Why Importers Should Hire a Customs Broker Over Self-Filing

For any importer, import brokerage can be daunting, especially for those new to the business. With a high level of national security, importers need to adhere to several regulations and responsibilities. This is the reason an importer who tries to navigate through the process without sufficient knowledge can face serious penalties and headaches. As an importer, you must keep in mind that you don’t need to navigate the process alone. Clearit import brokers are available to help you through the importing process. Here’s how you can benefit from their services:

Ensuring Compliance

Sorting through the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and the Customs regulations is a burdensome task in itself. And sorting through this and staying compliant with regulations while filing the entry is a process that requires the skills of an expert.

A licenced broker can accurately classify every item on your commercial invoice and proceed with any extra filings or notifications that other government agencies may require for the entry. Also, they have knowledge about any new regulations or requirements that are being imposed. This is a type of information you may not have access to if you are self-filing.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

If you don’t have enough knowledge in the trade, you can easily make mistakes on the entries, which could lead to heavy penalties that Customs may issue. Such penalties can greatly impact your bottom line. By working with a broker, you minimize the chances of making mistakes and facing penalties as they have more experience and knowledge of how the process works.

Getting Guidance

A licenced broker will guide you through the importing process. They will assist you in classifying goods, act as a liaison between you and the government, and give you advice regarding the laws and regulations associated with every commodity so you can better understand international trade.

As an importer, you may be focused on your business and may not have time to make entries for your freight. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable broker to handle this aspect of your business will ensure you can continue to concentrate on running your business and increasing your sales. Also, a broker can transmit the entry to Customs through Automated Broker Interface, speeding up the process. If you decide to self-file your entry, you will need to physically submit the documents to Customs for clearance. With just a fee for their services, brokers will take the burden off of your shoulders and let you focus on what you do best.