What Is an Authorized Economic Operator?

I sometimes get calls from exporters who have been asked by their international customers for their…

Import Compliance: The True Cost of Hand Carries

Some companies view hand carries by their employees or contractors as a standard business practice to…

Importing Basics: Country of Origin

Importers, do you know the country of origin of your product? Really? If your product is…

Importer Security Filing (ISF): What Is It and Who’s Responsible for Filing

The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for ocean cargo…

HS Codes, HTS Codes and Schedule B Codes: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between HS codes, HTS codes and Schedule B codes? In casual…

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS): How to Use It

As an exporter, you’re probably familiar with the Harmonized System (HS) and Schedule B codes, but…

Freight Forwarder vs. Customs Broker: What’s the Difference?

Many importers and exporters, especially beginners, assume that freight forwarders and customs brokers are two names…

U.S. Trade Hits Record Levels Amid Supply Chain Woes and Global Uncertainty

2021 could have been known as the year of continued uncertainty. The combination of an ongoing…