Trade Compliance & Advisory
Practical customs advisory for classification, additional duties, post-entry corrections, protests and other issues where the right analysis can materially affect an importer.
When the Question Goes Beyond Entry Processing.
Import compliance questions are often fact-specific. Product construction, use, country of origin, entry timing, tariff provisions and post-entry deadlines can all affect the answer.
Express CHB provides focused customs advisory services when an importer needs analysis beyond routine brokerage. We define the issue, review the available information and explain the practical options and next steps.
Understand the Treatment Before It Becomes a Problem.
HTS Classification
- Product-specific HTS classification review
- Review of product literature, specifications and composition
- Comparison of potentially applicable tariff provisions
- Classification support for new or recurring products
Additional Duty Analysis
- Section 232 and Section 301 applicability
- Applicable Chapter 99 provisions and exclusions
- Special tariff treatment affecting a specific transaction
- Duty-impact review tied to classification and origin
Country of Origin & Marking
- Origin questions affecting customs treatment
- Marking considerations
- Review of available manufacturing facts when origin is uncertain
- Identification of issues requiring more formal legal or agency guidance
Pre-Import Review
- Review before the first shipment arrives
- Identification of customs and PGA information needs
- Duty and classification planning
- Assessment of whether a binding ruling should be considered
The Entry Was Filed. The Analysis May Not Be Over.
New information, classification changes or duty issues sometimes arise after an entry has been filed. The available corrective procedure depends on the entry status, liquidation and applicable deadlines.
Express CHB can review the entry and determine which customs mechanism may be available.
Identify Opportunities. Use the Correct Procedure.
Duty recovery is not simply a matter of finding a lower rate. The entry history, tariff treatment, liquidation status and procedural deadlines must be reviewed together.
We can analyze entries filed by Express CHB or, where sufficient records and authorization are available, entries originally filed through another customs broker.
Depending on the project, work may involve entry-level analysis, PSCs, protests, refund procedures or coordination with the original filing broker. Scope and professional fees are established based on the work required.
When Greater Certainty Is Worth Seeking.
Ruling Strategy
For recurring products or significant classification questions, a CBP binding ruling may provide greater certainty for future importations. We can help assess whether a ruling request is appropriate and organize the product facts and classification analysis needed for submission.
Timing Matters
A ruling strategy should be considered in the context of current entries, future imports and any pending post-entry action. The best sequence depends on the specific facts and procedural posture.
A Defined Scope for Substantive Advisory Work.
1. Identify the Question
We clarify the product, entry or compliance issue that needs to be resolved.
2. Gather the Facts
Commercial documents, technical specifications, entry data and other relevant records are reviewed.
3. Define the Engagement
Where substantive research is required, scope and professional fees are discussed before proceeding.
4. Provide a Practical Path
We explain the analysis, available options and recommended next procedural step.
Have a Classification, Tariff or Post-Entry Question?
Send us the basic facts and supporting information. We'll determine the appropriate scope and next step.