top of page

USA: 10 Ways to Manage Customs Duty Costs

Writer: Arne MielkenArne Mielken

Managing customs duty is key to reducing costs and ensuring compliance. Here are 10 actionable tips to streamline your process.

Laptop on cluttered desk with papers, charts, and two coffee cups. Hands arrange documents. Busy office atmosphere with muted colors.
Streamlining customs duty management: a workspace filled with documents, charts, and a laptop showcasing data insights offers practical tips to reduce costs and enhance compliance.

As a customs and trade compliance professional, one of the most challenging aspects of international trade is managing customs duty as a cost of goods sold (COGS). Customs duties can have a significant impact on your bottom line, especially as regulations and trade agreements evolve. For businesses that import goods into the U.S. ensuring compliance with customs regulations and minimizing duty exposure is vital for profitability and smooth operations.


This blog post will outline 10 essential tips for managing customs duty effectively, providing actionable insights that can benefit your business. If you’re working in the U.S., these tips will help you navigate the complexities of customs duties and streamline your processes for maximum efficiency.


Top tip 1: You can break down a paywall by becoming a Premium plan subscriber.

Top tip 2: For personalized updates and advice on how these changes could affect your business, sign up for email alerts at www.customsmanager.info.


Key Questions Covered in This Blog

  • How can you verify product classifications under the HTSUS to ensure accuracy?

  • Why is confirming the country of origin of goods so important?

  • How can you qualify goods under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to minimize duty liability?

  • What valuation policies should you review to ensure compliance with CBP rules?

  • How can you decouple non-dutiable cost elements from your COGS?

  • What duty deferral options are available to you under the HTSUS?

  • How do you take advantage of duty drawback on exported goods?

  • When is it beneficial to obtain a CBP Ruling for certainty in classifications and valuations?

        Want to read more?

        Subscribe to customsmanager.info to keep reading this exclusive post.

        Terms of Website Use

        Cookie policy

        Privacy policy

        © 2025 by Customs Manager Ltd.

        bottom of page