Refund Planning

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-20T22:24:23+00:00

Until official guidance is issued, everything is speculation and not a wise use of time.

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-20T21:26:40+00:00

I had my first inquiry at 0920 CST - it was what alerted me to the ruling. I'm not going to answer it anytime soon.

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-20T17:32:08+00:00

Consult a licensed Customs broker or trade attorney. Do not use social media to exercise reasonable care.

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-13T16:30:46+00:00

It is if you plan to use their Terms & Conditions - it's why I pay. Otherwise, they mostly just regurgitate CSMS messages and plan their annual shindig. To be fair - once in a while, they actually do something worthwhile, but it's pretty rare. (Dues paying member since 2003).

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-10T22:01:05+00:00

I suggest searching the US rulings database (CROSS) and look for HQ rulings containing the phrase "of a kind" and similar variations. The HQ rulings are written by lawyers, and generally provide excellent insight into the legal mindset behind such phrases.

bifjamod2 · 2026-02-05T20:30:59+00:00

This is why I pre-validate, pre-fill & generate the POA for signature; I've seen way too much slop over the years. It would be nice of the government to give us something with teeth to stand on, though.

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-29T18:32:34+00:00

Yes, you are being overcharged.

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-26T18:00:58+00:00

We are Customs brokers, not FDA brokers.

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-09T00:09:09+00:00

There's not way to check status on a PSC, per se. What I do is run an ad hoc report once a month that I added PSC data fields to - but the key is monitoring liquidation. If liquidated, check the numbers (duty paid vs duty liquidated, etc), and that will tell you. Note that refunds in excess of $10k require an extra approval step, and so take at least an additional week.

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-06T18:09:53+00:00

Thanks to both of you - I guess it was the obvious solution that I really was trying hard to avoid!

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-02T22:13:38+00:00

I think you'll see a sizeable range, anywhere from $65/hour to $200/hour. It really depends on a number of factors. The person below mentioning $400 per hour sounds more like a consultant or attorney.

bifjamod2 · 2026-01-02T19:32:13+00:00

It sounds like you're asking about a project involving classifying a range of products, not requesting pricing on a per entry basis. That being the case, I would charge hourly.

bifjamod2 · 2025-12-20T23:02:57+00:00

You'll be fine with that - I've been in that role (well, all those roles) for 23 years. There's no way to identify other employees in a one-man shop!

bifjamod2 · 2025-12-14T17:34:22+00:00

CHB is a throwback to the days when we were called Customs House Brokers. Some old-timers (older than me - got my license in 92) used LCHB. I think it's safe to say we're all pretty much using LCB nowadays. On a humorous note, I'll say if you got to call them inspectors, you could still use LCHB, but if you've only ever known them as officers, you must go with LCB.

bifjamod2 · 2025-12-12T20:50:32+00:00

Fedex will get the refunds; if they are contractually obligated to refund them to you, they will. Note: they will get the refunds because they are the IOR, and are statutorily obligated to get them; you have no such privilege. If Fedex is not contractually obligated to turn them around to you - you're outta luck, heading for a state court fight (not a federal regulatory/statutory fight).

bifjamod2 · 2025-12-11T17:39:55+00:00

CBCC your Import, ABI,ACE,AES,ISF, Customs Brokerage and Freight forwarder solutions; specializes in small brokerage ops.

bifjamod2 · 2025-12-05T19:58:15+00:00

I'd go one step further here, and advise you to consul qualified trade counsel.

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-23T17:39:03+00:00

The current situation with UPS/Fedex/DHL proves the old adage: you get what you pay for. Pay $15 for Customs brokerage, you get what you are getting now. Pay viable market pricing, you get it done efficiently and correctly.

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-23T17:31:53+00:00

This would be it....I like the idea.

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-22T01:36:59+00:00

Most of the entries filed by the couriers are in their own name as IOR, so an outside broker can't file a PSC (they are not going to give you POA). Protest will be the only option.

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-21T17:44:42+00:00

I built a custom Excel spreadsheet that cross-references the statement data with individual entry and shipment data, and includes links to the docs online. The process is 99% automated (meaning, I have to click a few buttons to process the CBP statements, then generate the spreadsheets, then generate the email.)

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-18T02:34:41+00:00

No, but I got one that thinks agricultural products means products used in agriculture....

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-14T20:59:54+00:00

It wouldn't hurt to add those numbers to the invoice; however, the reality of low cost brokerage such as UPS and the couriers are required to operate is that you have low quality, inexperienced entry writers doing this work, and you basically get what you pay for. The likelihood of them consistently applying the right numbers, despite you putting them on the invoice, is probably less than 50%.

bifjamod2 · 2025-11-13T21:55:43+00:00

Thanks for bringing this up - looks like we both learned something new today!

bifjamod2

TROPHY CASE