verify if they are well-known, and if they have a good reputation.

• Will they give you the attention you need? Make sure they will give enough time to your case and don’t make any mistakes, which could have a lot of consequences.

• Do they have experience in your industry? You could ask your collaborators if they know a good customs broker.
• Do they have a network and an international reach? You should verify that they can assume your imports and exports from anywhere on Earth.

What are the risks of clearing your goods without a customs broker?

First and foremost, clearing your goods when they arrive in or leave America is a legal requirement. You have to respect customs regulations, collect customs duties and taxes, ensure national security, and respect the norms.

Mistakes such as missing paperwork or an incorrect interpretation of free trade agreements are frequently made by people who try to clear their goods by themselves.
Certain products are subject to special regulations or stricter controls, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, firearms, etc. Here are the main consequences of a clearance mistake:

• Financial Penalties: A clearance mistake can result in fines of up to four times the amount of duty, or 40% of the value of the goods. In the case of deliberate fraud, including false valuation, the fine may be the full value of the shipment or result in the seizure of the shipment.
• Seizure of Goods: In some cases, if the mistake or non-compliance is significant or involves prohibited or illegal goods, customs authorities may seize and confiscate the goods. A seizure can result in the loss of goods and potential legal consequences.
• Legal Consequences: Serious mistakes or intentional non-compliance with customs regulations can lead to legal consequences, including legal actions, investigations, and potential criminal charges.
• Reputational Damage: Mistakes in customs clearance can harm your reputation with customs authorities, suppliers, and customers. It may affect your credibility as a reliable importer/exporter and can impact future business relationships and opportunities.

Steps to Follow to Clear Your Goods Without a Customs Broker

When clearing your goods in America, you must follow different steps and obtain different documents. Here is a guide to follow to not forget anything:

Step 1: Prepare the documents

Commercial invoice

This document is requested by the local authorities to define the exact value of the cargo and thus determine future tax duties. A commercial invoice must indicate several points, including:

• Seller and buyer details

• Date and conditions of sale

• Cargo packaging

• product description

• unit and total value

• Insurance, shipping, or other charges

• Terms and conditions

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is a very important document for your freight. The bill of lading is the equivalent of a passport and a boarding pass for your cargo. The bill of lading is specific to sea freight, as the airway bill is attached for air freight. This document is also proof of the legality of the transfer because it is issued once the carrier is paid for his services.

Certificate of origin

The certificate of origin is a document used in international logistics. Whether in paper or electronic form, the exporter fills it in with the approval of a state body that certifies the conformity of the information.

Transport documents

Depending on the mode of transportation used, you will need to provide relevant transport documents such as an Air Waybill for air transport, an Ocean Bill of Lading for sea transport, or road transport documents for land transportation.

Insurance certificate

An insurance certificate is proof of the contract between you and the organization that covers your cargo. This document justifies the price of the insurance and the conditions of the contract.

Packing list

It is an essential document for international freight (whether by sea, air, or rail). Like a commercial invoice, the packing list lists all the cargo information.

Step 2: Find the HS Code

Determine the HS Code: Find the Harmonized System (HS) code for your product. The HS code is a standardized system used to classify goods for customs purposes. It helps identify the specific category and applicable duty rates for your product. Normally, your supplier should be able to provide you with the HS Code. If not, you can still find it on your own. You can go to this U.S. government site to type in your keywords and find the HS Code that matches your keywords: hts.usitc.gov

If you have difficulties finding your HS Code, do not hesitate to contact us, we can help you.

Step 3: Calculate the Customs Value

Calculate the Customs Value: Determine the customs value of your goods. This value typically includes the cost of the goods, transportation charges, insurance, and any other costs incurred before the goods arrive at the US port of entry. The customs value serves as the basis for calculating customs duties and taxes.

Step 4: Research duty rates 

Look up the duty rates applicable to your product. On this website, you can find a database called the Harmonized Tariff Schedule provided by The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) that lists the duty rates for different HS codes.

Value-Added Tax in the USA :

There is no VAT to be paid when importing a part. However, there is a fee for processing the goods. An "MPF" (Merchandise Processing Fee) is a duty imposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Customs and Border Protection or "CBP") on most U.S. imports. The MPF is charged at 0.3456% of the value of the imported merchandise, with a minimum fee of $25 and a maximum fee of $485 for official entries.