Blog Posts

Finding the right customs broker is like hiring anyone else to work for your company: you need to ask the right questions to make sure you're teaming up with the right person. 

 

There are many customs brokerages willing to work for you. It's up to you to identify the one that will be the best fit – who will work as your partner to understand your business and meet your needs.

 

Incoterms (full name: international commercial terms) are standard sets of terms and conditions designed to assist traders when goods are sold and transported. Published by the International Chamber of Commerce, they are intended to clearly communicate the costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods. The Incoterms rules are used by buyers and sellers worldwide for the interpretation of the most commonly used terms in international trade.

 

Importer Self-Assessment is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that offers qualified U.S. importers exemptions from certain security inspections and comprehensive audits, as well as expedited cargo release services.

 

Started in 2002, the ISA program is based on the premise that importers with strong internal controls achieve the highest level of compliance with Customs laws and regulations. The ISA program provides a means to recognize and support such importers, while allowing U.S. Customs to direct their efforts to high-risk and unknown importers.

 

The Canadian government regulates the import of all wooden products and wood-containing products into Canada. And, because these items can carry and introduce harmful pests, their import is tightly controlled.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) works closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to prevent the introduction of invasive pests to Canada.