How to Set Up a Customs Broker Account

Are you seeking the assistance of a Licensed Customs Broker to help you import goods safely and quickly? Learn what you need to know to set up a Customs Broker account today.

Fill Out a General Account Application

The General Account Application informs Customs Brokers about your basic personal information, which includes:

• Name of your company and address
• Social security number and Federal Tax ID
• Company type
• State of incorporation
• Accounts payable contact information

Complete a General Account Questionnaire

To serve you better as an importer, Customs Brokers typically have you fill out a General Account Questionnaire.

This questionnaire wants to know if your import business is related to its foreign shippers and sellers. You must disclose any relationships with foreign shippers or sellers if you:

• Are related to them
• An officer or director of the organization
• Business partners
• Have a controlling interest

You must also disclose if you are furnishing any assets to the import manufacturer, if you are making any additions or adjustments to the invoice used to make import entry and if there are any commissions being paid to a buying or selling agent.

Make an Account Profile

Customs Brokers require new import clients to complete an Account Profile that lists your contact information, billing information and the type of payment terms requested. This profile also requires shipper verification and customer shipment, billing and rate information.

Sign a Customs Power Of Attorney Document

Customs brokerage firms require clients to sign a Customs Power of Attorney document that allows a customs broker to:

• Make endorsements on bills of lading
• Sign, seal and deliver for and act as the grantor for any bond required by law
• Sign and swear to any document and perform acts necessary to import goods
• Act as an authorized agent for exports
• Make transactions for importing and exporting at any port

Fill Out an Importer Security Filing Form

The Importer Security Filing Form, known as a 10+2 filing, is crucial information for the clearance process of your imports. It includes manufacturer/supplier information, the seller and buyer name and address and port loading and discharge information. You must also disclose your ISF filing number, the country of origin of your goods and a detailed description of your goods.

Find Out Data Elements for ISF 10+2 Filings

The 10+2 ISF filing requires importers or their agents and vessels to file data electronically with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for all in-bound vessel import shipments. Find out what data elements are required on ISF 10+2 filings.

Put Together Importing Resources Paperwork

The following import resources must be put together by an importer or a Customs Broker:

• A commercial invoice that lists the purchase price, country of origin and HTS tariff classification
• A packing list detailing your imports
• A bill of lading that lists goods in the form of a receipt
• An arrival notice from the U.S. agent

Set Up a Customs Broker Account

Setting up a Customs Broker account ensures your import paperwork is filed properly and the details are handled brokers trained to navigate the import customs clearance process. Customs Brokers can help your imports arrive on time and handle all of the detailed paperwork for you to avoid import clearance issues.