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How to Self-Clear a Package Through Customs (and Avoid the $55 UPS Fee)
Stop paying $55+ brokerage fees -- learn how to self-clear your packages quickly and legally
Every reseller who sources internationally eventually gets hit with this one: a small overseas shipment arrives, the duty is maybe $25–$40, and then UPS/FedEx sends a surprise $50–$80 “brokerage fee.”
You look at the numbers and think:
“Wait… the clearance fee is higher than the tariff. Can I just clear it myself?”
Short answer: Yes. Many sellers can self-clear.
Long answer: Yes, but you need to understand the official CBP rules so you don’t risk delays, warehouse fees, or the package being seized or auctioned.
This guide shows you how to self-clear properly and stay compliant with Article 1135.
Table of Contents
What Is Self-Clearing?
Self-clearing means you file the customs entry yourself instead of letting UPS/FedEx act as your customs broker (and bill you for it).
In most cases, especially for low-value consumer goods, this is 100% legal, and often easier than people expect.
The Official CBP Rules You Need to Know (From Article 1135)
Here are the requirements CBP lists for clearing personal goods:
You must file an entry within 5 working days of arrival.
If you miss this window, CBP considers the shipment unentered.You may request a 25-day extension.
If you need more time, CBP can grant an extension. However, it must be requested.If no entry is filed, your package goes to General Order (GO).
That means:It moves to a Customs-bonded warehouse
Storage fees start
After 6 months, CBP can auction your goods.
Avoiding this is one of the reasons self-clearing quickly matters.
Required documents:
CBP says you must bring (or send):Bill of sale (your commercial invoice)
Bill of lading / airway bill (your tracking/waybill)
Most personal shipments qualify for informal entry
This usually means:No customs bond
Simplified processing
CBP may allow remote filing
Lower risk
Lower cost
CBP may require a formal entry if needed for:
Import admissibility enforcement
Revenue protection
Efficient conduct of CBP business
If CBP requires a formal entry:
You must post a Customs bond
You may need a customs broker if the shipment is complicated
Obtaining a customs bond
You can get a bond from:A Treasury-licensed surety
A Customs broker (who will arrange it for you)
Do You Have to Go to a CBP Office — or Can You Do It Remotely?
Article 1135 uses traditional language implying in-person filing:
“Bring the bill of sale and the bill of lading or airway bill to the CBP port of arrival to file your entry.”
But in practice….
Many ports now allow remote self-clearance
Depending on the port, you may be able to file by
Email
Fax
Sending documents through a carrier representative
Having CBP issue the informal entry release electronically
Some ports still require in-person entry
Smaller ports, or ports with older systems, may insist that you visit the CBP office.
Air courier hubs (UPS/FedEx/DHL) often support remote clearance
Especially at big international gateways (JFK, LAX, ORD, SFO, ATL), importers frequently self-clear via email.
Practical takeaway:
You must follow your specific port’s rules, so call them first.
CBP’s written guidance is conservative, but in practice many ports accept remote documents.
How to Self-Clear a Shipment: Step by Step
Contact UPS/FedEx IMMEDIATELY
Tell them:
“I am the importer of record and I will be self-clearing this shipment.”
If you don’t do this up front, the carrier will clear it automatically and bill you.Ask the carrier to release the customs paperwork
You’ll need:Commercial invoice (CBP calls this your bill of sale)
Air waybill / tracking page
Any customs hold notices
Call the CBP Port of Entry
Use the port listed in your tracking details.
Ask:“Is this eligible for informal entry?”
“Can I file remotely?”
“What is your process for self-clearing courier shipments?
If they say you must come in person, ask for office hours.
File the entry & pay your duty directly to CBP
Depending on the port:
If remote filing is allowed:Email your documents.
CBP processes the entry.
They send you a release + duty payment instructions.
If in-person filing is required:
Bring your documents (“bill of sale” + airway bill)
Pay duty on-site or via their payment portal.
Send the CBP release back to your carrier
Once CBP clears your package:Send the release to the carrier
Your shipment will be delivered
You won’t be charged a brokerage fee
Done!
When It’s Worth Self-Clearing
Self-clearing makes sense when:
The duty is low
The brokerage fee is high
The shipment is simple consumer goods
You’re doing occasional imports (not daily freight containers)
If UPS wants $55 to process a $35 tariff, that’s exactly the type of shipment worth self-clearing.
Over a year, even 6–10 international shipments can mean $300 to $500 in savings.
When NOT to Self-Clear
Avoid self-clearing if your shipment includes:
FDA-regulated goods
Food, cosmetics, supplements, chemicals
High-value commercial shipments
Anything needing special permits
In these cases, paying a broker is safer, faster, and reduces risk of delays or penalties.
Understanding Informal vs. Formal Entry (In 30 Seconds)
Informal Entry
Under $2,500 (general rule, varies based on goods)
No bond required
Simple paperwork
CBP may allow remote filing
Fastest clearance
Formal Entry - required when:
CBP determines it for enforcement or revenue reasons
Goods are restricted or regulated
High-value (often > $2,500)
Commercial nature is clear
Formal entries require a customs bond and sometimes a broker.
Bond sources:
Treasury-licensed surety (official list available)
Your customs broker
A Simple 9-Point Checklist
🗹 Confirm your shipment is low-value & uncomplicated.
🗹 Contact UPS/FedEx immediately to halt automatic brokerage.
🗹 Request your invoice + airway bill.
🗹 Call CBP at the port of arrival.
🗹 Ask if informal entry + remote filing is allowed.
🗹 File entry within 5 working days (or request a 25-day extension).
🗹 Submit invoice + waybill (bill of sale + AWB
🗹 Pay duty directly to CBP
🗹 Send CBP release to your carrier
Resource Index: Tariffs, Duties, and Import Tools for Resellers
If you’re self-clearing shipments or sourcing internationally, these are the most useful official tools and databases to help you check duty rates, HS codes, and import rules before you buy:
WTO Tariff Database (Global Tariffs & Trade Trends)
A free global database of applied tariffs, bound duties, and historical import/export trends across nearly every country.
Use it for:
1. Checking what a destination country charges on your product
2. Comparing duty rates across suppliers’ countries
3. Understanding trade flows and potential red flags
U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Official Tariff Rates & HS Codes)
The official U.S. source for HS codes and tariff rates.
Use it for:
1. Looking up the correct HTS classification
2. Estimating the duty you’ll owe on U.S. imports
3. Finding notes and exceptions that affect informal entry shipments
CBP “Basic Importing & Exporting” Guide
Straight from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This section lays out import requirements, duties, taxes, admissibility rules, documentation, and importer responsibilities.
Use it for:
1. Understanding your role as Importer of Record
2. What CBP expects when you self-clear a package
3. Rules for informal entries, restricted goods, and recordkeeping
U.S. International Trade Administration
A government tool covering tariffs for 170+ countries, plus guidance on classification, HS codes, and import procedures.
Use it for:
1. Checking what duties a foreign buyer would pay (if exporting)
2. Understanding tariffs in overseas supply markets
3. Getting a second source to confirm HS code accuracy