About David Cole
David Cole is a licensed U.S. customs broker based in Portland, OR, and founder of Cole Oregon. Specializing in wine and spirits imports, David has filed over 10,000 CBMA claims and recovered nearly $20 million for importers since 2019. With deep expertise in the Craft Beverage Modernization Act, classification, valuation, and free trade agreements, David helps importers navigate complex customs regulations and maximize tax savings. His client base includes some of the largest alcohol importers in the United States.
David Cole operates as a licensed U.S. customs broker in Portland, OR, bringing specialized expertise to wine and spirits importers throughout the United States. As the founder of Cole Oregon, David has carved out a unique niche in customs brokerage by focusing on the intersection of alcohol imports and tax compliance—particularly under the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA).
Since 2019, David has been dedicated full-time to helping importers claim refunds on Internal Revenue taxes paid under CBMA. What began as a short-term project to assist his company's wine accounts evolved into a specialized practice that has now filed over 10,000 CBMA claims and recovered nearly $20 million for importers. This level of experience positions David as one of the most knowledgeable customs brokers in the alcohol import sector, having worked with the program since its inception.
For importers searching for a customs broker in Portland or throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, David offers services that extend beyond CBMA refunds. He assists clients with correcting costly errors in classification, valuation, and free trade agreement utilization—common pain points that can result in overpayment of duties or compliance issues. His approach combines technical customs knowledge with practical experience gained from years of hands-on work in the wine and spirits industry.
Portland's location makes it a strategic hub for West Coast imports, particularly for wine importers bringing products from international markets. David's expertise serves importers whether they're handling containerized shipments through the Port of Portland or managing cross-border trade from wine-producing regions. His specialization in alcohol imports means he understands the unique regulatory requirements, excise tax implications, and compliance challenges that beverage importers face—knowledge that general customs brokers may lack. Importers working with Cole Oregon benefit from working directly with a licensed broker who has demonstrated results and deep sector-specific knowledge.
Specialties
Services
Details
- Year Established
- 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) and how can David Cole help?
The CBMA provides tax credits and refunds on federal excise taxes for wine, beer, and spirits importers. David Cole specializes in filing CBMA claims and has recovered nearly $20 million for importers since 2019, having filed over 10,000 claims since the program's inception.
Does David Cole only work with wine and spirits importers?
While David's primary expertise is in wine and spirits imports, he also assists importers with customs classification corrections, valuation issues, and free trade agreement compliance across various product categories.
Can David Cole help importers outside of Portland, Oregon?
Yes. As a licensed U.S. customs broker, David works with wine and spirits importers throughout the United States, regardless of their location or port of entry.
What makes David Cole different from other customs brokers?
David has specialized expertise in alcohol imports and CBMA tax refunds that most general customs brokers lack. His track record includes working with some of the largest alcohol importers in the U.S. and being involved with CBMA since the program started.