General Cargo

First Time Importers

General-Cargo-First-Timers

Whether you are a U.S. or foreign company seeking to start your import business into the United States, or an experienced importer looking to expand, Customized Brokers is your single-source, international cargo solution. As your government agency liaison, we are prepared to offer you dedicated expertise. Allow one of our trade specialists to guide you through the importer’s registration process and import bond requirements while addressing any duty payment concerns that you may have.  Partnering with us will expedite your cargo, keep you in compliance, and eliminate delays and unnecessary fees.

Customized Brokers is pleased to offer the following resources to help first-time importers comply with regulatory requirements.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

  • Importer Registration(CF5106)

  • Foreign Importer Registration(non-resident importers certification)

  • Customs Bond Application / Renewals

  • Importer Security Filing / Self Filing ISF Web Portal

  • Free Trade Agreement Guidance(CAFTA / NAFTA / HOPE)

  • Tariff Classification / Binding Ruling Assistance

  • Duty Refund Services(Protests / Reconcilation / Drawbacks)

  • Anti-Dumping / Countervailing Duty Reviews

  • Request for Information / Notice of Action Assistance(CF28/29)

  • C-TPAT Application, Validation and Audit Assistance

  • All Risk Cargo Insurance

Food & Drug Administration

  • FDA Agent Representation

  • FDA Red Alert List Removal

  • FDA Food Facility Registration / Renewals

  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

  • PACA License Assistance

U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Import Permit Assistance

  • Agriculture Marketing Service(AMS)

  • USDA Quarterly Updates – Port Everglades

  • Country of Origin Labeling(COOL)Requirements

  • USDA Fumigation Requirement / Services

  • Plastic Packing Import Requirements

Customs Border Protection (CBP)

Continuous Annual Customs Bond

Please allow up to three weeks for Bonds to be processed. In lieu of the Continuous Bond, a single-entry Bond can be used per entry. Get started by downloading the bond application form, here:

Bond Application Form

Customs Entries Documentation

The following documentation is required for all Customs Entries:       

  • ISF (Importer Security Filing) 10+2, 24 hours prior to container loading the vessel at port of origin (Ocean cargo only). 

  • Legible copy of the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

  • Notify Party must state Customized Brokers

  • Commercial Invoice (must include the following)

  • Must be in English

  • Port of Entry

  • Shipper Name & FDA Registration number

  • Receiver Name

  • Description of Merchandise

  • Quantity: weight & measures

  • Purchase price in currency of sale

  • Country of Origin

  • If product is for consumption or otherwise

Depending on the commodity and Country of origin, there may be other required documents for USDA release such as Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, PPQ Form 203 (Treatment Certificate), etc. Contact Us for exact requirements that apply to your import needs.