Customs Brokerage Services & Compliance

ISF (Importer Security Filing), or '10+2', is a US CBP requirement for all ocean imports. It must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port. Failure to file or late filing results in $5,000+ penalties per shipment. Our team files ISF for every ocean shipment as part of our standard brokerage service.

HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classification requires analysis of the product's composition, function, and intended use. Our licensed brokers research each product and provide a binding or informal tariff classification opinion. Correct classification prevents CBP delays, penalties, and potential seizure.

We handle all exam coordination — scheduling, container unstuffing if required, re-stuffing, and any additional documentation CBP requests. Exams add 2–5 days on average, and we keep you informed at every step. Exam fees (if applicable) are passed through at cost.

Yes. Our team advises on tariff mitigation strategies including Section 301 exclusion filing, first-sale valuation, bonded warehouse strategies, and FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) usage. We help importers legally reduce their duty exposure.

Yes. We serve as Customs Broker of Record for importers, handling all filings under your POA (Power of Attorney). We maintain records for the required 5-year period and coordinate with CBP on audits or CF-28/29 requests.

The Harmonized System (HS) code is a standardized numerical system used worldwide to classify traded products. Correct HS code classification determines the duty rate, whether any trade agreements apply, and if any government agency permits are required. Misclassification can result in penalties, delays, or overpayment of duties.

A customs bond is a financial guarantee that duties, taxes, and fees owed to US Customs will be paid. Any commercial import valued over $2,500 requires a bond. Suaid Global can arrange both single-entry bonds (for occasional importers) and continuous bonds (for frequent importers, covering all shipments for one year).

Standard customs clearance takes 1-3 business days after cargo arrives. However, if your shipment is selected for examination or if documents are incomplete, clearance can take 5-10 days or more. Pre-clearance filing, accurate documentation, and C-TPAT membership help minimize clearance times.

Anti-dumping duties (AD) are imposed when foreign goods are sold in the US below fair market value. Countervailing duties (CVD) offset subsidies provided by foreign governments to their exporters. These additional duties can be substantial — sometimes exceeding 200% of the product value. Suaid Global helps identify AD/CVD exposure before you import.

Yes. Many products require clearance from other government agencies (OGAs) in addition to US Customs. We handle FDA prior notice for food products, USDA permits for agricultural goods, EPA compliance for chemicals and vehicles, FCC certification for electronics, and CPSC requirements for consumer products.