Customs Clearance/Brokerage
We won’t let customs delays
spoil your sensitive cargo
Our compliance-driven, customs brokerage experts can assist customers by expediting fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, flowers, seafood, protein and other perishables through the rigorous and complex customs process.
Keep your cool—no matter how complex the regulations
As a single-source, total supply chain solutions provider, we have developed ways to more efficiently manage the import of this type of commodity and keep abreast of regulations affecting this constantly evolving market.
We’re hands-on so your cargo doesn’t get hung up
Allow our experienced team to guide you through the intricacies of the customs entry process to ensure your perishables cleared quickly and efficiently.
We offer the following services
Our specialized customs brokerage team can provide trade, security and U.S. Customs compliance consulting for import and export customers who need assistance moving cargo throughout the supply chain. As your broker, we act as a liaison between you and various government agencies, making it easier to comply with complex legislation and reduce cargo delays and costs associated with non-compliance to customs clearance regulations. With one single point of contact, we offer:
- Import Customs Requirements / Commodity Import Regulations Reviews
- Customs Valuation Inquiries
- Assistance with Free Trade Zones, Special Regimes and Trade Preferences
- Industry Best Practices for Increased Efficiency / Alternatives
- Guidance for Various Governmental Initiatives (ACE / ISF / C-TPAT)
- Educational Seminars, New Import Initiative Rollout & Self-Audit Programs
- Special Trade Preference Programs (CAFTA / HOPE / NAFTA)
- Tariff Classification and Binding Ruling Assistance
- Duty Refund Protest Processing (CF19 / SIL/ PEA)
- Automated Trade Services / EDI Capabilities
- Expertise on the following U.S. Government agencies’ rules and regulations for clearing imported perishable cargo:
- FDA – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FSVP – Foreign Supplier Verification Programs FAQs
- 21 CFR 101 – FDA food labeling regulations
- CFSAN/FDA – Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
- USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture
- USDA/AMS – Agricultural Marketing Service
- FWS – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- FMSA – The FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act
- Majority of imports cleared via electronic system before arrival
- Electronic entries filed at any U.S. port, regardless of physical office location
- Paperless cargo pre-clearance
Fresh & Frozen Seafood Importation Program
More than 80 percent of the seafood in the U.S. is imported. Once harvested, these products have a short window of freshness in which to be shipped, cleared through customs and other authorities, and delivered to market. Our customs brokerage and compliance specialists work full time to ensure each fish fillet, scallop and shrimp gets to market tasting like it is freshly caught.
In the event that your seafood is detained, our team of experts can work quickly to provide unmatched guidance to expedite the release process. Additionally, we can connect our customers with appropriate laboratory services quickly, should they be required.
Resources
- Duty Classification & Preferential Trade Agreement Assistance
- First-Time & Foreign Importer Setup
- Country of Origin Verifications
- Proper Labeling / Marking Assistance
- Free Trade Agreement Verifications
- Quota / Visa / TPL Entry Processing
- Importer Security Filing / Rapid Self-Filing
- In-Bond / In-Transit Cargo Management
- Duty Drawback Processing and Entry Reconciliation
- Transportation Coordination and Delivery Assistance
- All Risk Cargo Insurance
- Importer Registration (CF5106) and Foreign Importer Registration (non-resident importers certification)
- Customs Bond Application/Renewals
- Importer Security Filing (10+2) all cargo
- C-TPAT Application, Validation and Audit Assistance
- All Risk Cargo Insurance
- Credit Application
- Importer Profile
- Notify Party Instructions
- Payment Instructions
- Power of Attorney
- FDA Agent Representation
- FDA Red List Removal
- FDA Food Facility Registration
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- USDA/APHIS Import Permit
- Agriculture Marketing Service
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Requirements
- USDA/APHIS Fumigation Requirements
- Plastic Packing Requirements
- Meat and Poultry Packaging Requirements
- ISF (Importer Security Filing) 10+2, 24 hours prior to container loading the vessel at port of origin (Ocean cargo only).
- Legible copy of the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Notify Party must state Crowley
- Commercial Invoice (must include the following)
- Port of Entry
- Shipper Name & FDA Registration number
- Receiver Name
- Description of Merchandise
- Quantity: weight & measures
- Purchase price in currency of sale
- Country of Origin
- If product is for consumption or otherwise