Shipping with SavvyBroker: What You Need to Know
SavvyBroker is our built-in customs clearance service, we handle the forms, the compliance checks, and the duty calculations so your shipments clear the border without any headaches on your end. Here's what to know to keep things running smoothly.
Tracking Updates
After your shipment is manifested, tracking can take 2–5 business days to show up. That's completely normal, no need to worry or reach out during this window.
When SavvyBroker Kicks In
You don't need to pick SavvyBroker manually, we'll automatically recommend it when your shipment:
- Is worth more than $800 USD
- Contains food or other regulated goods
- Is coming from a country where duties apply
- Is heading to Canada with a high declared value
- Needs formal entry or HS code processing
If your shipment qualifies for a simpler, informal clearance (like Section 321), we'll let you know, SavvyBroker won't be applied by default in that case.
Items That Need Extra Care
Some items, like food products, FDA or PGA-regulated goods, cosmetics, medical devices, and medications, need extra documentation and can be subject to limits (for example, a $2,500 USD per-consignee, per-day cap) before they can clear customs smoothly.
Before shipping any of these, please contact our support team first. We'll help you confirm what's needed so your shipment doesn't get held up or rejected at the border.
CUSMA Certification (Formerly NAFTA)
Selecting CUSMA in the portal? Here's what you'll need:
- A valid CUSMA certificate included with your shipment
- The certificate attached to the outside of the package
Without it, your shipment could be rejected, and you could face fines or penalties at the border.
Declaring Your Shipment's Value
How you declare value depends on your shipping setup:
- Using ShipSavvy's labels and acting as the importer of record? Declare the retail value of each item.
- Using ShipSavvy's labels but acting as your own importer? Declare the wholesale value.
- Using your own labels with ShipSavvy as importer of record? Declare the retail value.
- Using your own labels and your own importer of record? Declare the wholesale value.
Whatever your setup, never declare the purchase price or a discounted amount instead of the correct value, this can lead to:
- Delays at customs
- Fines or penalties
- Shipment rejection or return
Being upfront about your shipment's value keeps things moving smoothly at the border.
Not Sure SavvyBroker Is Right for You?
We also support a few other ways to clear customs, in case one fits your shipment better:
| Option | What It Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| No Broker Needed | Informal entry for low-value shipments (Section 321) | Shipments under $800 USD from non-tariffed countries |
| Use My Broker | Upload docs from your own external broker | If you already have a broker set up |
| Recipient Pays Duties | Carrier collects duties from your customer at delivery (DDU) | Lower-cost shipments where you want less risk |
Need Help?
Got questions about your shipment or customs requirements? We're happy to help.
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