Shao Zhi Chen

Shao Zhi Chen holds an active CBP customs broker license with filer code 8VW, operating out of Brooklyn, New York. The New York customs district is among the most active in the country, processing billions of dollars in imported merchandise annually through the Port of Newark, Brooklyn Marine Terminal, and JFK International Airport. A licensed broker based in Brooklyn is well-situated to handle the full range of import transactions that flow through this corridor.

For importers working through the New York area, customs compliance begins well before goods arrive at the port. A properly filed Importer Security Filing — commonly known as ISF 10+2 — is required for ocean freight shipments at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port. Errors or late filings can trigger CBP penalties and cargo holds. Working with a locally licensed broker who understands the ISF filing requirements and the specific demands of the New York district can help importers avoid costly delays.

Customs entry preparation is another core function of a licensed broker. This includes accurate HTS code classification — importers frequently ask about the difference between a Schedule B vs HTS code, and while both use the Harmonized System as a base, the 10-digit HTS code governs dutiable entries into the United States. Misclassification can result in unpaid duties, penalties, or CBP audits. A licensed broker provides classification review as part of the entry process.

Importers also need to meet import bond requirements before CBP will release cargo. A continuous customs bond covers all entries filed over a 12-month period and is the standard choice for regular importers, while a single entry bond covers one individual shipment. Brokers assist in determining which bond type fits a client's import volume and help facilitate the bonding process with surety providers.

For importers who have overpaid duties in the past, a duty drawback program may allow recovery of up to 99% of duties paid on goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback are two distinct drawback types, each with its own CBP documentation requirements. A duty drawback broker can evaluate whether your import and export activity qualifies.

New York-area importers moving lower-value shipments may also benefit from understanding Section 321 de minimis provisions, which allow duty-free entry for shipments valued at $800 or less, often processed through a Type 86 entry in ACE. Shao Zhi Chen, as a CBP-licensed broker in Brooklyn, can serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for importers navigating these entry types and compliance requirements across a wide range of commercial commodities.