About May Yan Chen
May Yan Chen is a CBP-licensed customs broker based in Oakland, California, operating under filer code 9NK and doing business as Ability Customs Brokers. Located near the Port of Oakland — one of the busiest container ports on the West Coast — May Yan Chen is positioned to assist importers bringing goods through Northern California, with particular relevance to trans-Pacific trade lanes from Asia. Importers needing customs entry preparation, ISF filing, and HTS classification support can reach the office directly at 510-347-5555. With Oakland serving as a major gateway for electronics, consumer goods, and textiles arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, this broker is well-situated to handle a broad range of commercial import shipments.
May Yan Chen is a federally licensed U.S. customs broker operating out of Oakland, California, under CBP filer code 9NK and the trade name Ability Customs Brokers. Oakland's deep-water port is among the most active container terminals on the Pacific Coast, making it a critical point of entry for importers sourcing products from Asia, including electronics, consumer goods, apparel, and machinery. A licensed broker at this location is positioned to handle the full range of customs clearance requirements that importers face when moving cargo through the Port of Oakland.
For importers navigating the complexities of US import requirements, May Yan Chen can assist with customs entry preparation, ensuring that shipments are properly classified under the HTS code list and that applicable duties are correctly calculated. Accurate HTS code search and classification is essential for determining duty liability under current tariff schedules, including Section 301 tariffs affecting goods of Chinese origin — a significant concern for many importers using the Port of Oakland.
ISF filing requirements apply to all ocean shipments entering the United States, and timely submission through the CBP ACE portal is critical to avoiding penalties. Brokers like May Yan Chen help importers meet these deadlines and maintain compliance with CBP's Importer Security Filing (10+2) rules. The ACE portal is also central to entry processing, and working with an experienced filer ensures that documentation moves through the system accurately.
Customs bond requirements are another area where a licensed broker adds tangible value. Whether an importer needs a single-entry bond for a one-time shipment or a continuous customs bond for ongoing import activity, a licensed broker can advise on the appropriate coverage and coordinate with surety providers. Continuous bonds are generally recommended for importers making frequent shipments throughout the year.
For importers who have overpaid duties in the past, the duty drawback program may offer an opportunity to recover those costs. Duty drawback claims involve detailed recordkeeping and timely filing, and working with a knowledgeable broker familiar with the duty drawback claim process can make the difference between recovering those funds or leaving money on the table.
May Yan Chen's Oakland location also makes the broker accessible to Northern California businesses engaged in import activity across a wide range of industries. Importers looking for local, licensed customs broker support at one of the West Coast's key ports of entry can contact the office at 510-347-5555.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What port does May Yan Chen primarily serve?
May Yan Chen is based in Oakland, CA and is well-positioned to serve importers clearing shipments through the Port of Oakland, a major West Coast container terminal for trans-Pacific trade.
Does May Yan Chen handle ISF filing for ocean shipments?
As a CBP-licensed customs broker, May Yan Chen can assist with Importer Security Filing (ISF) submission requirements for ocean cargo entering the United States. Contact the office at 510-347-5555 to discuss your specific needs.
What is the trade name associated with May Yan Chen's brokerage?
May Yan Chen operates under the doing-business-as name Ability Customs Brokers, as identified in federal court records and CBP licensing data.
Can May Yan Chen help with HTS code classification for imported goods?
Yes. HTS classification is a core function of customs brokerage. Correct classification is essential for determining duty rates, especially for goods subject to additional tariffs such as Section 301 measures on Chinese-origin merchandise.