Prior to today\u2019s disruptive innovation, an importer\u2019s only feasible option for Customs clearance was to outsource the transaction to a Customs Broker<\/a>. Importers\u2019 now have direct access to solutions<\/a> enabling them to eliminate the unnecessary intermediary and improve supply chain efficiency, lower costs, and avoid unnecessary Customs penalties. Best of all, it is available in the cloud; track your shipments from any computer with an Internet connection.<\/p>\n 5<\/strong> \u2013 Technology Minimizes Time<\/strong> 4 – You Already Prep & Audit the Filing<\/strong> 3 \u2013 Be First in Line <\/strong> 2 \u2013 Cost Savings<\/strong>
\nFrom a comprehensive parts database, templates for repetitive entries, auto-fill capabilities, manifest visibility, and immediate CBP status updates, the entry management process can now be fully automated. Today\u2019s IT has reduced the time it takes to file: complete an ISF in seconds<\/a>, an entry in minutes.<\/p>\n
\nThe majority of US importers are already providing the essential entry and ISF data to the broker\u2019s agency and completing a post entry audit. In most cases, an employee of the brokerage firm simply reformats the data and pushes a button to send it to CBP. Streamlining the process in-house will improve your productivity and take pressure off your internal resources. An employee of the importer of record does not need Customs broker\u2019s license to direct file.<\/p>\n
\nUnfortunately, competing interests exist inside brokerage firms. Nine times out of ten, \u201cyour\u201d broker will address the needs of the largest importer first, leaving the small- and medium-sized importers on hold. Utilize your expertise in-house; you own the information and have it when you need it.<\/p>\n
\nDirect filing can drastically reduce an importer’s cost to clear their goods. A broker’s bill is sometimes a “laundry list” of random charges and can result in a total entry and ISF\u00a0cost upwards of $225.\u00a0 Filing in-house can cost as little as $20 per entry and $3 per ISF.<\/p>\n