Argents’ history is rooted in customs brokerage and at no time has there been greater importance placed upon the role of the agency in the facilitation of legitimate trade. Argents works with air, sea and land ports of entry as well as multiple Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE’s) to speed merchandise through Customs as well as any of the dozens of participating government agencies exercising jurisdiction over imported goods.
Liz Deaton, Argents’ Director of Import Operations has been with the company since 2003, but her experience in the industry predates that an additional decade. Her knowledge of air and ocean processes as well as the regulations means that Argents’ customers have some who understands both the practical and theoretical, marrying the two to successfully keep cargo moving through supply chains. Her best advice to new companies starting out is to proactively develop and implement a compliance plan – don’t wait for CBP to find it as a deficiency because the time and cost of remediating will eclipse the savings of putting it in place early.
The proper classification and valuation of merchandise is the first and most important step in ensuring an uninterrupted flow of goods from manufacturer to final consignee.
Whether requesting a binding ruling, researching and determining classification using the Explanatory Notes and General Rules of Interpretation or prevailing on a protest, Argents invests the time during client onboarding to ensure compliance and identify risk or exposure from previous transactions.
As an experienced customs broker, Argents is well-versed in the regulations governing valuation at the time of entry and can work with clients to determine transaction or computed value or whether or not there are parties between the buyer and seller adding value that can legitimately be removed to work backwards to a first sale price.
The classification of merchandise requires an engineer’s knowledge of product specifications, a salesperson’s awareness of its end use and a qualified customs broker’s knowledge of potential exposure for marking, antidumping, trade remedy or required PGA release.
Once a classification has been determined, there are limited options to avoid paying the proscribed duties that are due. Whether ad valorem based on value and classification or subject to flat trade remedy percentages, presenting the lowest permitted entered value is an importer’s best tool to keep their landed costs as low as possible.
Customs and Border Protection and dozens of federal agencies have jurisdiction over what can and cannot be entered into the commerce of the United States. Whether for reasons of protecting American agriculture, protecting American consumers or preventing criminal organizations from profiting on forced labor or counterfeit goods, trust Argents to secure the release of your imported goods.
The increasing focus placed on product safety for pandemic medical items and the prevention of imports of products made with forced labor mean that importers increasingly need to work more closely with their customs broker to safely navigate the increasing layers of scrutiny on foreign-made products.
Section 301 duties imposed on exports from China and trade remedy duties on products of European countries and elsewhere mean that typical commercial shipments bound for the United States for warehousing and fulfillment could be subject to significant double-digit duties upon arrival.
A legitimate exception is made for shipments bound for named consumers when shipped to the United States. The de minimis exception of up to $800 per person, per day, is how many online marketplaces and e-Commerce sellers keep their prices low, remain competitive and stave off having their goods copied and private branded by larger competitors.
Section 321 entries are most often utilized when there is a direct sale between a foreign seller and a US buyer. Argents can collect consolidated shipments at origin, present them to Customs upon arrival and then inject them into the final mile delivery provider of the client’s choosing.
A Type 86 entry is identical to a Section 321 entry, but with more data, including a third party seller if one exists. Shipments that require the release of a participating government agency like FDA must be filed as a Type 86, even if below the de minimus value threshold.
In a recent feature, Voice of the Independent dives into the logistics industry’s evolving challenges in an article titled “Riding the Waves of Change in Modern Logistics.” The article includes expert insights from Argents Express’s Tony Chiappetta, who highlights the importance of flexibility and technology in managing today’s complex supply chain landscape. According to Chiappetta,… Read more »
The Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) stringent requirements for children’s products underscore the importance of compliance in the import process. Importers must stay informed about these regulations to avoid disruptions and ensure the safety of imported goods. By understanding and adhering to CPSC standards, importers can handle the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring the seamless entry… Read more »
As the holiday season approaches, eCommerce businesses face their most challenging yet rewarding time. Preparation is key With increased demand, spikes in online traffic, and heightened customer expectations. Retailers must streamline their logistics and fulfillment processes to avoid delays and stock shortages. This is where a reliable logistics partner like Argents Express comes in, offering… Read more »
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has finalized modifications to the tariffs imposed on China following a four-year statutory review of the Section 301 investigation into China’s trade practices regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The modifications largely align with the proposals announced in May 2024 and aim to protect American… Read more »
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) established a strong stance against forced labor by setting a rebuttable presumption that goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or partially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China are made with forced labor. Under Section 307 of the Tariff Act, these goods are prohibited from importation… Read more »
As the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) inches closer to a potential strike, concerns are mounting for businesses that rely on the critical infrastructure of East and Gulf Coast ports. At the center of the dispute is automation—specifically, the introduction of technology to port operations that the ILA fears could displace jobs and disrupt the traditional… Read more »
When importing goods into the United States, businesses face a range of complexities, particularly when understanding and managing import duties. Among the most significant challenges are those associated with Anti-Dumping (AD) and Countervailing Duties (CVD). These duties, which aim to protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition, can result in substantial financial risks for importers…. Read more »
