GLC Customs Brokerage

GLC Customs Brokerage

GLC’s Customs Brokerage Division guarantees that your shipments have a literal “safe passage.” Regardless of the commodity, GLC’s fully licensed and qualified brokers will navigate the complex rules and regulations set forth by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency to make certain you are compliant.

At GLC, we believe that your Customs Broker should feel like family. For this reason, our brokerage team emphasizes the customer experience guiding you through each node of the import process. From classification consulting to filing for duty drawback, your company’s best interest is always GLC’s top priority.

Visibility you can trust.

Delayed filings, misclassifications, and late payment of duties are all costly mistakes. That’s why GLC provides visibility you can trust. You will receive ISF Submission Notifications, Customs Entry Processed Notifications, and Release Notifications direct to your inbox through advanced information systems.

Automated daily, weekly, and per entry dimensional reports will provide you with actionable data that will aid in a seamless and compliant import.

Customs Brokerage Services

  • Import Entry Processing
  • Remote Location Filings
  • Importer Security Filings
  • Continuous Bond Management
  • TIB Entry Processing and Management
  • Duty Drawback Entry Filing
  • Establish a Direct ACH with US Customs and Border Protection Agency
  • Periodic Monthly Statements
  • Government Confidentiality Request

FAQ’s About Customs Brokerage

What is an HTS Code?

An HTS code stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule. These codes were developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and are used to classify or define internationally traded goods. These codes are important because they not only determine the tariff/duty rate of the traded product, but they also keep a record of international trade statistics that are used in nearly 200 countries.

What are PGA/OGAs?

The term PGA is used to describe the Federal Agencies that regulate specific commodities imported into the U.S. in conjunction with Customs. Before the designation PGA was established, the term OGA was used to describe these regulatory agencies of the government that assist Customs in evaluating imported goods. Examples of Partner Government Agencies are the Food And Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), etc.

What are the Customs fees and how are they calculated?

Other than duties, the below fees may be due on your shipment. These below charges are based on the commercial value of the shipment and are paid with the duties.

Customs Fees:

Merchandise Processing Fee:
.3464% Commercial Invoice Value
-Minimum: $27.23
-Maximum: $528.33
-Informal Entries only (<USD$2500): $2.14

Harbor Maintenance Fee:
.125% Commercial Invoice Value
-No Minimum or Maximum charge
-Only applicable for ocean freight shipments discharging at a US Port

What is a continuous bond and do I need one?

A bond guarantees to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) that the importer will make good on its payment for the duties and taxes due per shipment. A continuous bond is 10% of duties, taxes, and fees paid for the previous 12 month period. $50K is the minimum amount for a continuous import bond and the bond sizes are based on duties, taxes, and fees. A $50K bond amount is sufficient to cover up to $500K in duties, taxes, and fees. A single entry bond is just that, a bond that is only to cover a single entry. When a PGA is reported (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.) we have to apply triple the invoice value for the single entry bond as the bond amount. Which one is right for your business depends on your company’s importing practices throughout a period of a year.

What is an Importer Security Filing (ISF)?

An Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2,” is a filing required by the CBP that documents importing information and details, as shipments pass from point to point. Importers who do not file the ISF properly prior to the shipment of their goods will be penalized (US$5,000 fine). The ISF must be transmitted at least 24 hours prior to an ocean’s shipments loading on the vessel for departure to the United States.

Have questions about our Customs Brokerage Services?

For more information on our Customs Brokerage services or to obtain a quote please fill out the below form and one of our representatives will be in touch shortly.