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FAQs

Things to Know
 

Consultation:

Please contact our office for a consultation on your brokerage needs. Let us assist you in guidelines BEFORE you start and establish your import/export needs.  The requirements of working successfully with the regulations of US Customs and Border Protection and their related agencies are vast.  Other federal government agencies include but not limited to:
 

  • Agriculture Department (USDA)

  • Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)

  • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

  • Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

  • Transportation Department (DOT)


Each of the Federal agencies listed above will require special documentation/registration from the supplier/consignee as well as special reporting with US Customs and Border Protection. Again, please contact our office BEFORE you plan to import any products into the United States.  We are here to help and provide you with up to date regulations and information governed by the US Customs and Border Protection.  Please visit https://www.cbp.gov
for up to date information on CBP’s rulings and regulations.

 

Please review this key information document to assist you in the understanding of your responsibility as an Importer.

Customs Power of Attorney (POA):

S. Kido and Company, Inc requires a Customs POA to be completed and signed and returned to our office to start the process of clearing cargo through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). An IRS/EIN number or Social Security Number must be associated with this POA.  This Customs POA allows our company to represent the consignee of the cargo as an agent in the process of working directly with CBP.

POA’s must be signed by the following:

  • Corporation – An officer of the Corporation

  • Individual –  The Individual

  • Sole Proprietorship – The Owner / Member

  • Partnership – One of the Principal Partners


Proof of Identity must accompany the POA.
 

  • IRS/EIN Number: Copy of the IRS issued EIN (Employee Identification Number) SS4 document

  • Social Security Number: A copy of the Social Security card AND a copy of a valid current picture ID.

 

S. Kido Power of Attorney Cover Sheet (Download PDF)
S. Kido Customs Power of Attorney Form (Download PDF)
S. Kido Terms & Conditions (Download PDF)

Customs Documents Required For Entry Processing:
 

  1. Bill of lading/Notice of Arrival for OCEAN clearances

  2. Importer Security Filing (ISF) for OCEAN clearances (Download PDF)

  3. Air Way Bill for all AIR clearances

  4. Invoice

  5. Packing List

  6. Supporting documents for specific commodities connected to other Federal government agencies


Transparency At All Times:

The job of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is to facilitate international trade and to also enforce US Federal law and regulations pertaining to the import and export of cargo in and out of the United States.  That said, all consignees are expected to provide clear information and documentation that is both accurate and truthful to the Customs Broker.  Reputable foreign shippers/suppliers are educated and up to date on all CBP and their related agencies on current rulings and regulations and are also aware of all document requirements of cargo entering in to the United States. Documentation that is compliant and transparent will assist with facilitating a smoother transition in clearing your cargo through CBP.

Mandatory Customs Bond:

US Custom and Border Protection (CBP) requires the mandatory filing of a Customs trade bond for all cargo imported into the United States.  This Customs trade bond guarantees and protects CBP of any funds due to their agency should the consignee fail to comply with the demand of a duty payment, duty increases, fines and penalty payments.  This Customs trade bond does not alleviate your debt to US Customs, it simply insures and guarantees CBP that the trade bonding company will guarantee all payment of fees due to CBP in the event of a consignee’s failure to pay.  The bonding company would then proceed to recover all fees and damages directly with the consignee before ultimately having to settle the debt with CBP. These custom trade bonds are issued per shipment with fees that are based on the value plus duty fees.  For clients that may have multiple shipments per year, an application for a yearly trade bond is also available to assist with a discounted yearly bond fee.  S. Kido and Company, Inc. will secure all bonds on your behalf contracting with a reputable trade bonding company.

Importer Security Filing 10+2 (ISF)

All OCEAN shipments require an ISF filing with US Customs and Border Protection(CBP). This is a mandatory filing of information composed of 10 elements of informational data regarding and connected to your OCEAN shipment.  All foreign suppliers must provide ISF information to the consignee as soon as a booking with the shipping line has been confirmed.  The ISF information advises CBP electronically in advance with in-bound cargo information entering in to the United States.  This process allows CBP to ensure the safety of all US ports by recognizing any problematic suppliers and/or commodities.

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