Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding

What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to customs authorities, paying applicable duties and taxes, and obtaining release for import or export. It involves filing entry declarations (ISF, AMS, ENS, B3, FID), providing documents (commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin), paying duty and VAT, and clearing any inspections (CIQ, FDA, agricultural). A licensed customs broker like Dantful handles the entire process on your behalf.

What is ISF-10 filing?

ISF-10 (Importer Security Filing) is required by US CBP for ocean imports, due 24 hours before vessel sailing from the foreign port. It includes 10 data elements from the importer (seller, buyer, importer of record, consignee, manufacturer, country of origin, HS code, ship-to-party) plus 2 from the carrier (vessel name, voyage number). Late or missing ISF filings carry a USD 5,000 penalty per violation from CBP. We file ISF on your behalf with confirmed sailing schedules.

What is the difference between DDP and DDU?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller pays all import duties, taxes and customs clearance fees - buyer receives goods cleared at their door. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) means the buyer pays duties and clears customs on arrival. DDP is recommended for first-time importers, e-commerce sellers, and Amazon FBA shipments because it eliminates surprise fees and customs delays. DDU may suit experienced importers with their own broker and duty deferment.

What is a Certificate of Origin and why do I need it?

A Certificate of Origin (CO) proves the country where goods were manufactured. It is required by customs to determine duty rate, quota eligibility, and anti-dumping applicability. FTA certificates (FORM A GSP, FORM E ASEAN-China, FORM F Chile, RCEP) enable preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements - saving 0 to 100% duty versus the standard MFN rate. Without a valid CO, you pay full duty even if your goods qualify for FTA preference.

How to reduce import duty legally?

Legal duty reduction strategies include: (1) correct HS classification - we classify under 3 alternative codes to find the lowest legal rate; (2) FTA origin preference - using FORM A/E/F/RCEP to claim 0-100% duty savings; (3) duty drawback - refunds on duties paid for goods re-exported; (4) bonded warehouse - duty deferral until goods are sold or re-exported; (5) first-sale valuation - using earlier sale in the supply chain as the customs value. We review each shipment for the lowest legal landed duty.

Schedule B vs HTS code: what's the difference?

HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is used for import into the US — it determines the duty rate. Schedule B is used for export from the US to any country. For China exporters shipping to the US, you need the HTS code (10 digits) on the import side, not Schedule B. China uses the 8-digit China H.S. Code for export declaration, which maps closely to the international 6-digit HS base with 2 extra digits for China-specific tariff lines. Our HS classification team maps China export codes to US HTS (and EU/UK CN codes) to ensure accurate import declarations.

What is CCC certification for China export?

CCC (China Compulsory Certification, 中国强制性产品认证) is required for 17 categories of products manufactured in or imported into China for sale or use. This includes electronics, home appliances, lighting, toys, automotive parts, and safety equipment. For export purposes, CCC is generally not required unless your goods will be sold or used within China. However, if you're shipping goods through a China bonded warehouse or using China domestic logistics before export, CIQ may request CCC documentation. Our team advises on whether CCC is needed for your specific export scenario and handles the certification process if required.

What does ISF filing involve?

To file ISF, we need: factory name and address (manufacturer), US buyer name and EIN, Importer of Record details, consignee, HTS code, port of loading, vessel name and voyage number, bill of lading number, and ship-to address. We collect these 10+2 elements from your invoice and B/L within 2 hours of vessel booking, file ISF-10 electronically with CBP 24+ hours before sailing, and send you a confirmation receipt. The ISF document stays valid for one voyage only. We also file AMS (Automated Manifest System) simultaneously — both ISF and AMS are required for all US ocean imports.