How to Verify a U.S. Customs Bond (CBP Bond): A Practical Guide for Importers

How to Verify a U.S. Customs Bond (CBP Bond): A Practical Guide for Importers

Avoid Customs Delays, Bond Insufficiency Notices, and Unexpected Clearance Issues For companies importing goods into the United States, having a valid U.S. Customs Bond (CBP Bond) is not simply a compliance requirement—it is essential for ensuring smooth customs clearance. Understanding how to verify your bond before shipment can help you avoid costly storage charges, customs…

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New U.S. CPSC eFiling Requirements Take Effect: What Importers Need to Know Before September 1, 2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) officially implemented its new electronic filing (eFiling) requirements on July 8, 2026, marking one of the most significant updates to U.S. consumer product import compliance in recent years. In coordination with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP has activated the PGA Message Set eFiling system through…

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Amazon Germany LEJ1 Fulfillment Center to Permanently Close on July 13, 2026

Amazon has officially announced that its LEJ1 Fulfillment Center in Germany will be permanently closed effective July 13, 2026. If you are an Amazon FBA seller shipping inventory to Germany, it is essential to take action now to avoid shipment delays, rejected deliveries, returned cargo, and unnecessary logistics costs. Key Dates You Should Know July…

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U.S. CBP Revokes Hundreds of Customs Broker Licenses

The U.S. customs compliance environment continues to tighten. On June 10, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published an official notice in the Federal Register announcing that more than 800 customs broker licenses across 39 U.S. ports have been revoked by operation of law after the affected brokers failed to submit the required…

Los Angeles / Long Beach CBP Contact Directory

Los Angeles / Long Beach CBP Contact Directory

Complete LA/LB Seaport Contacts for Ocean Freight, Customs Exams, AQI, Export & MET Teams Anyone handling ocean freight into the U.S. West Coast has probably called the Los Angeles / Long Beach CBP office at some point. When cargo is selected for inspection, questions come quickly: Most problems are not complicated — but without the…

U.S. Customs Compliance Is Tightening in 2026: CPSC eFiling Will Reshape Consumer Product Imports

U.S. Customs Compliance Is Tightening in 2026: CPSC eFiling Will Reshape Consumer Product Imports

Beginning July 8, 2026, the United States will officially implement mandatory CPSC eFiling requirements for imported consumer products. This marks one of the most significant compliance changes for U.S. imports in recent years and reflects a broader trend: U.S. Customs clearance is becoming increasingly data-driven, compliance-focused, and importer-accountability centered. For importers, overseas suppliers, Amazon sellers,…

Understanding U.S. Customs Inspection Codes: What Importers Need to Know

Understanding U.S. Customs Inspection Codes: What Importers Need to Know

For importers shipping goods into the United States, one of the biggest uncertainties is the possibility of a U.S. Customs inspection. Many importers suddenly receive notices showing mysterious codes such as 1H, 2H, 5H, CET, VACIS, Tailgate, or X-Ray, without fully understanding what they mean, how serious they are, or how much delay and cost…

U.S. Customs Enforcement Escalates Again: Understanding the Rising Impact of 9H Holds and Bond Restrictions

U.S. Customs Enforcement Escalates Again: Understanding the Rising Impact of 9H Holds and Bond Restrictions

The U.S. import compliance environment is becoming significantly stricter in 2026. While the logistics industry was still dealing with the impact of the earlier “5H inspections,” a new customs enforcement trend is rapidly emerging: the 9H Hold. At the same time, multiple surety companies have begun tightening Customs Bond approvals, with some existing Bonds reportedly…

U.S. Accelerates Section 301 Investigations, Expanding Potential Tariffs Across 60 Trade Partners

U.S. Accelerates Section 301 Investigations, Expanding Potential Tariffs Across 60 Trade Partners

The United States is entering a new phase of trade enforcement as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) advances a sweeping set of Section 301 investigations covering approximately 60 major trading partners. Public hearings held on April 28–29 at the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) mark the transition from procedural review to…

Demurrage & Detention Charges Explained: A Complete Guide for U.S. Trade Lanes

Demurrage & Detention Charges Explained: A Complete Guide for U.S. Trade Lanes

One of the most expensive pitfalls in international ocean freight—especially on U.S. routes—is unexpected demurrage and detention charges. A small delay in customs clearance or inland logistics can quickly snowball into thousands of dollars in extra costs. The worst part? These charges vary significantly across carriers, and many shippers don’t fully understand how they work…