Part 3: The Moment of Truth
A 4-Part Guide Brought to You by Stile Associates
Ensure Compliance, Avoid Delays, and Streamline the Import Process with Stile’s Expertise
Customs Clearance & Duty Payments. Where Things Can Go Wrong… or Go Right with Stile Associates
Welcome to Part 3 of our blog series on importing into the U.S.
In Part 1, we helped you map out your import plan. In Part 2, we showed you how to get your documents, bonds, and filings ready. Now comes the moment importers often fear the most, Customs clearance.
If you’ve ever heard horror stories about containers stuck at port, surprise duties, or unexpected inspections, this is where it all happens. But with the right partner (😁ahem… Stile Associates), you can breeze through the process.
Let’s break it down.
1. What Is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of:
- Submitting all required entry documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Paying applicable duties and taxes
- Getting the shipment legally released for delivery in the U.S.
It starts before your goods arrive and ends when CBP gives the green light to release them.
Stile Advantage: We file all entries electronically and monitor your shipment’s status in real time. No guesswork, no surprises.
2. Required Customs Entry Documents
To get clearance, the following are submitted to CBP:
- Customs Entry (CBP Form 3461). Notification of arrival and intent to import
- Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501). Final calculation of duties and taxes owed
- Commercial Invoice. With full product detail and declared value
- Packing List. For inspection purposes
- Bill of Lading. Proof of transport
Stile Advantage: We prepare and submit all forms for you. We also make sure they align perfectly with your documents to avoid rejection or delay.
3. Understanding Duties, Taxes, and Fees
You may owe:
- Import Duty. Based on the product’s HTS code and declared value
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). Typically 0.3464% of value
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). For ocean freight (0.125% of value)
Don’t forget anti-dumping duties, quota tariffs, or Section 301 duties (especially on Chinese goods). These can increase your cost substantially.
Stile Advantage: We calculate your duties in advance so there are no financial surprises. We can also advise on duty-saving programs like:
- Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ)
- Free Trade Agreements
- Drawback (Duty Refunds)
4. What If Your Shipment Is Flagged for Inspection?
CBP may select your shipment for:
- X-ray examination
- Tailgate inspection (visual, without unloading)
- Intensive exam (full unloading and inspection)
- Partner Government Agency (PGA) hold, e.g., FDA, USDA, EPA
Exams can lead to delays of days or even weeks, and fees for storage and handling.
Stile Advantage:
- We monitor for exam flags before arrival
- We communicate directly with exam sites
- We notify you instantly and keep you updated
- We fight unnecessary delays through proper paperwork and pre-clearance strategies
5. When and How You Pay Duties
Once CBP processes the Entry Summary, you must pay duties and fees before release. You can pay:
- Directly via CBP’s system
- Through your customs broker
Stile Advantage: We can act as your billing agent, paying on your behalf and invoicing you later, or setting up ACH payment channels if you’re a high-volume importer.
5. What a Smooth Customs Clearance Looks Like (With Stile)
- All paperwork is filed correctly
- Duties are pre-estimated and funds are ready
- ISF was submitted on time
- Shipment is pre-flagged for any risk
- You get real-time updates every step of the way
- If there’s an exam, we’re already working it
If any of those things go wrong, without a broker like Stile, you’re the one chasing answers.
Summary: What Happens During Customs Clearance
| Task | Common Pitfalls | With Stile Associates |
| Filing customs forms | Errors cause delays | ✅Filed correctly and early |
| Estimating duties | Surprise bills | ✅Pre-calculated with accuracy |
| Handling inspections | Weeks of delay, storage fees | ✅ Proactive monitoring & action |
| Communicating with CBP/Agencies | Confusing & slow | ✅ (We send it) |
| Importer Number (if needed) | Optional | ✅We do it for you |
Import with Confidence
The truth is, Customs clearance isn’t scary. When you have professionals who do it every day.
At Stile Associates, we clear shipments daily from ports in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and more. Our licensed brokers and compliance experts:
- Know the red flags CBP looks for
- File entries with precision
- Track, notify, and resolve issues in real time
- Protect your cash flow and reputation
When you import with us, you’re never in the dark.
Coming Up Next in Part 4:
From Port to Warehouse. Logistics, Delivery, and Final-Mile Solutions
We’ll explore what happens after your goods are cleared, including delivery planning, final-mile logistics, and how Stile ensures the cargo reaches your hands fast.
Ready to Secure Your Supply Chain?
Don’t leave your shipments, or your data to chance.
Contact Stile Associates today to learn how our tech-forward, compliance-driven logistics solutions keep your cargo safe from both delays and digital threats.
www.stileintl.com
info@stileintl.com
NYC | Miami | Los Angeles
Want to experience the personal touch?
Contact us today or visit www.stileintl.com to see how we can streamline your logistics with trust, care, and real expertise.
From New York to Miami to Los Angeles, our offices reflect our coast-to-coast commitment to personal service in global logistics.
At Stile, Logistics Is More Than Freight It’s a Relationship.
If you’re looking for a logistics partner who sees you as more than a shipment number, discover the Stile Associates difference.
Trusted. Proven. Personal.
Choose Stile — Your Smartest Move in Global Trade
Whether you’re shipping across the country or across continents, Stile Associates is the strategic partner that helps you build a smarter, more resilient supply chain.
Since 1968, we’ve been delivering peace of mind and performance. Let’s take your logistics to the next level together.
Visit us at www.stileintl.com
Or contact us at stevenheid@stileintl.com
Stile Associates – Trusted. Proven. Personal.
Stile Real Time Cargo Tracking with Global Visibility.
