CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Why Specialized Customs Expertise Matters

The trade landscape between Asia and the Americas has changed. With Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese goods, strict FDA regulations for food/medical products, and aggressive anti-dumping checks, you need a partner who understands the nuances.

We help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Overpaying Duties: Misclassifying goods under the wrong Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code can lead to paying higher duties than necessary.

• Customs Exams: We know which documents trigger red flags and how to prepare your paperwork to minimize the risk of invasive X-Ray or Intensive Exams.

• Section 301 Exclusions: We stay updated on the latest exclusions to help you legally reduce your tax burden on imports from China.

• Partner Government Agencies (PGAs): We handle filings not just for Customs, but for the FDA, FCC, DOT, CPSC, and EPA, ensuring your electronics, toys, or vehicles are fully compliant.

Our Core Customs Services

We provide a seamless Door-to-Door experience by integrating customs brokerage into your shipping process.

1. Compliance & Consulting (Pre-Shipment)

• HTS Code Classification: We review your product specs to determine the most accurate and beneficial HS Code.

• Duty & Tax Assessment: We calculate estimated Customs Duties, Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF), and Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF) upfront so you know your landed cost.

• Binding Rulings: For ambiguous products, we can help request a binding ruling from CBP to guarantee your duty rate.

2. Operational Filing & Clearance

• ISF (10+2) Filing: Mandatory for ocean shipments to the USA. We file this 24 hours prior to loading at Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh, or Kaohsiung to avoid the $5,000 penalty.

• Customs Entry (CBP Form 3461/7501): We submit electronic entries via ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) for rapid release.

• Customs Surety Bonds: We issue both Single Transaction Bonds (for one-off shipments) and Continuous Bonds (for frequent importers, saving you money).

3. Specialized Clearance Solutions

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): We handle everything. You pay one price, and we take care of the shipping, duties, and delivery to your door. Ideal for Amazon FBA sellers.

• Section 321 (De Minimis): For shipments under $800 to the USA, we help you utilize Section 321 for duty-free entry where applicable.

Service Comparison: Dantful vs. General Brokers

Feature	General Global Broker	Dantful.US (Americas Specialist)
Focus	Handles everything from everywhere	Specialized in China/Vietnam/Taiwan -> Americas
Response Time	24-48 hours (Time zone lag)	Real-time response (We work across Asian & US time zones)
Compliance	Standard filing only	Proactive HTS review & PGA (FDA/FCC) expertise
Cost Structure	Hidden fees for “extras”	Transparent pricing (Bond, ISF, Entry included in quotes)
Problem Solving	“Call Customs yourself”	We speak directly to officers at Long Beach / JFK to resolve holds

Key Documents We Handle

To ensure a “Green Light” release, we meticulously prepare and audit:

• Commercial Invoice: Checking for correct descriptions, values, and Incoterms.

• Packing List: Ensuring weight and piece counts match the Bill of Lading.

• Bill of Lading (B/L): The master transport document.

• Arrival Notice: Issued by the carrier upon arrival.

• Country of Origin Certificate: Crucial for claiming lower duties under trade agreements (e.g., shipments from Vietnam vs. China).

• PGA Forms: FDA Prior Notice, FCC Form 740, Lacey Act declarations.

The Dantful Difference: Authentic Experience

We don’t just push paper; we solve problems.

• Case Study: A client importing LED lights from Shenzhen was facing a 25% Section 301 tariff. Our team reviewed the components and successfully reclassified the item under a legally valid alternative HTS code, reducing the duty to 3.9%.

• Real-Time Visibility: You will know exactly when your ISF is filed, when the Entry is submitted, and the exact moment Customs Release is granted.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Customs Bond to import to the USA? Yes. If your shipment is valued over $2,500, CBP requires a bond. We can provide a Continuous Bond (approx. $300-$500/year) which is cost-effective if you import more than 2-3 times a year.

2. What is the difference between duties from China vs. Vietnam? Goods from China often face additional Section 301 tariffs. Goods from Vietnam typically enjoy Normal Trade Relations (NTR) rates, which are significantly lower. We can advise on supply chain shifts to save costs.

3. Can you handle Amazon FBA shipments? Absolutely. We specialize in DDP shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses. We act as the “Importer of Record” (or help you set it up) so Amazon doesn’t reject your cargo for unpaid duties.

4. What happens if my cargo is flagged for an X-Ray exam? Don’t panic. It happens. We will coordinate the movement to the exam site (CES), handle the payment of exam fees on your behalf, and keep you updated daily until release.

Clear Customs with Confidence

Stop worrying about your shipment getting stuck at the border. Partner with Dantful.US International Logistics, the experts in China, Vietnam, and Taiwan (China) to Americas logistics.

Contact us today for a free compliance assessment and customs quote.