Frequently Asked Questions

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also called 10+2, is a CBP requirement for all ocean shipments entering the United States. Importers must electronically submit 10 data elements — including seller, buyer, manufacturer, ship-to party, and HTS codes — to CBP no later than 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a vessel at a foreign port.

Missing the deadline or submitting inaccurate data exposes you to CBP penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. CBP may also place a do-not-load order on your cargo or issue a cargo hold on arrival. CARGOTRON files ISF for all ocean shipments, collects the required data from all parties, and submits on time — every time.

For a properly filed entry with no issues, CBP typically issues release within a few hours to one business day. Ocean shipments filed using continuous release or pre-arrival processing through ACE can be released before the vessel even arrives at the U.S. port.

Clearance is delayed when entries contain classification errors, missing documentation, incomplete PGA filings, or when CBP selects the shipment for a physical exam or document review. Exams can add 2–10 business days and exam fees are the importer’s responsibility. CARGOTRON reviews every entry before submission to catch issues before they become holds.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is a 10-digit classification system used by CBP to identify every product imported into the United States. Your HTS code determines your duty rate, any Section 301, 232, or 201 tariff exposure, and whether your goods require PGA review from agencies like the FDA, USDA, or EPA.

Incorrect HTS classification is one of the most common and costly compliance errors in importing. It can result in underpayment of duties (creating liability for back duties and penalties) or overpayment (money left on the table). CARGOTRON classifies every commodity accurately before filing and reviews duty rates to identify legal savings opportunities including preferential duty programs and First Sale valuation.

A customs bond is a financial instrument required by CBP that guarantees an importer will fulfill all legal obligations — paying duties, taxes, and fees, and complying with CBP regulations. Every formal entry (shipments valued over $2,500, or any regulated commodity regardless of value) requires a customs bond.

There are two types: a single-entry bond covers one shipment, and a continuous bond covers all shipments for a 12-month period. If you import regularly, a continuous bond is almost always more cost-effective. CARGOTRON arranges both types and advises on the right structure for your import volume and commodity profile.

Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed by the U.S. on goods originating from China, enacted under the Trade Act of 1974. Depending on the HTS classification and the specific list (List 1 through List 4B), Section 301 tariffs range from 7.5% to 25% on top of standard duty rates — and recent executive actions have pushed rates significantly higher on select categories.

Whether Section 301 applies to your goods depends on your HTS code and the country of origin. CARGOTRON performs a Section 301 analysis on every entry and flags exposure before filing. We also advise on legitimate duty mitigation strategies including first sale valuation, country of origin review, and exclusion requests where applicable.

A CBP examination is a physical or document-based inspection of your shipment ordered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP selects shipments for exam based on risk targeting, random selection, or specific intelligence. There are several exam types — a tailgate exam inspects the outside of the container, while a intensive exam requires full unloading and inspection of all cargo.

During an exam, your cargo cannot be released until CBP clears it. Exam costs — including terminal handling, stripping, and restuffing — are the importer’s responsibility and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. CARGOTRON coordinates directly with CBP and the terminal during all exams to minimize delays and keep you informed at every stage.

A Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is a CBP-designated area — typically near a port of entry — where imported goods can be stored, manipulated, or manufactured without being subject to U.S. customs duties until they enter U.S. commerce. FTZs allow importers to defer, reduce, or in some cases eliminate customs duties.

Key benefits include: duty deferral until goods are actually sold, the ability to apply the lower of the component or finished product duty rate (inverted tariff benefit), and duty elimination on goods that are re-exported. FTZ eligibility depends on your commodity, import volume, and business model. CARGOTRON evaluates FTZ eligibility as part of every client onboarding and manages the activation and weekly entry filing process for qualifying importers.

Many U.S. imports require clearance from agencies beyond CBP. The most common Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and the commodities they regulate include:

FDA — food, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
USDA APHIS — plants, plant products, wood packaging, and certain animal products.
EPA — vehicles, engines, pesticides, and certain chemicals (Forms 3520 and 3540).
Fish & Wildlife Service — wildlife products and goods subject to CITES permits.
CPSC — consumer products including children’s goods, electronics, and household items.
FCC — electronics and radio frequency devices.
TTB — alcohol and tobacco products.

Failure to meet PGA requirements is one of the leading causes of cargo holds. CARGOTRON proactively identifies every applicable PGA requirement before your cargo arrives and manages all agency filings and communications.

Getting started is straightforward. Complete the Import Program Quote Request on our Contact page. Provide as much detail as you can about your commodity, country of origin, shipment frequency, and import value — the more detail you provide, the more accurate our assessment will be.

A licensed CARGOTRON specialist will review your program and respond within one business day with a clear, no-obligation assessment and quote. There are no setup fees and no long-term contracts required to get started.