Without a complete understanding of the process, clearing customs can be a headache for many companies transporting goods in or out of the U.S. However, getting parcels through customs isn’t hard when working with a global logistics company that understands how to process your items.

For businesses and e-commerce companies experiencing delays on a recurring basis, it’s important to understand why. With careful planning, you can keep your parcels and packets moving on-time and on-budget by working with the right team.

To learn how we help customers avoid common clearance delays, continue reading below for more information.

1. Incomplete Paperwork

There are a number of documents required for customs when shipping goods into the U.S., making incomplete paperwork a common reason for clearance delays.

To avoid these, familiarize yourself with the following:

  • U.S. customs invoice requirements.
  • Inward cargo manifest data integrity.
  • Airway Bill or Bill of lading.
  • Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.

At a high level, these documents help customs identify the items being shipped by an e-commerce company, the quantity, the value, the origin country, and the destination country as they make it into the U.S.

A global logistics provider offering in-house customs brokerage can help you avoid clearance delays by preparing them ahead of time. However, some items, particularly unusual or high-value items, may be detained by customs longer. Transit times will depend on how long the local procedures take, but a customs broker can help by expediting the process.

2. Misunderstanding Import Laws

Another reason for clearance delays is confusion around import laws. This includes trying to transport restricted or prohibited items you can’t ship in the U.S. that violate import regulations. Meaning, it’s crucial to work with a global logistics company that understands what you can and cannot transport when importing goods.

To enter the Commerce of the U.S., customs inspects the goods at the port of entry or arrival by verifying the data, documentation, and any entries filed related to your import.

A global logistics provider that offers in-house customs brokerage services can transport and clear shipments quickly and effectively. For example, IBC manages customs bonded facilities and in-house brokerage teams in New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD) and Miami (MIA) to help companies avoid such delays while offering faster and nimbler transportation solutions.

3. Failure to Comply

International trade is governed by a whole host of regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to clearance delays when importing goods into the U.S.

Understanding compliance regulations is another reason why it’s recommended to work with a global logistics provider that offers customs brokerage services. They can help your company navigate the sea of changing laws around particular commodities to ensure import compliance. 

Other areas they can assist with include:

  • Informal and formal entries.
  • Importer of Record (IOR) and FIOR.
  • Partner Government Agencies (PGA).
  • Bonded Warehousing.
  • Valuation, protests, and quota processing.
  • Importer Security Filing. 
By complying with these requirements, you can stay on top of your importing responsibilities to ensure faster clearance.

Clear Goods With Confidence – Use IBC to Ship Internationally

IBC has a direct link with the United States Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) through direct electronic transmission of entry data via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) module. This, in addition to our in-house brokerage team that serves as a liaison with customs, can ensure faster clearance and avoid penalties or liquidated damages for non-compliance.
 
If you import goods on a regular basis, you should consider working with a customs broker to assist with the clearance process. To learn more about our services, contact us today.

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