Tony Chen

Tony Chen is a federally licensed U.S. customs broker based in Bellflower, California, holding CBP license and filer code 9E7. Bellflower sits within Los Angeles County, placing Tony Chen in close proximity to the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach — together forming the San Pedro Bay port complex, the single largest gateway for imported goods entering the United States. This geographic position makes Tony Chen a relevant resource for importers handling containerized cargo arriving from Asia, particularly from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

For importers new to the process, understanding CBP requirements can feel overwhelming. A licensed customs broker like Tony Chen helps navigate the formal entry process, including customs entry preparation, HTS code classification, and accurate duty calculation. Correctly identifying the right HTS code and tariff code is critical to determining applicable duty rates and ensuring compliance with trade regulations — missteps in classification are among the most common reasons importers face CBP delays or penalties.

One of the important pre-arrival requirements for ocean shipments is the Importer Security Filing, commonly known as ISF or the ISF 10+2 filing. This CBP mandate requires importers to submit shipment data at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at a foreign port. Failure to file on time can result in significant penalties and cargo holds. A customs broker with experience in ISF filing helps ensure these deadlines are met.

Importers should also understand their bond requirements. A continuous customs bond covers multiple shipments throughout the year and is generally the most cost-effective option for businesses importing regularly. For smaller or infrequent shipments, a single-entry bond may be appropriate. Tony Chen can help evaluate which bond structure fits a given import program.

For businesses importing lower-value goods, the Section 321 de minimis provision and Type 86 entry process offer potential duty-free treatment for eligible shipments valued at $800 or less — an increasingly important pathway for e-commerce importers. Additionally, companies that export imported merchandise after processing may qualify for a duty drawback program, allowing them to recover duties previously paid. Understanding how to file duty drawback correctly requires detailed recordkeeping and knowledge of CBP procedures.

Importers searching for a customs broker near the Los Angeles and Long Beach port area will find that Tony Chen's Bellflower location offers convenient access to one of the most active import regions in the country. Whether you are managing consumer goods, electronics, machinery, or textiles, having a licensed broker with knowledge of CBP procedures is a critical part of getting your goods cleared efficiently and in compliance with U.S. trade law.