# Customs Brokerage ## The AI-Driven Customs Brokerage Powerhouse We've saved customers more than $900M in tariff exposure in the last 5 years. With the world's most powerful customs technology suite backed by a passionate team of licensed customs brokers and trade compliance professionals, we can provide your company with a range of tech-enabled trade compliance solutions including automated entry processing, AI compliance audits, duty drawbacks, and tariff refund processing. ## Introducing the Customs Technology Suite A suite of products and tech to help forecast landed costs, surface real-time insights, improve product classification, provide duty minimization and avoidance, and enhance entry-filing compliance. ## We give our customs brokers Iron Man suits We're more than a tech company. Flexport’s team of licensed customs brokers work in our groundbreaking AI-native customs tech platform to oversee all documentation, product classification, and regulatory filings. With AI-powered guardrails to correct mistakes and workflow technology to automate routine data entry, document ingestion and transmission of data to and from government agencies, we operate at levels of both quality and efficiency unmatched in the industry. By staying ahead of changing trade regulations, our experts prevent costly delays and penalties before they happen. We deliver accurate submissions, identify duty savings, maintain audit-ready records, and resolve customs disputes, protecting your business and keeping your global supply chain running smoothly. ## Calculate tariffs with confidence The Flexport Tariff Simulator Pro gives importers real-time data, insights, and transparency to make smarter, faster decisions in a complex global trade environment. With features like bulk uploads, smart notifications for tariff changes, and landed-cost calculations, users can instantly compute duties, identify special rates, and stay ahead of shifting trade policies. ## Transforming the Customs Process ### Structuring complexity and turning it into opportunity. We’re revolutionizing customs with AI-powered automation and seamless integrations, ensuring unmatched compliance and reliability for our customers. Our system digitizes and consolidates data for faster error resolution, improving accuracy and response times to create a more efficient, streamlined supply chain. ### Data-Backed Decisions Make data-driven decisions on pricing, sourcing, and inventory management, and gain full visibility into import costs with SKU-level landed cost reporting. ### Proactive Clearance Don’t just react to issues; prevent them from happening in the first place with experts who will identify potential problems in advance and take swift action to resolve them. ### Save Money Identify opportunities to save money without compromising compliance by enhancing your import strategy with duty avoidance and minimization strategies. ## AI customs auditor for 10x better compliance As a licensed customs broker, we maintain responsible supervision and control through regular compliance audits. In 2025 we introduced the customs industry's first AI auditor which audits 100% of entries before we transmit them to the U.S. government. In our first quarter of operations, the AI auditor reduced the error rate detected in our manual compliance audits by experts to just 0.2%, a level we believe to be more than 10 times lower than any competitor. ## Optimize your import strategy Access ingested and completed entries and historical data through customizable reporting and analytics. Proactively focus on duty minimization and avoidance opportunities for your business and always be ready for governmental and regulatory changes with industry experts guiding you through any landscape. ## Quick search at your fingertips Search Everything. Stop at Nothing. Search for what you want—SKU, HS code, PO, style, or customs entry number—in any customs document. Then find it and related items all in one place. No more time lost bouncing between systems. ## The most advanced product database, tailor-made for trade compliance teams Our product library provides importers and exporters with a secure, cloud-based database tailor-made to capture every data element and compliance document required by any government agency in the world. By partnering with your trade compliance team to capture all relevant data elements and then keeping it constantly up to date and in the real-time flow of your customs entries as they're being processed, we turn this product library into a shared source of truth to power more accurate, timely and compliant customs clearances. We will meet you where you are, and then get you to where you need to be with a team of technologists who can cleanse messy data, create two-way syncs to ERP systems, and turn the parts database from a burden for your team into a strategic asset for your business. ## Landed costs now within reach Know exactly how much it costs to get a SKU into inventory. That’s a clear business advantage. Flexport makes calculating landed costs not only possible, but easy. ## How Flexport customs brokerage works ### Step 1: Pre-Clearance Preparation - Flexport receives your shipment details and commercial documentation - Brokers review paperwork for completeness and accuracy - System flags any missing information or potential compliance issues - You're prompted through the platform to provide any additional required documents ### Step 2: Product Classification & Valuation - Our latest automation and AI technology classify products with correct HTS codes - Calculate duties, taxes, and fees based on accurate valuations - Identify applicable duty savings (free trade agreements, exemptions, etc.) - Determine which government agencies require clearance (FDA, USDA, etc.) ### Step 3: Entry Filing - Brokers electronically file entry documents with customs authorities - Submit all required permits, licenses, and certifications - Arrange customs bonds if needed - Provide real-time filing status updates in your dashboard ### Step 4: Customs Review & Clearance - Customs authorities review the entry - Flexport monitors for any holds, exams, or additional requests - Brokers respond immediately to customs inquiries - Handle payment of duties and fees on your behalf ### Step 5: Release & Delivery - Once cleared, goods are released from customs custody - Flexport coordinates with freight partners for final delivery - You receive notification of clearance and estimated delivery time - All documentation is stored digitally for audit purposes ### Step 6: Post-Clearance Support - Brokers available for any follow-up questions or audits - Reconciliation of duty payments - Advisory on process improvements for future shipments - Ongoing compliance monitoring ## How do you avoid customs import delays or penalties? ### Problem: Incomplete or incorrect documentation ### Challenge: Missing or inaccurate paperwork is one of the most common causes of customs clearance delays. ### Solution: Flexport's brokers review and verify all documentation before submission, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and 100% compliance to prevent holds and rejections. ### Problem: Incorrect tariff classification ### Challenge: Misclassifying products can trigger duty re-assessments or penalties. ### Solution: Our internal technology can review 100% of entries and HTS codes where other brokers review on average 5-10%, and by ensuring full audits are done before submission even occurs, we significantly reduce the risk of fines, shipment delays, and late clearances. ### Problem: Compliance changes ### Challenge: Regulations change frequently, and noncompliance risks fines or confiscated goods. ### Solution: Flexport brokers stay current with evolving trade regulations across all agencies (CBP, FDA, USDA, etc.) and proactively alert you to compliance requirements, keeping your shipments moving and your business protected. ### Compliance Programs Assessments & Data Analysis, Responding to CBP inquiries, Training, Prior Disclosures ### Tariff Classification Tariff Engineering, Binding Ruling requests, Complex Classification Projects ### Customs Valuation First Sale, Bona Fide buying agents, Transfer Pricing, Reconciliation ### Duty Drawback Unused Merchandise, Manufacturing, Rejected, Petroleum, and USMCA Same Condition ### ACE Analysis Classification Trends and inconsistencies, Potential compliance concerns, Cost saving opportunities ### Duty Refund/Savings Post Summary corrections, Protests, Free Trade Agreements ### Country of Origin Analysis Substantial Transformation, Origin Engineering ### Trade Remedy Section 301, 232, 201, including exclusions; Antidumping and Countervailing duty support ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Flexport Customs? Flexport Customs is a team of world-class customs experts powered by industry-leading technology that helps businesses simplify importing and exporting goods across borders. Our technology maximizes efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures compliance - making customs clearance easy. ### Can I use Flexport Customs even if I ship with another freight provider? Yes. Flexport Customs can operate as a standalone service, letting you use their brokerage solutions even if your freight is moved by another carrier. ### How does Flexport handle customs compliance and classification? Flexport’s licensed customs brokers and compliance specialists review shipment data for accuracy, ensuring classifications, valuation, and duty calculations are correct. The platform also keeps a record of all customs documentation for audit readiness. ### What are the benefits of using a digital customs brokerage solution? Digital brokerage offers faster clearance times, reduced manual errors, simplified document management, and transparent status tracking across your supply chain—all in one integrated platform. ### Does Flexport offer customs services outside the U.S.? Yes. While U.S. customs clearance is a core service, Flexport also provides brokerage support in other major trade lanes and can help manage global import/export compliance needs. ### How do I get a quote or begin working with Flexport Customs? You can request a demo or quote directly through the Flexport website. A Flexport representative will contact you to discuss your shipment volumes, trade lanes, and compliance requirements.