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Glossary · Customs & duties
What is Customs broker?
A person or company licensed by US Customs and Border Protection to prepare and file import entries and pay duties on behalf of importers.
Licensed customs brokers transact customs business for importers: they classify goods, file the entry and entry summary in CBP's ACE system, calculate and pay duties and fees, and answer requests from CBP and partner agencies. Brokers are licensed and regulated by CBP.
The broker acts for the importer of record, who stays responsible for what is declared. A good broker asks for detailed product descriptions, materials, values and supplier details, and flags Section 301, Section 232 and AD/CVD exposure before the goods ship.
For a binding answer on how a product is classified, a broker can help you request a ruling from CBP. Beato works with a partner customs broker, and you are free to use your own instead.
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