Customs Brokers & Importer Responsibility: Understanding Your Risk

Description

Hiring a customs broker can make the import process easier, but it doesn’t eliminate an importer’s compliance responsibilities. For many companies, customs compliance happens largely behind the scenes. Documentation is sent to a broker, entries are filed, goods are released, and the business moves on. But what happens when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) questions an entry, requests documentation, or begins an audit or enforcement action? 

This practical two-hour session is designed for importers that rely on customs brokers but want a better understanding of where the broker’s role ends and the importer’s responsibility begins. Participants will examine the importer-broker relationship, understand what to expect when CBP scrutinizes an import transaction, and leave with practical steps they can take to reduce their company’s risk. 

Topics will include: 

- Why import compliance responsibility remains with the importer, even when using a customs broker 

- Understanding reasonable care and the importer’s responsibilities 

- What is typically covered in a customs broker agreement, and what may not be 

- Identifying gaps between your broker’s responsibilities and your company’s responsibilities 

- How CBP audits, inquiries, and enforcement actions can begin 

- What documentation and information CBP may expect an importer to produce 

- Common compliance issues that can attract additional scrutiny 

- What to do during the first 48 hours after receiving an inquiry from CBP 

- How to coordinate internally and effectively with your customs broker 

- Practical steps you can take now to strengthen your import compliance processes 

Each section will conclude with specific action items participants can take back to their organizations and begin implementing immediately. 

Recommended for: Small and mid-sized importers, sourcing and procurement professionals, operations managers, logistics and supply chain personnel, finance and legal teams, and anyone responsible for working with a customs broker or overseeing imported goods. 

Instructor: James Ferry, Founder, Ferry Trade Group 

James Ferry is a member of the Board of Directors for the World Trade Center Denver and the Founder of Ferry Trade Group. A leading specialist in global trade strategy and supply chain transparency, James has dedicated his career to helping international trade professionals navigate the complexities of modern customs enforcement. With a deep background in high-stakes advocacy, James has successfully resolved over 250 CF6051 Information Requests, maintaining an industry-leading 98% success rate in securing shipment releases from U.S. Customs. He is a premier expert in UFLPA compliance, focused on sharing the rigorous traceability frameworks and knowledge necessary for professionals to satisfy federal enforcement while maintaining fluid supply chains. 

Beyond enforcement defense, James serves as a strategic mentor and partner to the global trade community, managing multi-million dollar HTS optimization audits and duty-saving initiatives. By bridging the gap between technical commodity data and complex federal regulations, he ensures that trade operations are both compliant and commercially optimized. As a frequent instructor and Board member at the World Trade Center Denver, James is committed to equipping his peers with the proven blueprints for supply chain traceability and tariff efficiency.