Customs Brokerage & International Freight Forwarding Broker Services
This page provides guidance for UC San Diego departments shipping items internationally. Learn when to contact Outbound Shipping, when to work with a freight forwarder and import broker, and what services are available for imports and exports.
Before Processing an International Shipment
Always contact Outbound Shipping via Services & Support before shipping items outside the United States.
A Logistics Shipping Coordinator will review your shipment and determine whether you need to work directly with a customs brokerage and international freight forwarding provider.
Freight Forwarding and Import Broker Contact Information
If you are instructed to contact American Cargo Service (ACS), use the contact information below:
American Cargoservice, Inc.
7886 Convoy Court
San Diego, CA 92111
- Local Phone: 858-565-4125
- Toll-Free Phone: 800-508-4888
- Email: UC@acssan.com
- Visit: American Cargo Service Website
International Shipping Services
Export Shipments (Outbound)
Outbound Shipping coordinates most shipments being sent to foreign countries. After initial processing, shipments may be transferred to a freight forwarding provider, who will:
- Clear shipments through U.S. Customs
- Arrange transportation with an international carrier
Import Shipments (Inbound)
Customs brokerage and freight forwarding providers can assist with:
- Coordinating domestic and international transportation
- Processing U.S. Customs clearance for incoming goods
- Notifying departments when shipments arrive in the United States
- Requesting payment and delivery information
- Delivering shipments to UC San Diego Central Receiving
Resources
Below are helpful resources and answers to common questions about customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import broker services. Click on each of the dropdowns below to view our library of step-by-step guides and frequently asked questions.
Key Terms
- Consignee: The person or organization receiving the shipment, typically the University of California.
- Customs Broker: A licensed professional authorized to prepare and submit customs documentation on behalf of the University of California.
- Importer of Record: The party responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with federal laws and regulations and for paying any duties, taxes, and fees.
- Shipper: The person or organization sending the shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Customs Information
All international shipments entering the United States must go through customs clearance.
Shipments valued over $2,500 require:
- A customs bond
- Formal customs clearance
- Processing by a licensed customs broker
American Cargoservice (ACS) has the required power-of-attorney to complete customs clearance on behalf of the University of California.
Several recent changes may affect import shipments:
End of the "de minimis" exemption: Effective August 29, 2025, low-value shipments are no longer automatically exempt from duties, taxes, or customs clearance requirements.
New tariffs: Some goods that were previously duty-free may now be subject to tariffs based on:
- Country of origin
- Materials used
- Commodity type
Shipment value thresholds: Shipments under $2,500 may qualify for informal clearance through carriers such as FedEx or UPS. Shipments over $2,500 typically require formal customs clearance through American Cargoservice (ACS).
Customs Broker and Clearance
When the University of California is listed at the importer of record, only authorized representatives can obligate the University's customs bond.
American Cargoservice (ACS) has the required power-of-attorney to act on behalf of the University of California.
U.S. Customs requires brokers to accurately classify imported goods.
Additional information may be needed to:
- Identify the product correctly
- Determine how the item will be used
- Confirm applicable duties, taxes, or regulations
In some cases, technical information must be explained in simpler terms for customs review.
Inspection requirements are determined by U.S. Customs and other federal agencies.
Examples include:
- FDA review for medical devices or medical-use products
- FCC review for electronic equipment
- USDA, EPA, CDC, or ATF review for regulated commodities
Customs examinations may also occur randomly.
Fees, Duties, and Payments
Depending on shipping arrangements, transportation may only include delivery to a port or airport.
The importer is generally responsible for:
- Customs clearance fees
- Port or airport fees
- Final delivery charges
American Cargoservice coordinates these services and invoices the importer.
U.S. Customs required duties and taxes to be paid within 10 days of import. For amounts greater than $5,000, American Cargoservice may require payment before submitting the customs entry to U.S. customs.
Billing arrangements are established with the University of California. UC San Diego cannot guarantee payment from foreign entities.
Import Documentation and Classification
An HTC is a 10-digit classification code used by U.S. Customs to:
- Identify imported goods
- Determine applicable duties and tariffs
Correct classification is required for customs clearance.
An Incoterm defines how shipping responsibilities and costs are divided between the buyer and seller. Incoterms determine who is responsible for:
- Shipping costs
- Insurance
- Duties and taxes
- Risk during transportation
At minimum, American Cargoservice typically requires:
- An air waybill or bill of lading
- A commercial invoice in English describing the goods and value
Additional documentation may be required depending on the shipment contents.
Temporary Imports and Carnets
A carnet allows goods to enter a country temporarily without paying duties or taxes.
Key information:
- The foreign shipper must obtain the carnet before shipping
- Carnets are generally valid for one year
- The shipment must be re-exported before expiration
Using a carnet can help ensure the foreign shipper remains financially responsible for re-export compliance.
A TIB allows goods to enter the United States temporarily without duty payment if the goods are exported again within one year. Failure to properly re-export the goods may result in:
- Double duties
- Additional penalties charged to UC San Diego
At minimum, American Cargoservice typically requires:
- An air waybill or bill of lading
- A commercial invoice in English describing the goods and value
Additional documentation may be required depending on the shipment contents.
Ocean Freight and ISF Requirements
An ISF is an electronic filing required for ocean shipments entering the United States.
Important information:
- ISF must be submitted before the shipment leaves the foreign port
- Missing or late filings may result in penalties
- American Cargoservice can coordinate ISF filings when arranging transportation
Avoiding Delays
Planning ahead can reduce delays and storage charges. Best practices include:
- Contact American Cargoservice before shipping materials internationally
- Provide complete shipment documentation early
- Respond promptly to customs questions
Unexpected shipments often experience longer clearance times.
When American Cargoservice arranges transportation from origin, they can:
- Prepare customs documentation in advance
- Resolve clearance questions before arrival
- Coordinate transportation and customs processing earlier in the shipment process
Exporting and Reimporting Equipment
Before exporting equipment temporarily, consider:
- Using a carnet when appropriate
- Completing customs registration for non-U.S.-made goods
These steps may help reduce duties when the equipment returns to the United States. U.S.-made goods are generally exempt from duty upon reimport, although some fees may still apply.