SERVICES: Customs Brokers

What Customs Brokers serve the Port area?

See the Port Directory - Customs Broker.

According to the US Dept of the Treasury, there are 500 pages of Customs regulations for every shipment entering the United States, and they believe it is in the best interest of importers to employ the services of a Customs Broker.

What does a Customs Broker do?
What is a customs power of attorney?

What does a Customs Broker do?
As defined by the US Dept of the Treasury:

A Customs Broker acts as an agent for an importer in conducting Customs business on their behalf. A Customs Broker can either be a private individual or a company. In order to be a Customs Broker one must be licensed by the Customs Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury. Specifically, a Customs Broker prepares and files the necessary Customs entries, arranges for the payment of duties found due, takes steps to effect the release of the goods in Customs custody, and represents their clients in custody matters. A Customs Broker must have an excellent understanding of trade requirements and procedures and customs and tariff regulations. Furthermore, the Customs Broker will assist the client with advise on transportation options, types of carriers, and shipping routes.

What is a customs power of attorney?
As defined by the US Dept of the Treasury:

A customs power of attorney grants an individual the legal authority to work with U.S. Customs on behalf of an importer. The customs power of attorney gives the designated individual the power to act for the importer, but the Importer, not the designated individual, is the one legally responsible for paying duties and complying with the laws of the U.S. Customs Service. Specifically, the person that has been given power of attorney is legally able to sign any or all Customs declarations, entries, bills of lading; address correspondence to Customs and protest unfavorable decisions on behalf of the importer. When giving power of attorney authority, it is necessary for the importer to complete Customs Form 5291 or a document using the same language as this form. The customs power of attorney form must be signed by an officer of the corporation, if the importer is a corporation, or by the owner of the merchandise.