For many importers, customs clearance feels like the finish line. The shipment is released, delivered, and sold, and attention quickly shifts to the next order. But under U.S. customs law, clearance is not the end of the import process. That final, and often misunderstood, stage is called liquidation. And ignoring [...]
For years, U.S. e-commerce brands and marketplace sellers thrived on direct-to-consumer (DTC) parcel shipping. The model worked because Section 321 exemptions, low-value thresholds, and courier-driven clearances allowed products to ship directly from overseas suppliers to American customers with almost no friction. But in 2025, this model will become structurally unsustainable. [...]
The world of U.S. importing is changing fast. With the elimination of the $800 De Minimis threshold, the launch of the DOJ & DHS Trade Fraud Task Force, and increased scrutiny over tariff classifications and country-of-origin claims, compliance has become the new competitive edge. For importers scaling their operations in [...]
For many U.S. importers, the era of simple, low-value parcel imports is coming to an end. With the elimination of the $800 de minimis exemption, the import landscape has shifted dramatically, and your courier service alone is no longer enough to guarantee compliance. Here’s why relying on a standard courier [...]
As global trade costs rise and the U.S. prepares to eliminate the $800 De Minimis threshold, importers are looking for every possible way to lower landed costs without cutting corners. One strategy that’s gaining new attention in 2025 is the First Sale Rule, a long-standing but often misunderstood customs valuation [...]
For years, Section 321 allowed U.S. importers to bring in shipments valued at $800 or less without paying duties or filing formal customs paperwork. This “De Minimis” rule made it possible for e-commerce sellers and small businesses to import thousands of low-value parcels each day — fast, cheap, and duty-free. [...]
In the wake of shifting trade policies, especially IEEPA tariffs and USMCA 1520(d) claims, many U.S. importers are finding themselves eligible for refunds on duties they’ve already paid. However, claiming these refunds isn’t always straightforward. The process often hinges on two key tools within U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) [...]
When importing goods, upfront customs duties and tariffs can lock up a lot of capital, especially during periods of tariff uncertainty. That’s where bonded warehousing can make a real difference. If used wisely, it’s a strategic tool to defer duties, manage cash flow, and give your business flexibility when market [...]
Importers sourcing goods internationally must stay vigilant for additional duties beyond normal tariffs. Two of the most significant are Section 301 duties, which target unfair practices by foreign governments, and anti-dumping or countervailing duties meant to level the playing field. Understanding these can save you delays and unexpected costs. What Are [...]
The United States is one of the largest import markets globally. From electronics to apparel, billions of dollars’ worth of goods enter the country each month. However, with opportunity comes complexity. Every product has its own customs requirements, regulations, and challenges that importers need to manage. In this article, we [...]
