For mid-market and enterprise
Switching Customs Broker at Your Port
Changing customs broker in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago or Laredo? What to hand over and how to avoid a gap in filings.
General information, not a duty quotation. Shipment-specific conclusions require licensed customs broker review.
What actually moves when you switch.
Your company stays the importer of record and keeps its importer number and customs bond. What changes is the licensed customs broker filing under your power of attorney. You sign a new power of attorney for the new broker, and you can revoke the old one once open entries are closed.
Take your product record with you: HTS classifications, origin, values, prior rulings and open protests or post-summary corrections. That record is what keeps tariffs consistent from one broker to the next.
A switch checklist.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| List of open entries and liquidation dates | So nothing is left without a filer |
| Product classification and origin record | So the new broker files the same tariffs, or corrects them on purpose |
| Bond details | Your bond normally stays with your company, not the broker |
| ACE portal access | So you keep visibility of your own entries |
| New power of attorney | Required before the new broker can file |
Keep your broker, or use one of ours.
A licensed U.S. customs broker reviews and files every entry under your power of attorney: one of our partner brokers, or your existing broker working from the same record. Greenwich does the customs work behind each entry with AI, so the record stays with you whichever broker files.
Pick the port where your goods land to see local coverage.
Questions, answered directly.
Do I lose my importer number or bond if I change customs broker?
No. The importer number and the customs bond belong to the importer of record. You sign a new power of attorney so the new licensed customs broker can file.
Can Greenwich work with our existing customs broker?
Yes. A licensed U.S. customs broker reviews and files every entry under your power of attorney: one of our partner brokers, or your existing broker working from the same record.
How long does switching customs broker take?
It depends mainly on how quickly the power of attorney is signed and the product record is handed over. Plan the switch between shipments so no entry is left without a filer.
Sources and limits
- CBP: Customs brokers
- 19 CFR Part 111: Customs brokers
- 19 CFR Part 141: Entry of merchandise (powers of attorney)
Sources support the stated context, not an endorsement of Greenwich or a shipment-specific determination.
Define your next U.S. decision.
Agree the question, evidence and responsibilities before acting.
Import readiness review