Customs Blog & Industry News

    Expert insights, compliance updates, and practical guides from licensed customs brokers

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    16 articles
    News
    Featured

    CIT Orders IEEPA Tariff Refunds; Appeal Expected

    The Court of International Trade has ordered CBP to liquidate and reliquidate entries without IEEPA duties following the Federal Circuit's March 2 mandates. An appeal is expected. Here's what importers need to know.

    March 5, 2026
    8 min read
    IEEPACITCourt of International Trade
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    News
    Featured

    Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs: What Importers Must Do Now

    The Supreme Court has struck down IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional, opening the door to $175 billion in potential refunds. Learn about the ruling, the new Section 122 surcharge, filing deadlines, and how to claim your refund.

    February 21, 2026
    12 min read
    IEEPASupreme CourtTariff Refunds
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    News
    Featured

    CBP Electronic Refunds: Mandatory ACH Transition Effective February 6, 2026

    Starting February 6, 2026, CBP will issue all refunds electronically via ACH. Learn how to enroll in the ACE Portal, key deadlines, and upcoming CBP support calls to prepare for this mandatory transition.

    January 13, 2026
    8 min read
    CBPElectronic RefundsACH
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    Compliance
    Featured

    Post Summary Corrections: Your Window to IEEPA Tariff Refunds May Be Closing

    The Supreme Court decision on IEEPA tariff validity could trigger billions in refunds—but only for importers who file the right paperwork before critical deadlines. Learn about PSC filing, deadlines, and how to protect your refund rights.

    November 15, 2025
    16 min read
    PSCPost Summary CorrectionsIEEPA
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    Guides

    Customs Valuation Strategies: Ensuring Accuracy While Minimizing Duties

    Customs valuation errors cost U.S. importers an estimated $2.3 billion annually in unnecessary duties and penalties. This technical guide explores advanced valuation strategies, recent regulatory changes, and practical methods for optimizing your customs values while maintaining compliance.

    November 10, 2025
    14 min read
    Customs ValuationDutiesCompliance
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    Guides
    Featured

    What is ABI Software? Automated Broker Interface Explained (2025)

    Understand ABI (Automated Broker Interface) software for customs clearance. Learn how ABI connects to CBP's ACE system, who needs it, and how to choose the right platform for your import operations.

    November 8, 2025
    16 min read
    ABI SoftwareAutomated Broker InterfaceACE Integration
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    Guides
    Featured

    From Detention to Release: How Proper Documentation Saves the Day

    When CBP detained a $3.2 million electronics shipment at the Port of Los Angeles, meticulous documentation secured release within 72 hours instead of the typical 90-day detention period. Real-world success stories reveal the documentation strategies that turn potential import disasters into compliance victories.

    November 3, 2025
    13 min read
    CBP DetentionDocumentationSuccess Stories
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    Compliance
    Featured

    UFLPA Compliance Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide for Importers

    The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act has fundamentally transformed import compliance requirements, with enforcement actions increasing 300% in 2025 alone. This comprehensive guide breaks down UFLPA requirements into manageable steps.

    October 27, 2025
    17 min read
    UFLPAForced LaborSupply Chain
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    Compliance
    Featured

    Supply Chain Due Diligence in 2025: Beyond Basic Compliance

    With CBP detaining over $3.2 billion worth of goods in 2024 under forced labor provisions alone, supply chain due diligence has evolved from a compliance checkbox to a critical business survival strategy that can make or break import operations.

    October 20, 2025
    14 min read
    Due DiligenceSupply ChainESG
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    Guides

    Self-Filing vs. Full-Service Customs Brokerage: Which Option Fits Your Business?

    Should you handle customs clearance internally through self-filing, or partner with a full-service customs broker? With self-filing at $30 per entry versus traditional brokerage fees of $100 to $250 per entry, the decision extends far beyond simple cost calculations.

    October 13, 2025
    13 min read
    Self-FilingCustoms BrokerageCost Analysis
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    News

    The Montana Advantage: Why Location Matters for Your Customs Brokerage Partner

    While conventional wisdom suggests customs brokers must be physically present at major ports, the digital transformation of international trade has rewritten the rules of geographic advantage. Discover how Montana-based operations provide unique benefits that translate to better service, lower costs, and enhanced compliance support.

    October 6, 2025
    10 min read
    Customs BrokerageTechnologyRemote Operations
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    How-To
    Featured

    ISF Filing Best Practices: Avoiding the Most Expensive Mistakes

    A single ISF filing error can cost importers $11,000 in penalties—and that's just for the first violation. Learn proven strategies to ensure your filings meet CBP's exacting standards while maintaining supply chain velocity.

    September 29, 2025
    11 min read
    ISF Filing10+2Compliance
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    Guides

    Customs Classification Decoded: Understanding HTS Codes for New Importers

    Every product entering the United States requires a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code that determines duty rates, regulatory requirements, and even whether your goods can legally enter the country—yet 42% of customs penalties stem from classification errors.

    September 22, 2025
    16 min read
    HTS CodesClassificationTariff Codes
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    Guides
    Featured

    The Hidden Costs of Import Compliance Mistakes: A CFO's Guide

    Beyond the headline-grabbing penalties that can reach $100,000 per violation, import compliance mistakes create cascading financial impacts that most CFOs discover only after significant damage occurs—from supply chain disruptions costing millions in lost sales to reputational harm that takes years to repair.

    September 15, 2025
    15 min read
    Import CostsComplianceCFO
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    Compliance
    Featured

    2025 CBP Audit Alert: Record-Breaking Enforcement and How to Protect Your Import Business

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection completed 200 audits in the first four months of 2025, recovering $134 million in duties—already surpassing the entire previous year's collections. Get our comprehensive protection checklist to safeguard your business.

    September 8, 2025
    14 min read
    CBP AuditEnforcementCompliance
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    Industry Updates
    Featured

    How AI and Automation Are Transforming Customs Clearance in 2025

    Artificial intelligence and automation have revolutionized customs clearance, with CBP's new ACE 2.0 system processing entries 40% faster through machine learning algorithms that predict compliance risks before goods arrive at U.S. ports.

    September 1, 2025
    12 min read
    AIAutomationACE 2.0
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