Customs Broker

Yes. A foreign company can act as an importer of record (IOR) for shipments to the U.S. We can set foreign companies up as U.S. IORs provided they meet applicable legal requirements. Note that while a foreign company can act as an IOR, it cannot act as an FSVP importer. Only a U.S. person can act as an FSVP importer. Learn more about our FSVP solutions here.

The FDA product code describes a specific product and contains a combination of five to seven numbers and letters. You must submit an FDA product code for each FDA line item in an entry. The product code you submit with each FDA line item should match the actual product name and/or invoice description of the product. We can assist you in finding the correct FDA product code for your products.

Prior notice is advance notification you send to FDA that food is going to be presented for entry into the United States. You must send prior notice and FDA must confirm the submission no less than:
• 2 hours before arrival, if the food is arriving by land by road;
• 4 hours before arrival, if the food is arriving by land by rail;
• 4 hours before arrival, if the food is arriving by air; and 8 hours before arrival, if the food is arriving by water.

Yes. FDA frequently places holds on entries to get more information about shipments. Inspectors may request additional documentation for shipments, conduct in-person exams, sample and test products, review labels and more. We can assist you in getting FDA holds removed on your shipments.

You will be given the option of exporting or destroying your shipment under FDA and CBP supervision.

CBP often releases shipments before FDA issues a "may proceed" message (i.e. an FDA release) and merchandise is transported away from the port before the FDA release. If FDA determines that a shipment may not be sold in commerce it will notify CBP to issue a notice of redelivery to the port of entry. Failure to return the cargo to the port can result in liquidated damages imposed by CBP of three times the value of the shipment.

ISF stands for "Importer Security Filing." ISFs are required for shipments entering the U.S. via ocean freight. The ISF contains information on the seller, container stuffing location, consolidator, buyer, tariff code and more.