Before importing your goods into the country, beware! The U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) has strict compliance regulations and can penalize you for some slip-ups or corner-cutting. Penalties can have a hefty cost and negatively affect your future import processes!Before your international shipment can enter US soil, it must first pass through the US Customs Border Protection Bureau (CBP). Going through custom clearance can be intimidating at first. However, it is a vital and unavoidable process to successfully execute any cross-border trade transactions.
US custom clearance will require you to avail of import clearance before the product can enter the country. To do this, you must prepare the necessary documents and pay the import duties or taxes for it. Two of the most crucial documents you need to submit are an Importer Security Filing (ISF), or commonly called 10+2, and an entry summary.
As this process can be confusing, many people choose to outsource it to a third-party service which can get pricey. However, there are ways to simplify the importing process and do it on your own:
Go paperless
Businesses nowadays embrace full digital transformation in their operations.
There are many benefits to going paperless with your importing process. For one, it makes it easier to store and organize all necessary documentation for your imports. You can do away with filing cabinets and papers. By going digital, you can have all your files on your computers or mobile devices. This lets you save up costs on managing your import papers.
Another perk of an electronic database is you can back up all your files and keep them safe in another system. This can minimize the risks of losing essential documents for availing of import clearance.
Automate where you can
According to a Grant Thornton report, 54% of businesses prioritize their investment on automating their supply chain. This allows them to scale their operations beyond their usual reach. One aspect that can benefit from automation is your import process, such as during customer clearance.
With the right tools, you can seamlessly gather and validate all required data for your inbound shipments. For example, you can use software to notify you of critical timestamps during custom clearance. This includes alerting you of when to file your ISF, how to check ISF filing status, and when to pick up your goods.
Leverage the right software
Choosing the right software for your import management can be overwhelming. There are numerous options to choose from with different features so you must carefully evaluate which one suits your needs.
Consider investing in software like eezyimport. Its services include DIY ISF and entry summary filing. This allows you to go through customs clearance without unnecessary third-party involvement. And since it is DIY, you have full control of your import process. Meanwhile, the platform can help simplify the process and reduce entry summary or ISF filing cost.
Use online communications
Effective communication plays a critical role to ensure your import process goes smoothly. This includes communication with your foreign seller or supplier and the US CBP. Fortunately, using online communication channels can streamline coordination with all the stakeholders involved in the process.
You can even accomplish some of the paperwork such as entry summary and ISF filing online. You simply have to search for certified partners to help you in the process. Software like eezyimport, for one, allows online DIY filing for custom clearance.
Choose reliable partners
Of course, having the best tools can only get you so far. You also need to choose the right people to work with. This includes your supply chain partners, carriers, and the service provider who can assist you during the import process. You must make sure all these stakeholders are reliable and willing to coordinate with you.
Aside from choosing the right partners, you should also hire the right people for the task. Consider working with logistics professionals to help you develop and implement logistic plans for your international shipments. People with this background can help you analyze logistics techniques and oversee the transportation of your goods. So go ahead and check out the average logistic engineer salary.
Importing made easy
Importing goods from other countries means dealing with customs. Unfortunately, this can often be a tedious and costly task for you. After all, who is responsible for filing the ISF or entry summer and any other paperwork? It’s you, the importer.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything on your own. Save up on time and money with every shipment by leveraging technology during your import process. Try out software like eezyimport to help you sail through filings for custom clearance.
