Customs Brokerage & Clearance
What is customs brokerage?
Customs brokerage is the process of preparing, filing, and managing the regulatory declarations required to import or export goods across a border. A licensed customs broker navigates tariff classification, duty calculation, and government filings on your behalf — so cargo clears quickly and compliantly.
At Holo Cargo, customs brokerage is coordinated alongside your freight, not bolted on as an afterthought. Our operators manage filings and status tracking in real time so you know exactly where your cargo stands.
Key customs charges
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| CBF — Customs Brokerage Fee | Professional fee for filing and managing the clearance |
| ISF — Importer Security Filing | US import requirement: filed 24h before vessel loading |
| AMS — Automated Manifest System | Advance cargo declaration for US and other regulated markets |
| Exam fees | Physical or X-ray examination levied by customs authority |
| Duty and VAT | Government-assessed; separate from brokerage fees |
CBF and filing fees are quoted as a line item in your Holo shipment quote. Duties and taxes are assessed by the customs authority and are not part of Holo's fees.
Customs status lifecycle
Holo tracks the clearance status of every shipment in real time:
- Not started — goods are in transit; filing has not yet been submitted
- Clearing — filing submitted; awaiting customs release
- Released — customs authority has released the goods for delivery
- Held — customs has flagged the shipment for examination or additional documentation
When a hold occurs, Holo's operators coordinate the response — whether that's submitting additional documentation, arranging an exam, or escalating with the customs authority.
Why customs clearance affects transit time
Customs is often the least predictable part of an international move. A filing error or missing document can add days or weeks to your delivery. Getting it right the first time — correct HS codes, accurate commercial invoice values, compliant packaging declarations — is the difference between a clean release and an exam hold.
Holo's operators handle this alongside the freight booking, not as a separate workflow. That means fewer gaps, fewer errors, and faster releases.
Import and export coverage
Customs brokerage is available for both import clearance (at your destination market) and export declarations (at origin). For US imports, ISF/AMS filing is mandatory and time-sensitive. For EU imports, customs entry and VAT handling apply.
Brokerage requirements vary by market — confirm your specific destination with the Holo team at booking.
Related services
- Air freight — customs is especially time-critical for air shipments
- Cargo insurance — insure against cargo loss or damage during the clearance window
- Incoterms explained — who is responsible for import clearance depends on your trade term