Customs Brokerage FAQ

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For many years, customs brokerage was a relatively quiet part of international logistics. Often offered as a value-added service by freight forwarders, it was viewed as a routine administrative function. Customs regulations changed infrequently, and updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule occurred only a few times each year.

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Today, the landscape is dramatically different.

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The introduction of Section 301 tariffs on goods from China and Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era in trade compliance. By 2025, tariff changes, enhanced enforcement measures, and increasing regulatory complexity elevated customs brokerage from a back-office function to a critical component of supply chain management.

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As a result, U.S. importers now recognize that effective customs compliance is essential to controlling costs, minimizing delays, and mitigating regulatory risk.

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At JND, our licensed customs brokers bring more than 30 years of combined customs brokerage experience and expertise across a wide range of industries and product categories. We help importers navigate evolving customs regulations, tariff changes, government agency requirements, and compliance obligations. With increased enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), having a knowledgeable customs partner is more important than ever.

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What Is Customs Brokerage?

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Customs brokerage is the process of preparing and submitting documentation required to import goods into the United States and facilitating their clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

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Customs brokers are licensed by CBP and serve as representatives for importers in dealing with customs procedures and regulatory requirements. Licensed customs brokers possess specialized knowledge of tariff classification, customs valuation, admissibility requirements, and trade regulations, helping importers remain compliant while maintaining supply chain efficiency.

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How Does JND Assist Importers?

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JND provides comprehensive customs brokerage and trade compliance support, including:

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Tariff Classification

• Determining the correct Harmonized System (HS) or Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) classification for imported products.

• Identifying applicable duty rates, tariffs, and trade program eligibility.

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Regulatory Compliance & Admissibility Reviews

• Evaluating whether products are admissible into the U.S. market.

• Identifying requirements from Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), including:

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Other applicable agencies

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Customs Entry Processing

• Preparing and filing customs entries accurately and efficiently.

• Coordinating with CBP and government agencies to facilitate cargo release.

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Duty, Tax, and Fee Management

• Reviewing duties, taxes, and fees applicable to imported merchandise.

• Identifying opportunities to reduce costs through applicable trade programs and exemptions.

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Trade Compliance Guidance

• Advising importers on customs regulations, recordkeeping requirements, and best practices.

• Assisting with compliance strategies to help avoid penalties, delays, and supply chain disruptions.

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Problem Resolution

• Supporting importers during customs examinations, requests for information, post-entry corrections, and other customs-related issues.

• Working proactively to resolve compliance concerns and maintain uninterrupted cargo movement.

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At JND, we don't just clear shipments. We help businesses manage customs compliance, control import costs, and navigate an increasingly complex global trade environment with confidence.

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