About Tom Gould Customs Consulting, Inc.
Tom Gould Customs Consulting, Inc. is a CBP-licensed customs broker and global trade compliance consultancy based in North Bend, Washington. Licensed under filer code 9NS, the firm focuses on reducing importers' customs costs and compliance risk through expert entry preparation, ISF 10+2 filing, and trade advisory services. With a direct line to principal Tom Gould, clients receive personalized attention rather than being handed off to junior staff. The firm's Pacific Northwest location makes it a practical resource for importers moving goods through West Coast ports, including Seattle-Tacoma, and for businesses sourcing products from Asia-Pacific markets. From first-time importers needing guidance on commercial entry basics to established companies pursuing duty drawback programs, Tom Gould Customs Consulting offers hands-on customs brokerage and consulting support.
Tom Gould Customs Consulting, Inc. is a licensed U.S. customs broker and trade compliance consultancy headquartered in North Bend, Washington, operating under CBP filer code 9NS. The firm is built around the expertise of Tom Gould, a licensed broker who works directly with importers to manage customs clearance, minimize duty exposure, and maintain regulatory compliance across a range of import categories.
Located in the greater Seattle metro corridor, the firm is well-positioned to serve importers routing shipments through West Coast gateways, including the Port of Seattle-Tacoma — one of the primary U.S. entry points for goods manufactured in China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Importers bringing in consumer goods, fashion accessories, textiles, apparel, and electronics through Pacific Rim trade lanes are among those who benefit from the firm's practical knowledge of HTS code classification and tariff structures.
A notable area of focus for Tom Gould Customs Consulting is global trade compliance consulting — helping companies understand their obligations under CBP regulations and identify opportunities to reduce landed costs. This includes importer security filing (ISF 10+2) preparation ahead of vessel departure, continuous customs bond procurement and management, and guidance on import bond requirements for first-time importers navigating the commercial entry process for the first time.
For importers looking to recover previously paid duties, the firm offers expertise in duty drawback programs — a frequently underutilized mechanism under 19 U.S.C. § 1313 that allows manufacturers, exporters, and certain re-importers to claim refunds on eligible duties. Understanding how to file duty drawback correctly is a specialized skill, and having a knowledgeable duty drawback broker can make the difference between a successful claim and a missed opportunity.
Tom Gould Customs Consulting also advises clients on newer entry types and regulatory programs, including Type 86 entry for Section 321 de minimis shipments — an increasingly relevant area as e-commerce importers look for compliant, cost-effective ways to clear low-value goods. For clients subject to CBP audits or self-discovered violations, the firm can provide guidance on prior disclosure to CBP, helping importers mitigate penalty exposure through proactive compliance measures.
Whether you are a first-time importer seeking a customs broker near you in Washington State, or an experienced importer looking to tighten your trade compliance program, Tom Gould Customs Consulting, Inc. offers the focused, consultative approach that large freight forwarder-affiliated brokerages often cannot provide. Contact the firm directly at tom@tomgouldcustoms.com or by phone at 213-453-0897.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tom Gould Customs Consulting handle ISF 10+2 filings for ocean shipments?
Yes. The firm prepares and submits Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) documentation required by CBP for ocean freight shipments arriving in the United States, helping importers avoid penalties for late or inaccurate filings.
Can Tom Gould Customs Consulting help me file a duty drawback claim?
Yes. The firm has expertise in U.S. duty drawback programs under 19 U.S.C. § 1313, assisting importers and exporters in identifying eligible shipments, preparing claims, and submitting them to CBP for refund of previously paid duties.
Is Tom Gould Customs Consulting able to assist first-time importers?
Yes. The firm works with first-time importers to explain commercial entry requirements, import bond obligations, HTS code classification, and CBP compliance basics — providing guidance to help new importers avoid costly mistakes from the outset.
What ports does Tom Gould Customs Consulting primarily serve?
Based in North Bend, WA, the firm is well-suited to serve importers using West Coast ports, particularly the Port of Seattle-Tacoma, though CBP-licensed brokers can file entries at any U.S. port of entry nationwide.