Industry Insights

What Is A Customs House Brokerage?

What Is Customs House Brokerage?

A customs house broker (CHB) is a licensed intermediary who handles all the paperwork, regulatory compliance, and interactions with government agencies for importing and exporting goods across borders.

When you use DNLogistic’s customs brokerage service, we manage import/export documentation, duty classification, bond filings, and regulatory agency releases so your shipments move smoothly.

Quick Answer: A CHB ensures your international shipments clear customs legally and efficiently by managing documentation, duties, and compliance.

How Does Customs Brokerage Work with DNLogistic?

DNLogistic’s customs brokerage service follows a standard process to ensure smooth international freight movement:

  1. Document Preparation & Review
    • Commercial invoices, packing lists, Certificates of Origin
    • HS / HTS classification, ECCN (if export-controlled)
    • Regulatory permits (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
  2. Customs Entry & Filing
    • Electronic import or export entries filed via ACE / other systems
    • Bonding (single-entry or continuous)
    • Advanced customs manifest submission
  3. Duties, Taxes & Fees Calculation
    • Tariff rate determination
    • Duty drawback opportunities
    • Payment of customs fees
  4. Coordination with Partner Agencies
    • FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, Fish & Wildlife, etc.
    • Multi-agency releases and inspections
  5. Compliance Monitoring & Post Entry
    • Reconciliation, audits, recordkeeping
    • Binding rulings and pre-clearance options
  6. Release & Delivery
    • Once cleared, cargo is released and moves to final delivery or bonded facility

Quick Answer: DNLogistic handles documentation, bonds, customs filings, multi-agency coordination, and post-entry compliance so your cargo clears without delays.

Why Is Customs Brokerage Important for Importers & Exporters?

Without a reliable customs broker, shipments can face delays, fines, or even seizure.

  • Complex Regulations: Import/export laws vary by product, country, and regulatory agency.
  • Cost Risk: Misclassifying goods can lead to higher duty or penalties.
  • Delays: Incorrect or missing documents often cause hold-ups at customs.
  • Multi-Agency Release: Many goods require approvals from multiple agencies (FDA, USDA, etc.), not just customs.

Quick Answer: A skilled customs broker protects revenue, ensures legal compliance, and avoids delays and fines.

What Services Does DNLogistic Offer in Customs Brokerage?

From small shipments to large projects, DNLogistic covers end-to-end brokerage needs:

  • Import Clearance & Export Compliance
  • Binding Rulings — secure classification certainty from U.S. Customs
  • Customs Bonds — single-entry and continuous bond services
  • Duty Drawback Programs — recover duties on exported goods
  • ECCN Classification for controlled exports
  • Remote Location Filing (RLF) — file entries from non-major ports
  • T&E / I.E. / I.T. Services (Transport & Exportation, Immediate Export, Immediate Transport)
  • HTS Classification and tariff rate management
  • Pre-Clearance & Electronic Entry Release to speed customs release
  • Multi-Agency Coordination (FDA, USDA, DOT, etc.)
  • Reconciliations & Audits to keep your compliance airtight

Quick Answer: DNLogistic’s CHB offers full-spectrum services — bonds, classification, multi-agency compliance, drawback, audits, and more — for importers and exporters.

Common Customs Brokerage Challenges & How We Mitigate Them

Table of customs brokerage challenges and DNLogistic mitigation approaches
Challenge Solution (DNLogistic Approach)
Tariff classification disputes Binding rulings and experienced classification team
Multiple agency delays Coordinated multi-agency release planning
Missing documentation Proactive document checklists and importer education
Remote or less common ports Remote Location Filing (RLF) support
High-value or controlled goods ECCN, bonded transport, and audit-ready paperwork

Quick Answer: DNLogistic anticipates classification, documentation, and multi-agency challenges — and mitigates them through expertise, bonds, and process rigor.

Case Study: Import Clearance for Specialized Machinery

A manufacturer in Asia shipped specialized industrial machines to a U.S. distribution center. The machines were heavy, multi-component, and included parts regulated under export control.

Challenges:

  • ECCN classification was required
  • Complex multi-agency approvals (e.g., environmental, emissions)
  • Duty drawback opportunity for future export

Solution (DNLogistic):

  • Secured binding ruling and ECCN classification
  • Filed all documentation and permits
  • Executed bonded transport
  • Managed duty drawback to recover costs

Results:

  • Customs clearance in under 24 hours
  • Reduced duty exposure via correct classification
  • Client recovered 15% of duty costs via drawback

Quick Answer: DNLogistic cleared complex machinery imports with ECCN, multi-agency compliance, and duty recovery — all within 24 hours.

Why Choose DNLogistic for Customs House Brokerage

Selecting a broker is as critical as your carriers. Partner with DNLogistic because:

  • We integrate brokerage with logistics (single provider)
  • 20+ years in freight operations + customs compliance
  • 99.9% document accuracy and clearance precision
  • Full coverage across regulated goods and trade lanes
  • Real-time visibility and audit-ready reporting

Quick Answer: DNLogistic’s combined logistics + customs expertise ensures fast, compliant, and transparent brokerage for your trade needs.

Conclusion Simplifying Customs So You Focus on Business

Navigating import/export laws is complex, but your compliance shouldn’t be. With DNLogistic’s customs house brokerage, your goods cross borders efficiently, legally, and with confidence — no surprises, no delays.

Delivering Results - Globally

SEA

DAL

NYC

CAN