Customs house brokerage: U.S. Customs clearance handled in-house
UWL is a licensed U.S. customs broker holding a National Customs House Brokerage License. Its in-house compliance specialists handle tariff classification, entries, customs bonds, ISF (10+2) filing and duty payment, and design compliance strategies that simplify U.S. import and export requirements.
Experienced, licensed customs house brokerage
The laws and regulations governing the import and export of goods change constantly, and the details have to be exactly right for a business to be compliant. That is why most companies work with a licensed customs house broker.
Customs house brokers are licensed and regulated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and act as the point of contact between your company and U.S. Customs — a resource and adviser on the technical elements of your import and export operations, including preparing and filing documentation.
Equipped with a National Customs House Brokerage License and a team of in-house customs compliance specialists, UWL helps businesses navigate those requirements. Our brokers work with you to design compliance strategies that simplify the valuation process.
We also have capabilities that allow for seamless integration with customs brokerage on both sides of the border, which streamlines the wider supply chain rather than just the clearance step.
From classification through to duty payment
Compliance assessment and consulting at one end, freight and duty payment at the other, with the filings in between.
Compliance assessment
Assessment and consulting on your current import programme.
Tariff classification
Correct classification up front, where the cost is decided.
Bonds
Single transaction and continuous bonds arranged.
Importer self-assessment
ISA support for companies running their own programme.
ISF (10+2) filing
Consulting and filing service for importer security filing.
TSA certification & ACH
TSA certification and ACH duty payment set-up.
C-TPAT
UWL is C-TPAT certified, and can support your own application.
Freight & duty payment
Payment services so the release is not held on an invoice.
Supply chain visibility
Entry status alongside the freight milestones in WorldScope.
Frequently asked questions
What does a customs broker do?
A customs broker is licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to act for importers and exporters with CBP. The broker prepares and files entries, classifies goods, calculates and pays duties, arranges bonds and advises on compliance. Most companies use a licensed broker because import rules are complex and change often.
Is UWL a licensed customs broker?
Yes. UWL holds a National Customs House Brokerage License and has a team of in-house customs compliance specialists, not an outsourced desk. UWL is also C-TPAT certified and a member of the NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America).
What customs brokerage services does UWL provide?
UWL handles compliance assessment and consulting, tariff classification, single-transaction and continuous customs bonds, importer self-assessment (ISA) support, ISF (10+2) filing, TSA certification and ACH duty payment set-up, C-TPAT support, and freight and duty payment. Entry status is visible in WorldScope next to the freight milestones.
What is ISF (10+2) and who files it?
The Importer Security Filing, known as ISF or "10+2", is a filing CBP requires for ocean shipments to the United States. It must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel at the foreign port. UWL's brokerage team provides ISF consulting and filing for importers.
What is the difference between a single-transaction and a continuous customs bond?
A single-transaction bond covers one entry. A continuous bond covers all of an importer's entries for a year, which usually makes it the better choice for regular importers. UWL arranges both types and can advise which suits your import volume.
Can UWL help my company with C-TPAT?
Yes. UWL is C-TPAT certified and can support your company's own C-TPAT application. C-TPAT is CBP's voluntary supply-chain security program. Certified partners can benefit from fewer inspections and faster processing at the border.
Do I have to ship my freight with UWL to use its customs brokerage services?
Brokerage that sits next to the freight, not apart from it
Because we are also the NVOCC on most of the files we clear, the entry is prepared against documents we already hold. That removes a hand-off, and it means a discrepancy surfaces while there is still time to fix it rather than at the terminal.
Release, delivery and receipt planned together
Clearance is only useful if the truck is there when the box is released. Our drayage and warehouse teams work from the same file, so the delivery appointment and the entry are sequenced instead of chased.
UWL holds a National Customs House Brokerage License and is a full-service licensed NVOCC, Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI), licensed and bonded freight forwarder, C-TPAT certified, and a member of the NCBFAA.
Questions about clearance or compliance?
Call 440-356-5353 or send the form and one of our licensed brokers will get back to you.
UWL does not handle shipments of personal effects for private individuals. As a C-TPAT certified company, UWL is prohibited from doing business with truck brokers per C-TPAT regulations.
Request a quote
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