Frequently Asked Questions
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Using FindCustomsBroker
Is the directory free to use?
Yes! Searching and browsing our directory is completely free for importers. Every broker profile — including all specialties, services, certifications, years in experience, and contact request forms — is 100% public with no paywalls or hidden sections.
How do I list my brokerage?
Click "List Your Business" in the header and fill out the registration form. Your listing goes into review and is typically published within 24 hours.
What do the credential badges on a profile mean?
Each broker profile displays one of three credential status badges: CBP Official (green) — the broker's license number is confirmed directly from official CBP data; Claimed & Reviewed (blue) — the broker has claimed their listing and our team has reviewed their credentials; Broker Provided (light purple) — the information was submitted by the broker and has not yet been independently confirmed.
What does "Unclaimed" mean on a listing?
Listings marked "Unclaimed" were pre-populated from official CBP broker data. The broker has not yet claimed or updated their profile. If you are the broker, click "Claim Your Listing" to take ownership, add your full details, and connect with importers.
How do I claim my listing?
Click "Claim Your Listing" in the navigation bar. Search for your brokerage by name or license number, select it from the results, and submit your contact details. Our team reviews every claim request and will follow up to verify and activate your listing.
How do I search for a broker by specialty?
Use the search bar on the home page to search by name, port, city, specialty, or license number. You can also use the "Browse by Specialty" link in the navigation to browse all 13 specialty categories, or "Browse by State" to find brokers in a specific state.
What information is shown on a broker profile?
Every profile shows the broker's license number, specialties, services, port expertise, shipment volumes handled, years in business, languages spoken, and software systems used. All of this information is fully public — no login or payment required to view any part of a profile.
How does the information request work?
Click "Request Info" on any broker profile, fill in your name, email, phone, and a brief description of what you're importing. Once submitted, we'll review your request and connect you with the right specialist.
Is my information shared with brokers?
Your contact information is only shared with the specific broker you request information from. We do not share your details with other brokers or third parties.
How long does it take for a broker to respond?
Response times vary by broker. Most respond within 1–2 business days. Featured brokers are typically more responsive as they are actively managing their listings.
Can I leave a review?
Review functionality is coming soon. We're building a system to collect authentic feedback from verified importers.
How do I report an issue with a listing?
Use the Contact Us page to reach our team. Describe the issue and we aim to respond within one business day.
What is duty drawback?
A CBP program (19 U.S.C. §1313) that lets companies recover up to 99% of duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed.
Duty Drawback Questions
What is duty drawback?
Duty drawback is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program authorized under 19 U.S.C. §1313 that allows companies to recover up to 99% of duties, taxes, and certain fees paid on imported merchandise when those goods are later exported or destroyed. The program exists to encourage U.S. manufacturing and international trade by preventing double taxation on goods that do not ultimately remain in U.S. commerce.
How much can I recover?
Eligible companies may recover up to 99% of duties, taxes, and certain fees paid on imported merchandise that is later exported or destroyed.
Not sure what you could recover? Take our free 1-minute eligibility check →
Who is eligible for duty drawback?
If your business is involved in importing and exporting goods to and from the United States, you could be eligible. The program offers a 99% refund on duties paid for goods that are imported and then subsequently exported.
Even if your business doesn't handle both importing and exporting directly, you may still qualify if these activities occur at any point in your supply chain. Eligibility depends on detailed documentation and compliance with customs regulations — accurate records are essential.
Not sure if you qualify? Take our free 1-minute eligibility check →
What are the different types of duty drawback?
- Unused Merchandise Drawback — A refund of import duties for exported merchandise in the same condition as when it entered the country, unused in the USA for its intended purpose.
- Manufacturing Drawback — Covers raw imported materials necessary for the production of new and different products intended for exportation.
- Rejected Merchandise Drawback — Applies to imported merchandise that does not meet intended specifications, was shipped without the consignee's consent, or was returned by the buyer due to a defect.
- Destruction Drawback — Allows companies to recover duties on imported merchandise destroyed under CBP supervision — commonly used when goods are obsolete, damaged, or unsafe.
- Petroleum Derivatives Drawback — A specialized provision for petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical products exported within the statutory timeframe under §1313(p).
What is the time limit for filing a claim?
Shippers must lodge a claim within 5 years of the import date. Under current law, export or destruction must also generally occur within five years of the date of import.
What documentation is required?
You should gather documentation such as:
- Import entry summaries (CBP Form 7501)
- Export bills of lading
- Manufacturing records (for manufacturing drawback)
CBP evaluates key data elements including entry number, HTS classification, quantity, value, duty paid, export date, and proof of export.
What are the common challenges in claiming duty drawback?
Most companies that attempt drawback themselves encounter frustration from the volume of paperwork, statutory laws, customs regulations, and procedures involved. The process is further complicated by the effects of various Free Trade Agreements and constantly changing drawback laws.
Inaccurate data, incomplete documentation, or unsupported substitutions can result in claim denials or compliance exposure. Working with an experienced drawback specialist is strongly recommended.
How long does it take to get a refund?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the claim and quality of documentation. Companies participating in accelerated payment programs may receive refunds sooner after filing.
How are claims filed?
Since February 24, 2019, it has been mandatory that all drawback claims are filed electronically into CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) platform, as mandated by the TFTEA law.
Does duty drawback apply to the new tariffs (Section 301, IEEPA, Section 232)?
In general, yes — duties paid under Section 301 (China tariffs), IEEPA tariff actions, and Section 232 (steel and aluminum) can be eligible for drawback if the underlying goods qualify under the program's standard conditions: they are exported, used in exported manufactured goods, or destroyed.
However, the interaction of newer tariff actions with drawback rules is still being tested in practice, and the specifics depend on HTS classification, timing, and substitution rules. A licensed drawback specialist can assess whether your imports and export activity qualify.
See if your tariff payments are recoverable — free assessment →
What about USMCA / NAFTA trade?
CBP requires that imports that took place under the NAFTA agreement and those under USMCA are not commingled in the same claim. The import date determines which agreement controls a particular entry. Claims under NAFTA imports can continue to be filed until the 5-year window passes.
This information is general and educational — it is not customs or legal advice. Eligibility determinations and drawback claims are handled by licensed specialists. FindCustomsBroker is a referral directory; we connect you with qualified specialists but do not assess eligibility or guarantee any recovery outcome.
Key Dates
Section 321 / De Minimis Questions
What is Section 321 / de minimis?
Section 321 (19 USC 1321) is the statute that describes de minimis. It provides admission of articles free of duty and import taxes, but the aggregate fair retail value of articles imported by one person on one day must not exceed $800. Congress raised the threshold to $800 in 2015. De minimis entries also require significantly less documentation and are exempt from user fees.
Is there a weight limit? How often can I use the $800 exemption?
There is no weight restriction. The value is capped at $800 per day, per importer, and you can use the exemption daily — as long as it has not been suspended for your country of origin.
What products are excluded from de minimis?
Alcohol, tobacco, and certain weapons are always excluded — even $1 worth of alcohol or firearms invalidates your de minimis claim.
For FDA-regulated goods: shipments valued under $800 may be cleared without a formal entry only if both the 10-digit tariff number and the applicable FDA product code appear on the invoice.
What is Entry Type 86?
Entry Type 86 was introduced by CBP to facilitate duty-free entries of qualifying goods valued at or below $800. It allows simplified electronic documentation via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), often eliminating the need for a formal entry process — saving time and reducing costs for eligible de minimis shipments.
What happens with "split shipments"?
CBP actively looks for split shipments (also known as "smurfing") — shipments intentionally broken apart from a single order to stay below the $800 threshold. If CBP deems shipments intentionally split, they will consolidate the total value and charge full duties. Section 321 specifically states the privilege "shall not be granted in any case in which merchandise covered by a single order or contract is forwarded in separate lots."
Is Section 321 still available for China / Hong Kong shipments?
No. The U.S. suspended the de minimis exemption for China and Hong Kong effective May 2, 2025. Mail shipments from China/HK are now subject to duty — initially set at 30%, raised to 120%, and then lowered to 54% effective May 14, 2025 via executive order.
This closure sent shockwaves through e-commerce. Retailers that relied on de minimis entries to bypass duties now face significant new compliance and cost challenges.
Has de minimis ended for ALL countries?
Effective August 29, 2025, an Executive Order suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments (valued at or under $800) from all countries. These shipments are no longer eligible for duty-free treatment and are subject to:
- All relevant admissibility requirements
- Assessment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees
- Formal entry filing in ACE by a qualified party
Are there any remaining exemptions after August 29, 2025?
Yes — duty-free de minimis treatment still applies to:
- Goods covered under 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b) such as certain donations and informational materials
- Bona fide gifts — articles genuinely given outright without compensation (not including bonus or promotional items)
- Mail flats, documents, and letters that do not contain merchandise
What does formal entry now require for previously de minimis shipments?
Every shipment now requires:
- Commercial invoice with full valuation
- Packing list
- Accurate HTS classification
- Payment of duties, taxes, and brokerage fees
- Formal ACE entry filing by a licensed customs broker or importer of record
How can importers lower costs now that de minimis is gone?
- Consolidate shipments — combine orders to spread brokerage costs across larger volumes.
- First Sale Rule — duties assessed on the original manufacturer price, not the final retail price.
- HTS classification review — ensure products use the most favorable duty rate available.
- Country of origin optimization — reassess supply chains to source from duty-favorable countries.
- Digital-first brokers — automate ACE filings and get real-time tariff updates to reduce overhead.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
| Pitfall | Risk |
|---|---|
| Split shipments / smurfing | CBP consolidates value → full duties charged |
| Wrong HTS code | Can void de minimis shield entirely |
| FDA goods without product code | Shipment held or rejected at border |
| Undervaluation | CBP audits + penalties post Aug 2025 |
| Routing Chinese goods via 3rd countries | Must document substantial transformation — transshipment violations risk |
⚠️ Bottom Line
The $800 de minimis era is effectively over.
All importers — especially e-commerce sellers — must transition to formal entry processes, invest in accurate HTS classification, and work with a licensed customs broker to stay compliant and protect margins.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within one business day.
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