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Regulations and Compliance for Storing Goods in a Customs Warehouse

A customs broker in a yellow hazard vest in a customs warehouse taking notes on a laptop.

When importing goods into the United States, businesses must follow strict regulations to ensure compliance with customs laws. One key aspect of this process is the use of a customs warehouse, which provides a secure location to store goods before they are cleared for distribution. Understanding the rules and compliance requirements for storing goods in an El Paso customs warehouse is essential for businesses looking to optimize their import process while avoiding costly penalties. 

If you need expert assistance with customs brokerage services, call Cordova Brokerage International Inc. at (915) 595-8774.

What is a Customs Warehouse?

A customs warehouse is a secure facility where imported goods can be stored without paying duties or taxes until they are either sold domestically or exported. This allows businesses to manage their inventory efficiently while deferring tax payments, making it an attractive option for many importers. However, using a customs warehouse comes with strict regulations that must be followed to remain compliant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.

Regulations for Storing Goods in a Customs Warehouse

To ensure compliance, businesses must adhere to several key regulations when storing goods in a customs warehouse:

Proper Documentation

All goods stored in a customs warehouse must be properly documented. This includes:

  • A detailed inventory list
  • Import entry paperwork
  • Certificates of origin
  • Customs bonds (if required)

Accurate record-keeping is critical to avoid delays and penalties. Failure to provide the correct documentation may result in fines or confiscation of goods.

Time Limits on Storage

Goods stored in a customs warehouse are subject to time limits set by CBP. In most cases, goods can remain in the warehouse for up to five years without duties or taxes being applied. However, after this period, businesses must either:

  • Pay duties and taxes to release the goods into the U.S. market
  • Re-export the goods
  • Destroy the goods under customs supervision

Restricted and Prohibited Goods

Certain items cannot be stored in a customs warehouse due to safety and legal concerns. These include:

  • Illegal substances
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Perishable items that may deteriorate over time
  • Hazardous materials without proper authorization

It is crucial to verify whether your goods meet the criteria for storage before utilizing a customs warehouse.

Security and Compliance Checks

CBP conducts regular inspections of customs warehouses to ensure compliance. Warehouse operators must maintain strict security measures, including:

  • Surveillance systems
  • Restricted access controls
  • Detailed records of all inbound and outbound shipments

Failure to meet security requirements may result in warehouse suspension or revocation of CBP approval.

Benefits of Using a Customs Warehouse

Using a customs warehouse offers several advantages for businesses involved in international trade:

Deferred Duty Payments

Businesses can store goods without immediately paying duties, allowing for better cash flow management.

Improved Inventory Control

A customs warehouse in El Paso provides a secure and organized space to manage inventory, reducing the risk of loss or damage.

Opportunity for Re-Exportation

If goods are not needed in the U.S. market, they can be re-exported without incurring duties, making international trade more flexible.

Compliance with Trade Agreements

By utilizing a customs warehouse, businesses can take advantage of trade programs and agreements that reduce tariffs and import costs.

How to Stay Compliant with Customs Warehouse Regulations

To avoid legal issues and fines, businesses should implement the following best practices:

Work with an Experienced Customs Broker

A knowledgeable customs broker can help navigate complex regulations and ensure compliance.

Maintain Accurate Records

Keeping detailed and up-to-date records of all transactions and inventory movements is essential for compliance.

Conduct Internal Audits

Regularly reviewing warehouse procedures can help identify potential compliance risks before they become major problems.

Stay Informed About Regulation Changes

Customs regulations frequently change, so it is important to stay updated on new requirements that may impact storage practices.

Customs Warehouse in El Paso

Storing goods in a customs warehouse is a strategic way to manage inventory and defer tax payments, but it comes with strict regulations that must be followed. By understanding and adhering to compliance requirements, businesses can avoid fines and maximize the benefits of warehouse storage. For expert guidance on customs brokerage and warehouse compliance, contact Cordova Brokerage International Inc. at (915) 595-8774. Our team is ready to help you streamline your import process and ensure full compliance with U.S. customs laws.

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Top Mistakes Importers Make and How Customs Brokers Can Help

A customs broker in a white hard hat taking notes on a tablet in El Paso.

Are you the owner of an importing company and have come into a few issues while transporting goods across borders? Here, we will discuss common mistakes importers run into and how a customs broker can help avoid them. 

At Cordova Brokerage International, located in El Paso, TX, our experienced customs brokers can help make importing and exporting goods easier for you. We are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized services and can guarantee quality work. For more information, call us at (915) 595-8774 or contact us online today.

What to Avoid

If you’re new to the business of importing, then it’s not uncommon for you to make a few mistakes along the way. However, those mistakes could get you into trouble, cause a delay in shipping, and create unhappy customers. Hiring an El Paso customs broker can help you avoid these mistakes. Read below for a list of common errors a customs broker can help you avoid. 

  • Forgetting a Compliant Commercial Invoice- Without a proper invoice, the goods will not receive a stamp of approval for passage. Some invoice requirements are as follows: invoice must be in English, names of the buyers/sellers, what currency is being used, and the weights/quantities. 
  • Not Having Incoterms- These are the internationally accepted rules for most commercial terms. Proper incoterms must be assigned to your products to ensure the proper definitions of the goods. 
  • No COO (Country of Origin)- You must always include where your products are coming from. A customs broker will make sure your products are properly labeled before reaching customs. 
  • Lack of Details- In addition to the COO, you must also have where the products were manufactured, what is the quantity, and what is the product made out of. Our customs brokers will deal with all the details of importing so you won’t have to worry about missing something.  
  • Not Having Correct Rate- Imports typically have either a tax or tariff rate you have to pay for imports. A customs broker in El Paso will make sure you’re using the correct rate. 
  • Incomplete Paperwork- Some required paperwork includes an arrival notice, a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a packing list. 

Customs Broker in El Paso

Cordova Brokerage International, a customs broker located in El Paso, TX, offers unparalleled assistance when it comes to the importing and exporting of goods. Our services can be customized to adhere to specific company requirements and regulations. If you’re interested in working with us, call (915) 595-8774 today for more information.

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Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder for Your Business: Key Considerations

Packaged cargo in front of an airplane in El Paso.

As a business, you want to choose a company that will handle your products and goods with care. This is why it is essential to choose the right freight forwarding business. 

At Cordova Brokerage, located in El Paso, we offer international freight forwarding to provide the utmost convenience to our clients. We take into consideration the type of product you’re transporting as well as the best routes that meet your preferences. If you’re interested in hearing more about our services, give us a call at (915) 595-8774 or contact us online today!

Making the Right Decision

When transporting your products across international borders, it’s ideal that you utilize freight forwarding professionals. There is nothing wrong with handling the specifics yourself, but understand that this is a very complex process. Read below for a list of tips on how to choose the right freight forwarding company. 

  • What shipping requirements do you need?
    • Depending on what kind of goods you need transported will depend on how you want them to be transported. This could be either air, water, or if within North America, by truck. 
  • See who are experts on your shipping route.
    • A freight forwarder needs to be familiar with your geographic needs. Be sure to ask them if they have strong connections in the pick-up and destination areas. 
  • Get a detailed freight forwarding quote.
    • Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs of working with them. A few things that go into the final cost are the types of goods, the weight or volume, and the mode of transportation. 
  • What services does the freight forwarder provide?
    • All El Paso freight forwarding companies offer the standard services of transportation, delivery, and distribution. However, if your products require special treatment, be sure to ask the company if they can accommodate the service you require.
  • What is their reputation?
    • Much like checking the reviews for any business, make sure you check what kind of reputation they have. How satisfied were their clients? Did they have any issues during transport? If so, how was it resolved?
  • Make sure to compare multiple freight forwarders. 
    • After gathering service options, reviews, and quotes, the next thing to do is compare the freight forwarding companies with your needs. 

Freight Forwarding in El Paso

If you need a freight forwarding company to transport your products, look no further at Cordova Brokerage. We have served the El Paso area for over 20 years and are dedicated to providing personalized service. For more information, call (915) 595-8774!

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What to Look For in a Customs Broker

A customs broker shaking hands with another person in El Paso.

Are you looking to import or export products but aren’t sure about the requirements that go along with the process? We are here to explain a few things to consider when looking for an El Paso customs broker. 

At Cordova Brokerage International Inc. in El Paso, we are a dedicated customs broker that helps provide importers and exporters with effective and personalized services. If you’re interested in our services, call us at (915) 595-8774 or fill out our contact us online today!

Things to Consider

A customs broker is a person or organization that acts as a go-between for businesses in handling customs formalities for importing and exporting goods. An El Paso customs broker will help you understand certain requirements for importing and exporting, get the necessary clearances, and will submit the paperwork and payments on your behalf. When it comes to hiring a customs broker to handle your goods and products, you want to make sure they are up to your standards in professionalism. Read below for a list of things to look for when researching customs brokers in El Paso. 

 

  • Their Capabilities Match Your Expectations- In handling goods, you want a customs broker that will be in constant communication with you. They also need to have the appropriate technology to support their products the way you need them to be handled. Great customer service should also be a must. 

 

  • They’re Experienced With Your Type of Industry- Each industry has certain regulations when it comes to cross-border shipping. When you choose an El Paso customs broker that is industry-focused, you can trust that they keep up with any change in policies or regulations. Be sure to ask them about their experience in the industry and if they can manage your shipment volumes. 

 

  • Make Sure Their Offices Are in Line With Your Ports- If your shipment has to go through multiple ports, then this factor is especially important. The customs broker should have an office in or near the ports you ship through. It’s also best to make sure they offer 24/7 service since products don’t stop moving when we sleep. 

 

  • They Have a Good Reputation and Are Licensed- A customs broker that has strong relationships with location authorities can potentially allow for an easier border crossing. Going with a customs broker that is licensed and registered is also very important. See Cordova Brokerage’s full list of certifications here. 

 

  • Single Carrier Relationship or LTL- If you want to save time and potentially money, using an LTL customs broker gives you a single point of contact, one invoice, and an expert resource for cross-border paperwork.

 

El Paso Customs Broker

Cordova Brokerage has a great working relationship with many shipment agencies. If you’re looking for a customs broker in El Paso that delivers quality service, you’ve come to the right place. We have extensive experience in this industry with a variety of different services. When you choose us, you’re choosing a reliable team that will make your trading simple and stress-free. 

To hear more about our services, call (915) 595-8774 or fill out our contact us online today.