Entry preparation and filing
We organize the commercial and shipment data needed to prepare and file the customs entry.
Customs brokerage services
Save time and money
Forge combines licensed customs expertise with software that keeps shipment data, classifications, documents, and release status in one place. Your team gets a broker that can move quickly without adding another manual process.
Customs clearance
Entries are prepared and filed ahead of arrival so issues can be addressed before freight reaches the border. Shipment documents and status stay accessible in the Forge platform.
Trade advisory
Our team reviews your supply chain for available exemptions, classification issues, and other opportunities to reduce duty exposure while staying compliant.
HTS classification
Forge classifies products and keeps the supporting record with your shipment data. Accurate HTS classification helps importers calculate duties correctly and maintain a defensible entry history.
What Forge handles
Customs brokerage end to end
The work stays connected from the first product detail through release and recordkeeping.
Classification
Products are mapped to HTS codes with the classification record kept alongside the underlying data.
Duty and trade review
Our team reviews duties, tariffs, and available trade programs that may affect the entry.
Release visibility and records
Your team can follow shipment status and return to the documents and entry history when needed.
How it works
A clearer customs clearance process
Forge’s team and software work together so the information needed for an entry does not have to be rebuilt shipment by shipment.
Send data
Share the commercial invoice, product details, and transportation documents with the Forge team.
Classify and check
We review the entry data, confirm classifications, and identify questions before filing.
Prepare the entry
Our licensed customs team prepares and files the entry ahead of arrival when documentation is available.
Follow release
Track clearance status and keep the final entry documents available in one system.
An extension of your team
Expert support without the handoffs
Forge gives importers a dedicated customs team and a shared system for the work surrounding every entry.
Dedicated support
Reach the team over email, phone, Slack, or the channel your company already uses.
Shipment visibility
See clearance status, documents, product data, and billing in one place.
Classification history
Keep HTS codes and tariff updates tied to the products and entries they affect.
Connected recovery
When an import may qualify for a tariff refund or duty drawback, the underlying entry data is already organized.
Questions importers ask
Customs brokerage, in plain English
What does a customs broker do?
A customs broker helps an importer prepare and file entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, classify merchandise, calculate applicable duties, maintain records, and address questions that can affect release.
Do I need a customs broker to import into the U.S.?
Importers can manage customs filings themselves, but many use a licensed broker to handle the entry process, classification, documentation, and communication around clearance. The right choice depends on your shipment volume, product complexity, and internal trade expertise.
What documents are usually needed for customs clearance?
The exact requirements depend on the shipment and product. Common records include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, product descriptions, country of origin, valuation details, and importer or bond information.
When should customs clearance work begin?
As early as possible. When shipment and product information is available before arrival, Forge can prepare the entry and surface missing information before the goods reach the border.
Can Forge help with HTS classification?
Yes. Forge’s customs team classifies products, records the HTS codes used, and keeps classification information connected to your product and shipment data.
How does Forge support import teams?
Customers work with a dedicated team and can reach them over email, phone, Slack, or their existing channel. Shipment status, documents, compliance records, and billing remain accessible through the Forge platform.
Related services and guides
Use the same entry data to recover more
Customs clearance is the start of the record. Forge also helps importers pursue eligible tariff and duty refunds.
Service
IEEPA tariff refunds
See how Forge helps eligible importers file for and recover IEEPA tariffs.
ServiceDuty drawback
Recover eligible duties on goods that are later exported or destroyed.
GuideDrawback vs. IEEPA refunds
Compare the two recovery paths and learn when an importer may qualify for both.
