Stefan L. Spangler

Stefan L. Spangler is a CBP-licensed customs broker operating out of Sausalito, California, under filer code B9P. Sausalito sits at the northern tip of the San Francisco Bay, placing Stefan within close proximity to the Port of Oakland — one of the busiest container ports on the Pacific Coast and a primary gateway for goods arriving from Asia, including electronics, consumer goods, machinery, and textiles.

For importers navigating the complexities of U.S. customs regulations, working with a licensed broker is essential. Stefan L. Spangler provides customs clearance services to Bay Area businesses and importers of record who require accurate entry preparation, proper HTS code classification, and timely filing. Understanding the 10-digit HTS code meaning and applying the correct tariff code is critical to avoiding delays and unexpected duties — something an experienced customs broker handles as a matter of course.

Stefan can assist clients with importer of record requirements, ensuring that shipments entering through Oakland, San Francisco, or other U.S. ports of entry are cleared in compliance with CBP regulations. This includes preparation and submission of ISF 10+2 filings (also known as importer security filing), which must be submitted at least 24 hours before a vessel departs for the United States. Failure to file an accurate ISF can result in significant penalties, making professional assistance valuable for both new and experienced importers.

Customs bond requirements are another area where Stefan can provide guidance. Whether a shipment calls for a single entry bond or a continuous customs bond for ongoing import activity, understanding import bond requirements upfront helps avoid clearance delays. For higher-volume importers, a continuous bond is typically the more cost-effective and operationally efficient option.

Bay Area importers may also benefit from exploring duty drawback programs, which allow companies to recover duties paid on imported merchandise that is subsequently exported or destroyed. Stefan L. Spangler, as a licensed broker with knowledge of CBP procedures, can help clients evaluate whether a duty drawback broker arrangement makes sense for their import/export profile — including unused merchandise drawback claims.

Additionally, for lower-value e-commerce and direct-to-consumer shipments, Stefan can provide guidance on Section 321 de minimis entry rules and Type 86 entry customs filings, which allow qualifying shipments valued under $800 to enter duty-free. With the growth of cross-border e-commerce, understanding these entry types has become increasingly important for Bay Area businesses sourcing internationally.

Importers in San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, and the surrounding Bay Area looking for a licensed customs broker with direct regional knowledge are encouraged to reach out to Stefan L. Spangler at 415-871-0956.