About RICHARD L. JONES CALEXICO INC.
Richard L. Jones Calexico Inc., operating as RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, is a CBP-licensed customs broker headquartered in San Diego, CA with filer code 218. The firm specializes in cross-border trade along the US-Mexico corridor, serving importers who move goods through Calexico and other Southern California ports of entry. With an FDA-evaluated filing record rated Acceptable, RL Jones handles regulated commodity entries in addition to standard commercial imports. Importers seeking a customs broker near the California-Baja California border will find RL Jones well-positioned to manage entry preparation, HTS code classification, bond procurement, and partner government agency coordination for a wide range of goods.
Richard L. Jones Calexico Inc. — widely known in the trade community as RL Jones Customhouse Brokers — holds CBP broker license filer code 218 and maintains operations out of San Diego, California. The firm's name reflects its deep roots in Calexico, one of the primary commercial land ports connecting Southern California to Baja California, Mexico. This geographic positioning makes RL Jones a natural choice for importers moving manufactured goods, consumer products, food and agricultural commodities, and industrial materials across the US-Mexico border.
For importers navigating the complexities of formal vs. informal entry customs filings, RL Jones brings practical experience across CBP entry types. Whether a shipment qualifies for treatment as a section 321 de minimis entry or requires a formal entry with precise 10-digit HTS code classification, the firm's knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule helps ensure entries are classified correctly from the outset — reducing the risk of delays, penalties, or costly reclassifications.
RL Jones has been evaluated by the FDA under its filer evaluation program and received an Acceptable rating, signaling that the firm meets CBP and partner government agency standards for filing accuracy on FDA-regulated goods. This matters for importers of food, beverages, dietary supplements, medical devices, and other products subject to FDA Prior Notice or FSVP requirements. Coordinating with partner government agencies during customs clearance is a routine part of the firm's workflow.
The firm assists clients with continuous customs bond procurement as well as single entry bond customs arrangements, depending on import frequency and shipment volume. Importers new to US trade who need guidance on importer of record requirements will find RL Jones capable of explaining obligations clearly. The firm also supports clients interested in evaluating duty drawback programs — including manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback — as strategies to recover duties paid on goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed.
Importer Security Filing (ISF) compliance is another core service, critical for ocean freight shipments arriving at West Coast ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach, which serve as alternate gateways for RL Jones clients sourcing goods from Asia. With San Diego serving as a major hub for cross-border commerce, RL Jones Customhouse Brokers occupies a strategic position for any importer seeking experienced, licensed customs representation along the Southern California-Mexico trade corridor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does RL Jones Customhouse Brokers handle US-Mexico border shipments specifically?
Yes. Richard L. Jones Calexico Inc. (RL Jones Customhouse Brokers) is based in San Diego and has historical roots in Calexico, making it well-suited for importers moving goods through Southern California's US-Mexico land ports.
Is RL Jones approved to file entries for FDA-regulated goods?
Yes. RL Jones Customhouse Brokers has undergone the FDA Filer Evaluation program and received an Acceptable rating, meaning they are recognized as a compliant filer for FDA-regulated commodity entries including food, beverages, and medical devices.
What bond options does RL Jones offer for importers?
RL Jones can assist clients with both continuous customs bonds — recommended for importers who ship frequently — and single entry bonds for one-time or occasional shipments.
Can RL Jones help determine whether my shipment qualifies for a Section 321 de minimis entry?
Yes. The firm is familiar with CBP entry types, including Section 321 de minimis provisions for low-value shipments, and can advise whether your goods meet the threshold and eligibility criteria.