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Tariff classification, risk management, & audit support
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Reconciliation, reporting, & regulations
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Foreign trade optimization, cost reduction, & opportunities
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Trade services networks, experience, & expertise
Tariff classification, risk management, & audit support
GEODIS is a leading trade services and customs brokerage company that takes care of all your customs classifications, self-assessments, audits, and related services:
Classify any products or commodities in line with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Guide clients on proper tariff classification and applicable regulations
Help importers develop self-assessment programs to ensure compliance
- Support clients if they’re audited by USCBP or other federal or regulatory agencies
Reconciliation, reporting, & regulations
GEODIS partners with your business to provide advice, support, and visibility:
Integrate closely with your import and export teams for hassle-free collaboration
Reconcile entries, establish deadlines, finalize information, and file foreign trade documents
Ensure compliance with CTPAT, NAFTA, and other regulatory areas
- Keep you informed and up-to-date with changing policies and compliance needs
Foreign trade optimization, cost reduction, & opportunities
GEODIS provides global trade services to help you to optimize every part of the customs process:
Advise you on tariff engineering, trade agreements, consolidation, and other options to bring down import costs
Take care of duty drawback, temporary import, and other cost reductions and refunds
Arrange for customs bonds that maximize your ability to import products quickly and effectively
- Manage relationships with USCBP, federal, and international agencies on your behalf
Trade services networks, experience, & expertise
GEODIS has a large network of foreign trade experts with a proven track record:
Enjoy a deep bench of experience with a tenured team of more than 70 customs experts
Partner with industry leaders who are involved with US customs policy and governance
Network with local officials through our extensive on-site presence across US ports of entry
- Get early sight of changes through our close ties with US customs and other agencies
Services
Frequently asked questions
We recommend consulting with a licensed customs broker. These experts are licensed by USCBP to act as intermediaries on behalf of clients and USCBP. Customs brokers ensure that shipments imported into the US meet all relevant federal requirements, including correct classification for tariff and duty purposes.
Small importers with simple needs may not need a customs classification specialist, especially if they understand the HTS and get rulings from USCBP. In most other cases, importers would significantly benefit from a specialist such as a licensed customs broker. These brokers can provide in-depth, expert advice on all aspects of customs classification and importing goods.
GEODIS US customs brokerage operates in 13 offices throughout the country. Local practices vary between ports, and our brokers maintain strong working relationships with on-site customs officials. This facilitates the smooth flow of cargo within and through each point of entry.
Importers can find the right tariff code by consulting the Harmonized Tariff System. The HTS provides in-depth information on how products are classified, together with a unique code that identifies goods when they are imported into HTS-compliant countries. Alternatively, a licensed customs broker can classify products on an importer’s behalf.
Duty payments can be avoided by taking advantage of free trade agreements that allow for the transfer of goods between trading partners without tariffs being levied. Products can also be imported on a temporary basis, and can then be exported again to avoid duty.
Importers have several ways that they can defer duty payments. Prior to import, goods can be held in a foreign trade zone, meaning they have not yet formally been imported into the US, so tariffs would not be due. Following import, goods can be held in a bonded warehouse, where duties only become payable when goods are removed from that warehouse.
Fees can be reclaimed through the duty drawback process. When goods are received into the US, the importer pays tariffs on those products. If those products are then re-exported, either in their original or a manufactured form, the importer can make a duty drawback claim within five years of the original import. This can refund up to 99% of the duties paid. Duty drawback also applies if goods are destroyed after being imported.
Tariff engineering makes changes to the design and manufacture of a product to place it into a lower tariff band and reduce the potential duties paid. For example, “Product A” is manufactured from certain goods and attracts a tariff rate of 4%. But, some small changes to the finished product may instead allow it to be classified as “Product B” which attracts a lower tariff rate of 3%. Tariff engineering would then save duty costs of 1% for every product.