Untitled Document
Customs Brokerage
East-West Associates, Inc.
is a licensed Broker in the United States. Familiar with all Customs regulations
and also is an ABI (Automated Brokerage Interface) broker with U.S. Customs.
Our computer system is linked with U.S. Customs and other U.S.
government agencies electronically to provide the most fastest and efficient
clearance available to our customers today and in the future.
We offer both standard and
special types of duty rates, customs clearance, duty drawback programs and specialized
documentation services. We also offer consultation with regard to specific U.S.
Custom's regulations and governmental policies.
We are specialized in FDA
(Food & Drug Administration) procedures
and also have expertise in apparel, luggage, household products, textiles, cosmetics,
food products, computer hardware, auto parts, herb and health products, live
animals, footwear, toys and personal effects, plus many more commodities.
Suggestions for working with U.S. Customs
- Learn as much as you
can about importing your products before you call Customs with your questions.
Use Customs for clarification of fine points, not for your complete education.
- Don't call Customs with
questions that can only be answered by other regulatory agencies of the U.S.
government. Generally speaking, agency expertise does not overlap. For example,
U.S. Customs will not be able to answer questions about Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) requirements not enforced by Customs.
- Find out about necessary
import documentation and other agency requirements before you actually start
importing.
- Customs has enforcement
responsibility for the regulations of a number of U.S.
government agencies. Their responsibility to these agencies and to the
U.S. public is significant and they take it seriously. Be prepared, know what
you're doing at all times. Don't expect Customs to overlook something "just
this one time."
- If you have a problem
handling paperwork and other details, don't make your own Customs entries.
Hire a customs broker who does this professionally and make life easier for
yourself.
- If you plan on importing
a specific commodity over a period of time, establish a good relationship
with a U.S. Customs commodity specialist. Help your commodity specialist help
you: know everything about your commodity that you can. Respect his/her time
pressures by keeping your questions limited to his/her area of expertise.
Always be courteous - recognize that the Customs person has many other people
clamoring for his/her attention, and is usually under a lot of pressure. Remember
that this specialist probably knows more about Customs entry and clearance
of that commodity than you will ever know.
- Customs inspections of
shipments are normal, so don't panic. Don't make life difficult for the inspector
lest his/her return the favor.
- You and Customs may disagree
on the classification of an imported product. The disagreement will likely
be that they see it in a higher duty-rate category, while you see it in a
lower duty-rate category. "Presenting your case" for the lower rate
category works better than "making an argument" for the lower rate
category. Generally, your customs broker should be making your case for you.
If you run up against a brick wall and are convinced that you have a good
case, refer the matter to a customs lawyer who can work administratively for
you with Customs.
