Import & Customs Blog
Expert guides written by licensed customs brokers. Everything importers need to know about US customs.
What is a PAPS number, and how do I get one today?
A PAPS number links a truck's ACE eManifest to the U.S. customs entry. Who issues it, what it looks like, the 1-hour deadline, and how to get one today.
Read articlePAPS vs PARS: which number do you need at the border?
PAPS is for trucks into the United States, PARS is for trucks into Canada. Who files each one, the manifest system behind it, and the time limits.
Read articleBring a car from Canada to the U.S.: auction cars, PAPS and customs
How to bring a car bought in Canada into the U.S. by road: the PAPS and entry, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, duty by country of origin, and the bond.
Read articleTurned back at the U.S. border with no PAPS? What to do next
CBP sent your truck back because it had no PAPS or no customs entry. The steps to cross the same day: eManifest, customs entry, bond and timing.
Read articleSection 232 duties on drones: what importers pay from September 3, 2026
Drones and drone parts now pay Section 232 duties of 10% to 100% under 9903.08.20 to 9903.08.26. Which drones pay what, the country rates and the 2027 change.
Read articleSection 301 exclusions end on November 9, 2026: what importers of Chinese goods should do
The 178 Section 301 China exclusions under 9903.88.69 and 9903.88.70 end on November 9, 2026. Which date counts, the duty after, and PSC refunds.
Read articleKei cars and other small cars pay 15% duty at any age
Kei cars, the small-engine classic Mini, the Fiat 500 and the 2CV have engines of 1,000 cc or less. They are on the Section 232 steel list: 15% at any age.
Read articleHow to answer a CBP Form 28 request for information
A CBP Form 28 asks for documents, answers or samples about one entry. What it asks, the 30-day response time, what to send, common mistakes and what comes next.
Read articleHow one wrong Section 232 heading cost $7,475 a container
One wrong Section 232 heading on every line cost an importer of steel auto parts $7,475 a container. How it happened and how a PSC or a protest recovers it.
Read articleFDA food facility registration renewal: October 1 to December 31, 2026
Renew your FDA food facility registration from October 1 to December 31, 2026. Who must renew, the DUNS and U.S. agent checks, and what happens if you miss it.
Read articlePrescription Mail to U.S. Patients After October 22, 2026
For foreign pharmacies: formal entry or entry type 13, the importer of record, FDA data, Section 232 duty and the risks.
Read articleWhat Changes for Mail on October 22, 2026
PGA and chapter 98/99 mail of $2,500 or less needs formal entry or entry type 13. Who is affected and what to do now.
Read articleWhat a Mail Entry Costs
Duty, chapter 99 duties, MPF on formal entries, the bond and the broker fee, with a real formal entry example.
Read articleWhat is a Customs Broker?
A complete guide to what customs brokers do, why you need one, and how to choose the right one for your imports.
Read articleHow to Import Goods into the US
Step-by-step walkthrough from obtaining an importer number to cargo release and delivery.
Read articleHTS Code Lookup Guide
How to find and understand Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes. Why classification matters and when to get help.
Read articleCustoms Bond Explained
Continuous vs. single entry bonds, bond amounts, cost, claims, and when a customs bond is mandatory.
Read articleISF Filing: Requirements, Deadline and Penalties
The Importer Security Filing (10+2): the 24-hour deadline, the 10 data elements, ISF-5, bonds, updates and $5,000 liquidated damages.
Read articleSection 301 & Tariff Stacking
Understanding Section 301, tariff stacking, the end of the reciprocal tariffs, and strategies to minimize cost impact.
Read articleFDA prior notice for imported food
Deadlines by road, rail, air, sea and mail, who can file, the PN confirmation number and what happens when prior notice is missing.
Read articleHow to Import a Car into the USA
EPA, DOT, and NHTSA requirements. Classic car exemptions, duty rates, and required documentation.
Read articleDuty Drawback: How It Works and How to File
Types of drawback, the 99% refund and its limits, the 5-year rule, filing in ACE, and drawback of Section 232, 301 and IEEPA duties.
Read articleDemurrage & Detention: Avoid Extra Charges
What causes demurrage and detention, what they cost, and proven strategies to avoid them.
Read articlePower of Attorney for Customs
What a customs POA covers, who signs it, how long it lasts, and electronic vs. paper options.
Read articleAD/CVD Duties: What Importers Need to Know
Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties explained. Affected products, liquidation risk, and evasion penalties.
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