MARK HOWARD STEFFEN

Mark Howard Steffen holds an active CBP customs broker license and is based in Eastvale, California — a logistics-friendly community in the Inland Empire region situated between the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the west and major inland distribution centers to the east. With CBP filer code AFF, Steffen is authorized to transact customs business on behalf of importers across the United States.

Eastvale's location along the I-15 and I-10 freight corridors places it squarely in one of the most active import zones in the country. The ports of LA and Long Beach handle the majority of U.S. container imports from Asia, and brokers operating in this region regularly process entries for electronics, consumer goods, machinery, textiles, and a wide variety of manufactured products. Importers sourcing from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian markets will find a locally based broker convenient for coordinating clearance, managing CBP correspondence, and resolving holds.

As a licensed customs broker, Steffen can assist clients with the full range of entry-related services. This includes customs entry preparation, classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), calculation of applicable duties, and submission of entries through CBP's ACE portal. For ocean freight shipments, compliance with ISF filing requirements — also known as Importer Security Filing or 10+2 — is a critical step that must be completed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port. A licensed broker handles this filing on behalf of the importer.

Importers new to the process often have questions about customs bond requirements. A continuous customs bond is typically required for importers who bring in commercial shipments regularly, and a licensed broker can help determine the appropriate bond type and amount based on import volume and commodity type. Steffen can also advise on broader us import requirements, including admissibility standards, partner government agency (PGA) filings, and documentation requirements for CBP entry.

For importers interested in reducing duty costs, the duty drawback program allows companies to recover duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Navigating a duty drawback claim involves detailed recordkeeping and specific filing procedures — areas where broker expertise adds measurable value.

Importers in the Inland Empire, greater Los Angeles area, or those shipping through the San Pedro Bay port complex looking for a licensed, individual customs broker should consider reaching out to Mark Howard Steffen directly at 323-224-6977.