Your Broker Knows Blog

The US has many trade programs and agreements with numerous countries worldwide. With 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in place, there is ample opportunity for businesses to find benefit in these programs. Free trade agreements allow qualifying goods to be imported at a reduced rate and, in some instances, a duty-free rate, should they meet the eligibility requirements.

US President, Joe Biden, signed the Uygur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in 2021. Did you know under this act, your goods may be excluded from importation into the US? This is true; however, it depends on the country of origin where the goods were produced or manufactured.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) believes up to 85% of potential refunds of duty go unclaimed yearly. However, did you know that CBP has a program where an importer can request a refund of up to 99% of duties paid on goods that were later exported, destroyed, or returned to the supplier?

The global economy is as interesting as it is complicated. There are a host of factors that influence how not only nations but also people around the world do business together. Some factors include trading in the form of imports and exports and fluctuations in

This past November, just ahead of the holidays, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warned consumers of the perils of buying counterfeit goods with their "unbox real happiness" campaign. With Valentine’s Day ahead, this message still rings true. Not only for consumers looking to purchase a gift for that special someone but also for intellectual property-holding manufacturers trying to compete for business in a knockoff market. Let's delve into the world of counterfeit goods by unveiling the impacts these illegal tactics have on economies, businesses, and consumers throughout the year and how companies can protect their intellectual property, especially over holidays like Valentine's Day.

Picking out a present can be laborious, accompanied by gift limits and import tax on gifts regulated by federal governments making the entire process more taxing. Preparation is the key to getting the presents you want into the hands of those you love without the additional hassle. If you are shipping a gift or operate a business that ships gifts internationally or domestically, we can assist you in getting your cargo to the intended destinations with various trade, freight and customs brokerage services tailored to your shipping needs.

What is a tariff? In today’s world, a tariff is a tax enforced by the US federal government to protect domestic industries against environmental, safety and competitive threats. Tariff codes apply to goods imported from a foreign market, which is where the Harmonized System (HS) comes into play.

Last week we looked at CBSA Valuation in Canada. This week let’s switch gears and head south to look at CBP Valuation. Customs valuation, also known in the US as customs appraisement, is an important topic on both sides of the border. While most companies spend considerable time and resources preparing for tax audits, it’s equally important that the same amount of effort be dedicated to customs appraisement. The laws between countries can be quite different in some ways and yet very similar in others.

The sun’s out so we’re out. Whether you are getting a workout in while traveling to the office or just hitting the trails for pleasure, you may have seen one of those snazzy electric bikes. They are all the rage, but have you ever wondered… if I buy an eBike online from another country, how do I import it? In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know to bring your new bike into the US.

As any US importer knows, a tariff is a customs duty, an import tax imposed by the US federal government upon many goods imported into the Customs Territory of the US (the 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico). Historically, governments have used tariffs as a primary means of collecting revenue. Today, other kinds of taxes – like income and sales taxes – account for most government revenue in developed countries, although tariffs can be significant with respect to certain categories of imported items. Tariffs are now primarily employed by governments to protect domestic industries or as leverage in foreign trade negotiations and disputes. In this blog, we will take a look at the history of US Tariffs and how they play a significant role in trade negotiations and the economy.