An importer of record number identifies the party responsible for a U.S. customs entry. In many cases, it is based on the importer’s IRS tax identification number; where that is not suitable or available, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may assign an importer number. Do not guess which identifier to use: ask the customs…
Nintendo of America has announced a Customer Appreciation Sale that it says is made possible in part by tariff-related refunds. The promotion offers 30% off dozens of Nintendo Switch digital games and bundles, alongside savings on selected physical games, downloadable content, accessories, amiibo figures, and apparel. It is a retail promotion rather than a direct…
Getting a FedEx customs invoice after delivery can be legitimate, but do not pay solely because an email looks convincing. Reports on Reddit describe FedEx seeking import duties, taxes, and related charges after parcels have been delivered, sometimes weeks or months later. Check that the invoice is genuine, identify what each line item represents, compare…
New England Imports is a used-car dealer and Saab service business in South China, Maine, not a guide to importing goods from China. Its official website says it has supplied pre-owned Saabs to Maine buyers since 1990 and is an official Saab service centre. The business lists its showroom and workshop at 632 Lakeview…
Freight Volume Calculator by Weight Use this free freight volume calculator by weight to calculate shipment volume, CBM, volumetric weight, actual shipment weight and estimated chargeable weight. For freight purposes, weight and volume are not the same thing. A shipment can be physically light but occupy a large amount of space. Carriers may therefore compare…
“Customs clearance status updated” on DHL tracking means that a customs-related record for your shipment has been updated. It does not, by itself, confirm that customs has released the parcel, that duties have been paid, or that delivery is imminent. DHL explains that international shipments move through different clearance stages, and tracking can show both…
Australia’s federal government has introduced proposed Customs Act changes intended to make illicit tobacco prosecutions easier. The bill would create separate offences for illegally importing tobacco and for possessing or moving illicit tobacco within Australia, reducing the need for prosecutors to prove that an accused person knew the goods had been smuggled and were subject…
A Canada export declaration is the electronic report an exporter submits to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for goods leaving Canada when reporting is required. It is filed through the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS), not on the former paper B13A form. Whether you need one depends on the shipment’s value, destination, and whether…
If your tracking says “LAX arrived at the customs clearance broker facility”, your parcel has reached a broker’s or carrier’s processing location in the Los Angeles airport area. It usually means customs entry information is being prepared, reviewed, or matched to the shipment before it can be released into the US delivery network. It does…
A shipment exception on FedEx tracking means an unexpected event has interrupted the planned movement or delivery of your parcel. It is usually a delay notice, not confirmation that the package is lost. Check the detailed tracking entry for the stated reason and any requested action: FedEx may resume transport, attempt delivery again, hold the…