Getting Started
Power of Attorney for Customs
What it is, why you need it, and how to sign one.
A Customs Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes a licensed customs broker to act on your behalf with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Without a POA, a broker cannot file customs entries, pay duties, or handle any regulatory filings for your imports.
What Does a Customs POA Cover?
A customs POA authorizes your broker to:
- File customs entries and entry summaries with CBP
- Pay duties, taxes, and fees on your behalf
- File ISFs (Importer Security Filings)
- Communicate with CBP and Partner Government Agencies on your behalf
- Obtain customs bonds on your behalf
- Sign documents and make declarations as your agent
Who Signs the POA?
The POA must be signed by an authorized officer of the importing company, typically a corporate officer, partner, or sole proprietor. For corporations, this is usually a president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer. The signer must have authority to bind the company.
How Long Does It Last?
A customs POA remains in effect until revoked in writing. A POA from a corporation or an individual has no expiration date. A POA from a partnership is limited to 2 years from the date it is signed (19 CFR 141.34). You can grant POAs to multiple brokers simultaneously; they don't conflict. If you switch brokers, you don't need to revoke the prior POA (though you may choose to).
Electronic vs. Paper POA
CBP accepts both paper and electronic POAs. Many modern brokerages offer digital POA portals where you can review and sign the document electronically in minutes. Allied CHB offers a streamlined online POA process that collects only the information needed and generates a legally valid POA instantly.
Sign your POA online in minutes
Our digital POA Portal walks you through the process step by step. Ready to import within minutes.