Practical guidance on import clearance, ISF filing, HTS classification, and CBP compliance — written for freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and importers.
CBP is reviewing the Form 5106 record of every importer of record on file. From September 18, 2026, a record CBP finds inaccurate or incomplete can have its IOR number voided. No new data elements, and a hard date.
Published · 4 min read
CBP's Aug 12, 2026 CTPAT Alert previews EO 14411 changes for foreign IORs: CTPAT-validated brokers, continuous bond limits, and "good standing." What is known now, and what still depends on CBP implementation.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
FCBF leadership sat down with CBP's Office of Trade, led by Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan Thomas, to discuss the current state of CBP operations, IEEPA refunds, Foreign Trade Zones, bonded facilities, and the Electronic Export Manifest rollout. Here's what the conversation means for brokers, forwarders, and importers.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
Can a foreign company be the U.S. importer of record? Under current law, yes — here's what you need today (resident agent, importer number, bond, POA, reasonable care), then a clear four-layer breakdown of what EO 14411 changes.
Last reviewed · 5 min read
Most importers comparing customs brokers are really comparing one number — the entry fee — while the bulk of what they pay at clearance is government fees, bond costs, and situational charges no broker controls. Here is how the full cost of customs clearance actually breaks down, what is regulated, what is market-priced, and which line items deserve scrutiny.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
As of July 8, 2026, CPSC eFiling is no longer a deadline to prepare for — it is being enforced at the port. Importers of regulated consumer products must now transmit certificate of compliance data through CBP's ACE system at entry, and a missing or defective filing can stop cargo from being released. Here is what to check now if your first covered entries are moving this month.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
Starting July 8, 2026, importers of regulated consumer products must transmit certificate of compliance data electronically through CBP's ACE system at the time of entry — not just keep it on file. The model shifts from document-on-demand to proactive data submission, there is no de minimis exemption, and a missing or defective filing can hold your cargo at the port.
Last reviewed · 6 min read
A UFLPA detention starts a clock: generally 30 days to respond, with up to two 30-day extensions — while you pay storage and demurrage the entire time. Under CBP's June 2026 operational guidance, here is what happens in the first days after a detention notice, what a winning admissibility package contains, and the three decisions that determine whether the cargo moves again.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
On June 9, 2026, CBP published new operational guidance for importers on forced labor enforcement — replacing its 2022 UFLPA guidance. If you import in any of the 12 high-priority sectors, a single untraceable supplier can get an entire shipment detained or excluded. Here is how Section 307, the UFLPA, and CAATSA actually work at the port, and what a defensible supply chain looks like.
Last reviewed · 5 min read
CBP launched CAPE Phase 1 on April 20, 2026 (CSMS # 68396594). The process allows certain importers of record to request refunds of IEEPA duties through a CAPE Declaration filed in the ACE Portal — but eligibility criteria, process steps, and refund timing may change. Confirm current CBP guidance before relying on this content. Here's what NVOCCs and freight forwarders need to understand about the process.
Last reviewed · 6 min read
Mauricio Larenas, founder of AP Customs and AP Tariffs, has been sworn in as Secretary of the Executive Board of the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) — joining a leadership team supporting Florida's customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and international trade community.
Published · 2 min read
The 24-hour rule, the 10+2 data elements, $5,000 penalty triggers, and a filing workflow that prevents holds — from a licensed U.S. customs broker.
Last reviewed · 5 min read
Filed ISF late? What happens next: $5,000 penalty exposure, holds and exams, your mitigation options, and how to keep one late filing from repeating.
Last reviewed · 2 min read
HTS misclassification is one of the most common — and most costly — compliance errors in import operations. Understanding the most frequent mistakes can help importers reduce risk and avoid CBP penalties.
Last reviewed · 2 min read
Customs bonds are a CBP requirement for most formal entries. Understanding the difference between a continuous bond and a single entry bond helps importers choose the right coverage and avoid unnecessary cost.
Last reviewed · 2 min read
They're different licensed roles — and confusing them can leave your shipment stuck at port. What each one does, when you need both, and who files what.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
A CBP examination can delay cargo by days or longer and generate unexpected costs. Understanding the exam types, why they happen, and how to respond helps importers and forwarders manage the process effectively.
Last reviewed · 2 min read
NVOCCs and freight forwarders both move cargo — but neither one is automatically responsible for filing your U.S. customs entry. Here's how the chain of responsibility actually works, and why importers still need a separate customs broker.
Last reviewed · 3 min read
A broker error becomes your importer client's problem. The 5 things NVOCCs should demand from a customs broker — and the red flags that predict failures.
Published · 5 min read
Your HTS code sets your duty rate and your penalty exposure. How classification works, how to use CROSS rulings, and the 5 mistakes that cost importers most.
Last reviewed · 4 min read
Not every customs broker is a good fit for freight forwarder partnerships. Here's what to look for — and what to avoid — when evaluating a brokerage partner for your operations.
Published · 2 min read