Sesilia Langi Pahulu

Sesilia Langi Pahulu holds an active CBP customs broker license (filer code EDE) and is affiliated with AB Customs Brokerage, serving importers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area from her base in Oakland, California. The Port of Oakland is one of the top container ports in the United States, handling significant volumes of trans-Pacific trade — particularly consumer goods, electronics, machinery, and apparel imported from Asia. A licensed broker with a presence in Oakland is well-suited to guide importers through the complexities of West Coast port clearances.

For importers using the Port of Oakland or filing entries in the Bay Area, working with a local customs broker means faster communication, familiarity with local CBP port procedures, and hands-on support for time-sensitive shipments. Sesilia's role at AB Customs Brokerage positions her to handle a range of import compliance needs, from routine entry preparation to more nuanced regulatory matters.

Key services a broker in this role typically provides include customs entry preparation, importer security filing (ISF 10+2), HTS code classification using the 10-digit schedule, and advising importers on their importer of record requirements. Understanding the difference between a Schedule B code and an HTS code is a common pain point for new importers, and having a licensed broker to navigate that distinction can prevent costly delays or penalties.

Bond management is another critical area — determining whether a single entry bond or a continuous customs bond is appropriate for a given import program can affect both cost and operational efficiency. Brokers operating in high-volume port environments like Oakland are well-acquainted with import bond requirements and how to structure coverage appropriately.

For eligible importers, duty drawback programs — including manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback — represent a meaningful opportunity to recover previously paid duties. A qualified duty drawback broker can assess eligibility and manage the claim process. Additionally, type 86 entry customs procedures and section 321 de minimis provisions are increasingly relevant for e-commerce and low-value shipment importers flowing through West Coast ports.

If you are searching for a customs broker near Oakland or the broader Bay Area with a connection to AB Customs Brokerage, Sesilia Langi Pahulu is a licensed professional available to discuss your import compliance needs.