Customs Brokerage & Clearance Services for US Importers
Faster Freight coordinates US customs clearance from pre-arrival filing to cargo release. Licensed customs brokers we work with file your entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our team manages the documents, bond, ISF and freight, so you deal with one contact instead of three.
- ISF 10+2 filing
- Entry & CBP Form 7501
- HTS classification
- Customs bonds
- FDA / USDA / PGA cargo
- Air, ocean & road
Last updated: October 2026
What our customs brokerage service covers
Customs clearance is where most import delays and surprise costs start. A wrong tariff code, a late ISF or a missing FDA notice can hold a container at the port while storage charges build up. Because we also move the freight, we see those problems before the cargo arrives, not after.
Import entry filing
Entry (CBP Form 3461) and Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) filed electronically through CBP's ACE system by a licensed broker, with duty and fee calculations checked before submission.
HTS classification
Your products are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The 10-digit code sets your duty rate, any extra tariffs and which agencies review the goods.
ISF 10+2 filing
For ocean imports, the Importer Security Filing is collected from you and your supplier and submitted at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port.
Customs bonds
Help choosing between a single-entry bond and a continuous bond, and arranging the right bond amount through a surety before your first entry is filed.
PGA-regulated cargo
Coordination of Partner Government Agency requirements, such as FDA prior notice for food, USDA rules for plants and wood packaging, and EPA or DOT rules for vehicles and engines.
Holds, exams & tariff questions
Follow-up when CBP holds or examines a shipment, plus guidance on Section 301 and other added tariffs, duty drawback and country-of-origin questions.
How US customs clearance works, step by step
Every formal import into the United States follows the same basic path. Knowing it helps you send the right documents at the right time.
- Before departure
Pre-arrival filing and document check
We collect the commercial invoice, packing list and supplier details and check them against the booking. For ocean freight, the ISF is filed at least 24 hours before loading at origin. A customs power of attorney (POA) and a valid bond must be in place before the entry can be filed.
- Before or at arrival
Entry submission
The broker files the entry in ACE, normally before the vessel or aircraft arrives. CBP generally requires the entry within 15 calendar days of arrival. Filing early lets CBP and any agencies review the shipment while it is still in transit.
- At entry
Duty and fee calculation
Duties are calculated from the HTS code, the customs value and the country of origin. Most entries also carry the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), and ocean entries the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). Added tariffs, such as Section 301 duties on many Chinese goods, are stacked on top.
- After arrival
CBP and PGA review or examination
CBP may release the cargo on paperwork alone, request more documents, or order an exam. Exams range from an X-ray scan to an intensive exam at a Centralized Examination Station (CES). Agencies such as FDA or USDA can also place their own hold.
- Release and after
Release, entry summary and liquidation
Once CBP releases the goods, we arrange pickup and delivery. The Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) and duty payment are due within 10 working days of release. CBP finalises the entry at liquidation, usually about 314 days after entry.
| Filing | Applies to | Deadline | Risk if missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISF (10+2) | Ocean imports | 24 hours before loading at the foreign port | Liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per violation, possible holds |
| Entry (CBP 3461) | Formal entries | Within 15 calendar days of arrival | Cargo moved to general order warehouse, extra storage costs |
| Entry Summary (CBP 7501) | Formal entries | Within 10 working days of release | Penalties and bond claims |
| Protest (CBP 19) | Disputed liquidations | Within 180 days of liquidation | Duty assessment becomes final |
Shipment already on the water?
Send us the bill of lading and commercial invoice and we will tell you what is still needed for clearance.
Documents required for US customs clearance
Most clearance delays come from missing or inconsistent paperwork. The invoice, packing list and transport document must describe the same goods, quantities and values.
| Document | Who provides it | Ocean | Air | Road (Canada / Mexico) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller / shipper | Required | Required | Required |
| Packing list | Seller / shipper | Required | Required | Required |
| Bill of lading / air waybill | Carrier or forwarder | Bill of lading | Air waybill | Truck bill of lading |
| Customs power of attorney | Importer of Record | Required | Required | Required |
| Customs bond | Importer, via a surety | Required for formal entry | Required for formal entry | Required for formal entry |
| ISF data | Importer and supplier | Required | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Agency documents (FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC) | Importer or manufacturer | Only when the product is regulated by that agency | ||
| Certificate of origin | Exporter | When claiming a trade-agreement rate, such as USMCA | ||
Shipping from the USA? Exports above $2,500 per Schedule B line, or any export that needs a license, require Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed in AES. We handle this as part of our ocean freight forwarding and air freight forwarding services.
Continuous bond vs. single-entry bond
A customs bond guarantees to CBP that duties, taxes and fees will be paid and import rules followed. Formal entries need one. The right type depends on how often you import.
| Single-entry bond | Continuous bond | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One entry at one port | All entries at all US ports for 12 months, renewing automatically |
| Typical bond amount | Generally the goods' value plus duties, taxes and fees; often three times the value for goods regulated by another agency | Generally 10% of the duties, taxes and fees paid over the previous 12 months, with a $50,000 minimum |
| Best for | One-off or occasional imports | Importers clearing several shipments a year |
| ISF coverage | A separate ISF bond may be needed | Covers ISF obligations |
| Lead time | Usually quick to issue for each shipment | Allow several days for CBP to record it before your first entry |
Bond amounts are set by CBP rules and the surety's review. We confirm the right amount for your import volume when we quote.
Clearing FDA, USDA and other agency-regulated cargo
CBP enforces rules for more than 40 Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). If your product falls under one of them, extra data or permits must be filed with the entry, and the agency can hold the cargo even after CBP is satisfied.
Tell us what the product is, what it is made of and how it will be used. We flag the likely agency requirements when we quote, before your supplier ships.
| Agency | Typical products |
|---|---|
| FDA | Food, beverages, cosmetics, medical devices, drugs |
| USDA (APHIS / FSIS) | Plants, seeds, meat, wood packaging (ISPM 15) |
| EPA | Vehicles, engines, pesticides, certain chemicals |
| DOT / NHTSA | Motor vehicles and vehicle equipment |
| FCC | Electronics that emit radio frequencies |
| CPSC | Children's products and consumer goods |
How to avoid customs holds, exams and penalties
CBP selects some shipments for exams at random, so no one can promise an exam-free clearance. These steps remove the avoidable causes of delay.
- Use a full product description on the invoice, not "parts" or "samples"
- Make the invoice, packing list and bill of lading match exactly
- Confirm the HTS code before the goods ship, not at arrival
- Send ISF data to us early, ideally when the booking is made
- Have the bond and power of attorney on file before arrival
- Declare the real transaction value, including assists and royalties
- Mark goods with the country of origin as US rules require
- Check whether the product needs FDA, USDA or other agency filings
- Use ISPM 15 stamped wood pallets and crates
- Keep import records for five years, as CBP requires
Not sure your shipment is ready for customs?
A specialist can review your documents before the cargo leaves origin.
Customs broker vs. freight forwarder: why one contact helps
A freight forwarder arranges the transport of your goods by air, ocean or road. A customs broker is licensed by CBP to file entries and act for importers in customs matters. They are different roles, and many importers end up managing two companies that do not talk to each other.
Faster Freight closes that gap. We book the freight and coordinate clearance with licensed brokers we work with, so the documents collected at origin are the same ones used for the entry. Delivery is booked as soon as CBP releases the cargo, whether that is port-to-port or door-to-door shipping.
| Task | Freight forwarder | Customs broker | Faster Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book air, ocean or road freight | Yes | No | Yes |
| File the ISF | Often | Yes | Yes, coordinated |
| File entries with CBP | No, unless licensed | Yes | Through licensed partner brokers |
| Arrange delivery after release | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| One point of contact | Only if they work together | Yes | |
Tariffs, Section 301 and reducing your duty bill
US tariffs have changed often in recent years. Section 301 duties on many goods from China, Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum, and other measures can add a large amount to the base duty rate. Rates are checked against the current tariff schedule at the time of entry, not the rate you paid last year.
Legal ways importers lower their duty costs include:
- Correct classification. The most accurate HTS code may carry a lower rate than the one a supplier suggests.
- Trade agreements. Goods that qualify under agreements such as USMCA can enter at reduced or zero duty with proper origin documents.
- Duty drawback. Up to 99% of duties paid can be refunded on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed. Claims are generally due within five years of import, and we can connect you with a drawback specialist.
- Exclusions and special programs. Some products have tariff exclusions or qualify for programs such as US goods returned.
This section is general information, not legal advice. Duty rates and programs change, so confirm them for your specific product before you import.
Freight services that pair with customs clearance
Get a customs clearance quote
Tell us the product, origin and mode of transport. Tick "Customs clearance needed" in the form below.
Customs brokerage FAQs
Answers to the questions importers ask us most about US customs clearance.
What does a customs broker do?
A customs broker is licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to file import entries for importers. The broker classifies goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, calculates duties and fees, files the entry in CBP's ACE system and responds to CBP holds or requests for information.
How much does a customs broker cost?
Cost depends on the shipment. A clearance quote usually includes a broker entry fee, ISF filing for ocean cargo, a bond (single-entry or continuous), and charges for extra tariff lines or agency filings such as FDA. Duties, taxes and CBP fees are paid on top. Send us your shipment details for an exact quote.
How long does US customs clearance take?
When the entry is filed before arrival and the documents are correct, many shipments are released on or soon after arrival. Shipments selected for a CBP exam or held by an agency such as FDA can take several days or longer. Filing early is the best way to avoid delays.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
For most US imports you need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, a customs power of attorney and a customs bond. Ocean imports also need an Importer Security Filing (ISF). Regulated products may need FDA, USDA, EPA or other agency documents.
What is ISF 10+2 and when is it due?
The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a set of 10 data elements from the importer and 2 from the carrier, required for ocean cargo entering the United States. It must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port. Late or inaccurate filings can lead to liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per violation.
Do I need a continuous bond or a single-entry bond?
A single-entry bond covers one shipment and suits occasional importers. A continuous bond covers all your entries at every US port for a year and is generally set at 10% of the duties, taxes and fees you paid in the previous 12 months, with a $50,000 minimum. If you import several times a year, a continuous bond is usually more cost-effective.
What happens if CBP examines my shipment?
CBP can X-ray the cargo, inspect it at the terminal or move it to a Centralized Examination Station for an intensive exam. The importer pays the exam, handling and storage costs. We track the exam, supply any extra documents CBP requests and book delivery as soon as the cargo is released.
Can you clear FDA- or USDA-regulated goods?
Yes. We coordinate clearance of goods regulated by Partner Government Agencies such as FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC and CPSC. Tell us the product details before it ships so the required agency filings, such as FDA prior notice for food, are submitted on time.
Is Faster Freight a licensed customs broker?
Faster Freight is a freight forwarder. Customs entries for our clients are filed by licensed US customs brokers we work with, while our team manages the documents, freight and delivery. You get one point of contact for the whole shipment.
What is duty drawback?
Duty drawback is a CBP program that refunds up to 99% of duties paid on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed. Claims are generally due within five years of import. Drawback needs detailed records, so plan for it when the goods are first imported.