ComplyMyImport guide
Importer vs customs broker responsibilities for CPSC
Importers and customs brokers collaborate on regulated shipments, but they perform different functions. Clear ownership reduces last-minute requests and prevents Product Registry activity from being confused with customs filing.
Importer responsibilities
The importer is generally responsible for understanding the product, determining applicable requirements, arranging appropriate evidence, and issuing the required certificate for an overseas-manufactured regulated product. Importer tasks may include:
- Maintaining accurate product and factory information
- Determining applicable CPSC rules
- Verifying testing and laboratory scope
- Preparing and approving a CPC or GCC
- Maintaining Product Registry certificate data
- Giving accurate filing inputs to the broker
- Responding to compliance questions and product changes
These duties cannot be outsourced merely by sending documents to a broker.
Customs broker responsibilities
Within the broker engagement, the customs broker commonly handles customs classification and entry preparation, maps data into the appropriate ACE messages, transmits the entry and PGA Message Set, and communicates responses or rejects.
The broker depends on the importer for accurate product-compliance conclusions and certificate data. The exact division should be documented in the power of attorney, service agreement, and operating procedure.
Shared handoff controls
Both parties should agree on product identifiers, filing path, formats, deadlines, correction procedures, escalation contacts, and evidence of transmission. Treat Product Registry acceptance, broker transmission, and CBP entry response as separate states.
What compliance software does
ComplyMyImport organizes importer-owned evidence, approvals, registry references, and broker packages. It does not act as a customs broker, transmit ACE entries, or guarantee acceptance or clearance.
This page is general educational information, not legal or customs advice. Confirm responsibilities with qualified counsel and the selected customs broker.
Official resources
- CPSC eFiling guidance: cpsc.gov/eFiling
- CBP customs broker information: cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers