The world today is swept by a wave of globalization that has affected various sectors of different economies. It has facilitated an easy exchange of ideas, innovation and technology among various countries, making them capitalize on each other’s strengths. Globalization has also been given a green signal, as it was opened up channels for dialogue between countries over long standing disputes. Nevertheless, one of the most important effects of globalization is the boost it gave to international trade. If one compares then, import trade has especially become more financially rewarding than it was prior to globalization. This being said, in order to shield their economies from any unethical or illicit insurgencies, many countries impose customs barriers so that they could allow only the right kind of imports in their country. In U.S.A., these custom barriers are especially stringent and importers have a tough time in getting a clearance for their imported goods in this country. Thus, it is advisable that people go for customs brokerage services, so that they easily get their imports cleared at the customs office. In these brokerage services, custom brokers complete all formalities at the customs office in exchange for a small commission.
- Imported products are usually not cleared by Customs if they are not compliant with the rules and regulations set by the authorities. In order to get the shipment, importers may have to face certain penalties like delay in shipments due to extensive examination by the customs officials, penalties or fines for not complying with rules set by the government, losses regarding any import privileges, permanent seizure of the imported good and additional costs for getting the goods reworked or remarked, in order to be allowed inside the US. Here, cargo import brokers Houston, can be especially useful in fulfilling all the formalities in the right way. Also, these brokers are well versed with working of the customs office, so they can get any remedy measures done in the quickest manner.
- In case people do not know, they do require a license to be eligible to import goods from US. For importers, importing goods for commercial purposes whose value exceeds $2000 or in case of textiles, exceeds $250, then they must hold a Customs Bond in order to ensure that all the dues that they owe to the federal government are paid. Those people who have hired customs brokers in Houston can use their broker’s bond as well. Another important document for importers is the ATA Carnet. It is a Customs document meant for international coverage, for importing specified goods, without having to fulfill the usual formalities at the Customs office for clearance of goods. The main advantage of this document that importers are exempted from paying any value added taxes on the goods imported by them. The US allows for import of goods through ATA Carnet on a temporary basis, and that too for a limited number of goods that includes advertising materials, commercial samples and professional equipment by nonresident individuals. People can secure clearance of the ATA Carnet easily with the help of customs brokerage services, which can help them out with the numerous formalities involved. These brokerage services are worth the effort and money spent on hiring them, as they can help importers get clearance from the toughest customs formalities in a relatively easier way.