About R WILBUR SMITH CO INC
R Wilbur Smith Co Inc is a licensed U.S. customs broker based in Houston, Texas, operating under CBP filer code 512. Houston's position as one of the largest port cities in the United States — anchored by the Port of Houston and its proximity to Gulf Coast energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries — makes it a significant hub for import activity. R Wilbur Smith Co Inc is part of this established brokerage community, serving commercial importers who need licensed representation before U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Whether you are moving industrial equipment, chemicals, consumer goods, or other commercial cargo through Houston-area ports, a licensed broker like R Wilbur Smith Co Inc can assist with entry preparation, HTS code classification, and CBP compliance requirements.
R Wilbur Smith Co Inc is a CBP-licensed customs brokerage firm located in Houston, Texas, holding filer code 512. Houston is one of the most strategically important import gateways in the United States, home to the Port of Houston — a leading port by total tonnage — and a major entry point for energy sector equipment, chemicals, steel and metals, machinery, and a broad range of industrial and consumer commodities. Customs brokers operating in Houston routinely handle complex commercial entries across these industries, and R Wilbur Smith Co Inc is part of this licensed brokerage community.
For importers bringing goods into the United States through Houston-area ports, working with a locally licensed broker provides clear advantages. A customs broker can prepare and file formal and informal customs entries, determine the correct 10-digit HTS code classification for your goods, calculate applicable duties and fees, and ensure that all CBP entry types are properly executed. Proper HTS code classification is foundational to customs compliance — misclassification can result in penalties, delays, or overpayment of duties.
R Wilbur Smith Co Inc can assist commercial importers with importer security filing (ISF) for ocean shipments, which must be submitted to CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port. The firm can also advise on bonding requirements, including whether a single entry bond or a continuous customs bond is appropriate for your import volume and frequency. For businesses with regular import programs, a continuous bond is typically the more cost-effective option.
Houston's industrial base also means that importers in the region frequently deal with partner government agency (PGA) requirements — additional oversight from agencies such as the EPA, DOT, FDA, or USDA depending on the commodity. A licensed customs broker familiar with Houston's commodity mix can help navigate these multi-agency requirements.
Importers seeking to recover previously paid duties may also want to explore duty drawback programs, including manufacturing drawback, which allows companies to reclaim duties on imported materials used in exported finished goods. Understanding the distinction between Schedule B and HTS codes — the former used for export classification, the latter for import — is another area where professional broker guidance adds value.
If you are evaluating customs brokers near Houston, TX, R Wilbur Smith Co Inc represents an established, licensed option with a presence in one of America's most active import corridors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What CBP filer code does R Wilbur Smith Co Inc operate under?
R Wilbur Smith Co Inc is licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under filer code 512, based in Houston, Texas.
What types of imports does R Wilbur Smith Co Inc typically handle in Houston?
Given Houston's role as a major Gulf Coast port, brokers in this market commonly handle chemicals, energy equipment, industrial machinery, steel and metals, and other commercial cargo moving through the Port of Houston and surrounding facilities.
Do I need a continuous customs bond or a single entry bond for my Houston imports?
If you import frequently, a continuous customs bond is generally more cost-effective than purchasing a single entry bond for each shipment. A licensed broker like R Wilbur Smith Co Inc can assess your import volume and recommend the right bonding approach.
Can R Wilbur Smith Co Inc help with HTS code classification for my goods?
Yes. Proper 10-digit HTS code classification is a core customs brokerage service. Correct classification determines your duty rate and ensures compliance with CBP and partner government agency requirements.