Customs Compliance That Prevents Problems Before CBP Finds Them
A single misclassified HTS code can trigger a CBP audit that reviews every import you've made in the past 5 years. Overpaid duties from wrong tariff rates quietly drain margin on every shipment. And re-exported goods that qualify for duty recovery go unclaimed because nobody tracked them. Platton's customs compliance services catch these problems — and recover the money you've already lost.
Why Importers Trust Platton With Classification and Compliance
HTS Classification That Holds Up Under Audit
Platton reviews HTS code classification against product specifications, not just supplier descriptions. Proper tariff classification means you pay the correct duty rate — not too much, not too little. And when CBP asks why you classified a product a certain way, you have documentation that supports the decision.
Valuation Reviews That Prevent Duty Overpayment
CBP uses transaction value as the primary appraisal method — but assists, royalties, and buying commissions can change the dutiable value. Platton reviews your valuation methodology to ensure you're declaring the right amount: enough to satisfy CBP, not a dollar more than required.
Recover Duties on Re-Exported Goods
If you import goods and then re-export them (or use them to manufacture exported products), you may be entitled to recover up to 99% of duties paid. Most importers don't claim duty drawback because tracking eligible shipments is complex. Platton identifies qualifying transactions and prepares the drawback filing.
The Customs Compliance Mistakes That Cost Importers the Most
"We Didn't Know the Tariff Rate Changed"
Section 301 duties, AD/CVD orders, exclusion expirations — tariff rates change constantly. If you're still using the rate from last quarter, you could be underpaying (triggering penalties) or overpaying (losing margin silently). Platton monitors tariff changes for your specific product categories and alerts you before the next entry is filed.
"CBP Flagged Our Shipment for a Focused Assessment"
A Focused Assessment means CBP is auditing your compliance controls — classification, valuation, and record-keeping going back 5 years. If you don't have organized records and consistent practices, the penalties compound fast. Platton builds audit-ready documentation from day one, so if CBP comes knocking, you have the evidence ready.
"Our Supplier Gave Us the Wrong HS Code"
Supplier-provided HTS codes are wrong more often than they're right — suppliers classify for export, not US import. Platton performs independent HTS code classification using the USITC HTS code lookup database, product specs, and General Rules of Interpretation. The correct code goes on the entry — not whatever the supplier wrote on the invoice.
"I Don't Know Which Products Have Country-of-Origin Issues"
If your product undergoes substantial transformation in multiple countries, determining the correct country of origin for marking and preferential duty treatment is critical. Get it wrong, and you face marking duties, detained goods, or loss of trade preference eligibility. Platton tracks COO determinations per SKU across your product catalog.
"We're Too Small to Have a Trade Compliance Department"
You don't need one. Platton acts as your outsourced compliance function — reviewing classifications, monitoring regulatory changes, preparing audit documentation, and flagging duty savings opportunities. You get enterprise-grade compliance without adding headcount.
What Platton's Compliance Review Actually Covers
- HTS Classification Review Independent verification against product specs and the USITC database, not just supplier-provided codes.
- Customs Valuation Methodology Review Transaction value analysis including assists, royalties, and buying commissions.
- Country of Origin and Trade Documentation Origin determination, marking compliance, tariff change monitoring, and audit-ready documentation aligned with CBP's Reasonable Care standard.
What's Handled on Other Pages
- Customs Entry Filing and Clearance Execution Handled through Customs Clearance Services.
- Carrier, Demurrage, and Port Charges Handled through freight and trucking coordination.
- Misdeclared or Fraudulent Entries Compliance services require accurate input from the importer. Trade sanctions screening (OFAC) is not currently offered and should be handled with separate legal counsel.
Stay Updated with the Latest Customs Compliance Trends
Frequently Asked Questions
Clearance is the operational process: filing entries, paying duties, getting cargo released. Compliance is the strategic layer: making sure your classifications are correct, your valuation is defensible, your records are audit-ready, and you're not overpaying duties. Platton handles compliance as an ongoing program, not a per-shipment transaction.
Start with the product's actual composition, function, and intended use — not the supplier's description. Cross-reference against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule using the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). If the product could fall under multiple headings, GRI 3 provides tiebreaker rules. Platton performs this analysis for every product and documents the reasoning — so you have a defensible classification if CBP questions it.
Under 19 USC §1484, importers must exercise "reasonable care" in classifying, valuing, and declaring goods. This means using qualified resources (not just copy-pasting from the supplier), documenting your reasoning, and maintaining records for 5 years. CBP uses the Reasonable Care standard to determine penalties. Platton builds this documentation into every compliance engagement.
The program lets you recover up to 99% of duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported — either in the same condition (unused merchandise drawback) or after being manufactured into an exported product (manufacturing drawback). If you import components and export finished goods, or re-export unsold inventory, you likely qualify. Platton tracks eligible transactions and prepares the drawback claim.
At minimum: when a product changes (new materials, different function), when tariff rates change (Section 301 updates, AD/CVD orders), and before CBP audits. Best practice is an annual classification review of your top-volume SKUs. Platton flags changes proactively and recommends reclassification when duty savings are available.
Our compliance services focus on tariff codes, valuation, and COO — the core CBP compliance elements. For agency-specific compliance (FDA prior notices, CPSC testing certificates, EPA import declarations), we coordinate with your clearance broker and can flag products that likely require agency review before entry.
A continuous customs bond typically costs $400–$600/year for importers with annual duty payments under $50,000. The bond amount is usually set at 10% of duties, taxes, and fees paid in the prior year, with a minimum of $50,000. For high-volume importers, bond premiums scale with duty volume. Single-entry bonds cost $50–$100+ per shipment — so if you import more than 6–8 times per year, a continuous bond saves money.
You're Either Audit-Ready or You're Not — There's No Middle Ground
CBP doesn't audit to educate — they audit to penalize. Platton's customs compliance services build the classification accuracy, valuation documentation, and record-keeping practices that make audits a non-event. And if you're overpaying duties or missing drawback opportunities, we find the money. Get a compliance review for your import program.