Ready for a Customs Audit?

By Perry David, Founder – ShipCustomerDirect

Why Customs Audits Happen (Even If You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong)

U.S. customs fines have already topped $500 million this year — and the number is climbing. For many importers, that raises an uncomfortable question: If CBP showed up today, could you pass an audit?

Audits don’t just happen when you make a big mistake. They’re often triggered by small inconsistencies:

• Mismatched data between systems
• High-risk product categories (electronics, health, apparel)
• FTA claims without proof of origin
• Low-declared values or related-party pricing
• Misuse of Section 321 or de minimis
• Or sometimes… at random

📋 Smart Audit FAQ: What Importers Ask

• What triggers a customs audit?
  Mismatched HS codes, undervalued shipments, frequent Section 321 usage, unsupported origin claims, or random targeting.
• What documents does CBP look for?
  Accurate commercial invoices, HS classification records, COO certificates, broker filing consistency, valuation support.
• Is blind shipping audit-safe?
  Yes — when done right. Our service ensures compliant documentation, clear routing, and customs-ready invoices that reflect your brand.
• Can a 3PL protect me from CBP risk?
  Only if they manage labels, data, and filings correctly. We specialize in blind shipping that keeps importers compliant — and invisible.

Most Common Audit Fails

Based on data from Livingston, CBP, and real-world client cases, these are the audit mistakes that cost companies the most:

• Incorrect or outdated HS codes
• Valuation discrepancies between invoice and declared value
• FTA claims without valid Certificates of Origin
• Missing or inconsistent shipping records
• Misdeclared restricted or regulated items
• Multiple brokers filing differently for the same SKU

FTA & Origin Audits: You Should Know

Rules of origin are a major focus area. Customs may request:

• Proof that your goods qualify for preferential treatment
• Supplier affidavits or manufacturing cost breakdowns
• Consistent classification and documentation over time

FTA audits aren’t always about bad intent — they’re often about weak paperwork.

If you’re making use of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or claiming origin-based exemptions, get your documentation tight. Consider using digital tools or outsourced compliance reviews.

Blind Shipping And Customs Readiness

Blind shipping isn’t about hiding — it’s about controlling what shows up in official records. When you use ShipCustomerDirect:

• Commercial invoices are accurate, branded, and customs-ready
• HS codes are screened before dropoff
• Final-mile labels are U.S.-compliant and trackable
• Section 321 routing is done legally with audit-proof backups

You stay visible to your customer — and invisible to your competitor or customs exposure risk.

🔧 Tools to Stay Audit-Ready

• 🔍 HS Code Finder – Search and validate classifications fast
• 📚 Freight Terms Explained – Master Incoterms and compliance docs
• 📦 Dimensional Weight Calculator – Catch packaging issues before they become audit triggers

Need a Compliance Checkup?

CBP audits don’t give you time to fix things later. Get ahead now:

• ✅ Review your HS codes and origin declarations
• ✅ Make sure your invoices match reality
• ✅ Use a shipping partner who gets compliance right