The Challenge Facing Customs Brokers Today
As a customs broker, your expertise in customs compliance, HS code classification, and tariff regulations is invaluable to your clients. However, the manual research required for accurate tariff classification is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error—especially with constantly changing trade policies, Section 301 tariffs, and complex customs regulations.
Every day, customs brokers face the same challenges:
- •Spending hours researching HS codes and tariff classifications in the HTS database
- •Managing increasing client demands without proportionally increasing staff
- •Staying current with rapidly changing tariff rates, Section 301 updates, and trade agreements
- •Reducing the risk of misclassification penalties from customs authorities
- •Competing with low-cost competitors while maintaining quality service
InstaDuty transforms how customs brokers work by automating the most time-consuming aspects of customs classification and import duty calculation, allowing you to focus on high-value client advisory services and customs compliance strategy.
Key Benefits for Customs Brokers
Transform Your Brokerage Operations:
- 90% Accurate HS Code Classification: AI-powered HS code classification with 90%+ accuracy reduces manual research time from hours to seconds
- Instant Duty Calculations: Calculate import duties, Section 301 tariffs, MPF, HMF, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duties automatically
- Handle 5x More Clients: Process more customs entries without hiring additional licensed brokers or staff
- Reduce Classification Errors: Minimize costly misclassification penalties and CBP audits with AI-verified HS codes
- Real-Time Tariff Updates: Always use the latest tariff rates, Section 301 changes, and trade agreement rules
- Professional Client Reports: Generate comprehensive PDF reports showing detailed duty breakdowns for client transparency
Real Results from Customs Brokers
"InstaDuty has completely transformed our customs brokerage. We used to spend 2-3 hours per complex shipment researching HS codes and calculating duties. Now it takes 5 minutes. We've been able to take on 40% more clients without adding staff."
— Sarah Chen, Licensed Customs Broker, Import Solutions LLC
"The accuracy is incredible. We've reduced our misclassification rate by 85% since implementing InstaDuty. Our clients trust us more because we can show them exactly how duties are calculated with detailed breakdowns."
— Michael Rodriguez, Owner, Pacific Customs Brokerage
Why Customs Brokers Choose InstaDuty
1. AI-Powered HS Code Classification Built for Customs Professionals
Unlike generic tariff lookup tools, InstaDuty's AI is specifically trained on U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications. Our system analyzes product descriptions, materials, intended use, and manufacturing details to suggest the most accurate 10-digit HS codes.
What sets it apart for customs brokers:
- ✓Trained on millions of actual customs entries and CBP rulings
- ✓Considers chapter notes, section notes, and legal notes in classification logic
- ✓Flags ambiguous classifications that may require binding rulings
- ✓Shows confidence scores so you know when to double-check classifications
- ✓Automatically detects products subject to additional duties (Section 301, 232, anti-dumping, etc.)
2. Comprehensive Duty & Fee Calculations
Customs brokers know that import duties are just one piece of the landed cost puzzle. InstaDuty automatically calculates all applicable fees and charges:
- •HTS Column 1 Duties: Normal Trade Relations (NTR) duty rates
- •Section 301 Tariffs: China-specific tariffs (7.5% to 100% depending on product and list)
- •Section 232 Tariffs: Steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) tariffs
- •Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD): Product and country-specific ADD rates
- •Countervailing Duties (CVD): Subsidy offset duties
- •MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.3464% with min/max caps, including exemptions
- •HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee): 0.125% for ocean shipments
- •Free Trade Agreement Benefits: Automatic detection of USMCA, CAFTA-DR, and other FTA eligibility
3. Built-In Compliance & Risk Management
Customs brokers are responsible for ensuring import compliance. InstaDuty helps you identify compliance risks before they become problems:
- ✓Flags products requiring permits (FDA, EPA, DOT, etc.)
- ✓Identifies products subject to quota restrictions
- ✓Alerts to products with complex classification rules
- ✓Highlights country-specific import restrictions
- ✓Tracks changes to tariff classifications and rates
4. Massive Time Savings on Routine Classifications
The average customs broker spends 60-80% of their time on HS code research and duty calculations. InstaDuty reduces this to minutes:
Traditional Manual Process:
- • Review product details: 15 min
- • Research HTS database: 45-90 min
- • Check section notes: 20 min
- • Look up duty rates: 15 min
- • Check special programs: 20 min
- • Calculate fees manually: 10 min
- • Create client report: 15 min
- Total: 2.5-3.5 hours
With InstaDuty:
- • Upload commercial invoice: 1 min
- • AI classification: 30 seconds
- • Review & verify results: 3 min
- • Generate PDF report: 30 seconds
- • Send to client: 1 min
- Total: ~5 minutes
96% Time Savings = More Clients Without More Staff
How Customs Brokers Use InstaDuty
1Initial Client Consultation & Quote Generation
When a new client inquires about importing products, instantly generate accurate landed cost estimates. Upload their commercial invoice or product list, and within seconds, provide a comprehensive breakdown of all import costs including duties, tariffs, and fees. This speed gives you a competitive advantage in winning new business.
2Pre-Clearance Review & Verification
Before filing customs entries, use InstaDuty to double-check HS code classifications and duty calculations. The AI catches potential errors and flags products that need additional scrutiny. Use it as a quality assurance tool to reduce CBP penalties and client disputes.
3Client Education & Transparency
Generate professional PDF reports that show clients exactly how their duties are calculated. Break down every component—HTS duty, Section 301 tariffs, MPF, HMF—with clear explanations. This transparency builds trust and reduces questions about your invoices.
4Bulk Processing for High-Volume Importers
For clients importing hundreds of SKUs, batch-upload commercial invoices and process them all at once. InstaDuty handles complex invoices with dozens of line items in seconds, saving you hours of manual entry work.
5Training Junior Brokers & Staff
Use InstaDuty as a training tool for less experienced staff. They can see how products are classified and how duties are calculated, learning from the AI's logic. This accelerates their learning curve and allows them to handle more complex work sooner.
Pricing That Works for Customs Brokers
InstaDuty offers flexible pricing designed for customs brokerage firms of all sizes:
Free
$0/month
- 3 calculations per month
- Basic HS code classification
- PDF reports
Perfect for testing or occasional use
Standard
$99/month
- 100 calculations per month
- Full HS code classification
- All duty & fee calculations
- Bulk upload capability
- Priority support
Ideal for small to mid-size brokerages
Enterprise
Custom
- Unlimited calculations
- API access for integration
- Custom reporting
- Dedicated account manager
- White-label options
For large brokerages & enterprises
ROI for Customs Brokers
At $99/month for the Standard plan, InstaDuty pays for itself if it saves you just 2 hours per month. Most customs brokers report saving 15-20 hours per month, delivering an ROI of over 700%.
Example: If you bill clients at $150/hour and InstaDuty saves you 15 hours per month, that's $2,250 in billable time recovered—a 22x return on your $99 investment.
Frequently Asked Questions from Customs Brokers
Can I trust the HS code classifications?
InstaDuty provides 90%+ accurate classifications, but as a licensed customs broker, you maintain full control. The system shows confidence scores and flags ambiguous classifications for your review. Always use your professional judgment, especially for complex or unusual products.
Does InstaDuty replace customs brokers?
No. InstaDuty is a tool to make customs brokers more efficient, not replace them. Only licensed customs brokers can file entries with CBP. InstaDuty handles the time-consuming research and calculation work, freeing you to focus on client relationships, compliance strategy, and complex cases.
How often are tariff rates updated?
Our database is updated daily with the latest HTS rates, Section 301 tariff changes, ADD/CVD rates, and trade agreement rules. When USTR announces new tariffs or CBP issues guidance, we update the system within 24 hours.
Can I integrate InstaDuty with my brokerage software?
Enterprise customers can access our API to integrate InstaDuty with existing customs brokerage software, TMS systems, or client portals. Contact our team to discuss integration options.
What if I need a binding ruling?
InstaDuty flags products that may benefit from or require binding rulings. While we can't file binding ruling requests on your behalf, we provide the detailed product analysis you need to prepare strong ruling requests to CBP.
Is there training available?
Yes. All paying customers receive onboarding training and access to video tutorials. Enterprise customers get dedicated training sessions for their entire team. We also offer webinars on tariff updates and classification best practices.
Ready to Transform Your Customs Brokerage?
Join hundreds of customs brokers using InstaDuty to work faster, serve more clients, and increase profitability.
No credit card required • 3 free calculations • Setup in 2 minutes