I need a customs broker that specializes in imp… | Parse
I need a customs broker that specializes in importing food and beverage products into the US.
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 297 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
Seafrigo America is the best fit for importing foodstuffs—especially temperature‑sensitive air or ocean shipments—because multiple sources cite their dedicated customs brokerage team and strong FDA/USDA agency relationships. For perishables-focused handling consider T.H. Weiss; for deep FDA/USDA regulatory navigation consider AFC International.
Best when importing foodstuffs—particularly temperature‑sensitive air or ocean freight—because Seafrigo has a dedicated customs brokerage division and close FDA/USDA agency relationships; well suited to freight-focused food imports.
Importing food and beverage products into the US requires navigating strict compliance with agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USDA/APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), and managing Prior Notices, facility registrations, and perishables.
Prominent national and international customs brokers and logistics providers with dedicated expertise in food, beverage, and perishables compliance include:
Livingston International : A major North American customs broker offering specialized food and beverage compliance, including FDA registration assistance, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) navigation, and classification.
Crowley Logistics : Features robust perishable and food-grade customs brokerage capabilities, handling FDA Prior Notice, USDA/APHIS import permits, and cold-chain/exam coordination.
You can find licensed customs brokers experienced in food and beverage imports through logistics providers like or which handle specialized FDA and USDA clearances.
Question: I need a customs broker that specializes in importing food and beverage products into the US.
Expeditors International : A global logistics and licensed customs broker known for structured compliance, regulatory data management, and handling complex government agency clearances across multiple U.S. ports of entry.
BDP International : Provides global customs brokerage and regulatory compliance management with deep experience across consumer goods, food, and temperature-controlled supply chains.
You can verify individual broker licensing and standing via the Customs Broker Export/Import Search provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
To help me narrow down or recommend the best fit, could you share:
Are the products shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen?
Do you need assistance with FDA Prior Notice and facility registration , or just port-of-entry clearance?
What is your primary port of entry or mode of transport (ocean, air, or cross-border truck)?
Ken Lehat & Associates - 5 Dakota Dr Ste 210, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States
Kamino Air Imports - 423 Hazel St, Clifton, NJ 07011, United States
WB Skinner, Inc - 300 NJ-17 #3c, Lodi, NJ 07644, United States
Portside Customs Service Inc - 560 Sylvan Ave #2054, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, United States
J.M. Rodgers Co., Inc. - 99 Rainbow Rd, East Granby, CT 06026, United States
Express Customs Clearance (USA) Inc. - 218-14 Northern Blvd Ste 103, Bayside, NY 11361, United States
Just Your Broker Inc - 688 Crans St, Elmont, NY 11003, United States
Reliance Customs Brokerage - 102 West End Ave, Inwood, NY 11096, United States
All Cleared Customs Brokerage - 55-02 96th St, Corona, NY 11368, United States
New York Customs Brokers Inc. - 148-02 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
Yes. For food/beverage imports, I’d specifically look for a broker experienced with FDA Prior Notice, FSVP, FDA product/HTS classification, food facility registration, and USDA coordination where applicable. FDA confirms these are important parts of food imports.
A few brokers worth contacting:
Ken Lehat & Associates — New Hyde Park, NY; specifically handles FDA, FSVP, FSMA, food and beverage imports.
Kamino Air Imports — Clifton, NJ; handles FDA-regulated cargo including food and has a PCQI-certified specialist.
WB Skinner, Inc — Lodi, NJ; established FDA-clearance practice including foods.
J.M. Rodgers Co., Inc. — East Granby, CT; convenient regional option, though I’d specifically confirm their food/FDA experience.
For a food or beverage importer, I’d ask each broker whether they handle FSVP as well as customs clearance—the importer remains responsible for compliance even when using a broker.
If you tell me what food/beverage you're importing, country of origin, and whether it’s by ocean, air, or truck, I can narrow this to 3–5 brokers that fit your shipment.
When importing food and beverages into the U.S., you need a customs broker deeply experienced in navigating FDA customs clearance , filing mandatory Prior Notices , and managing multi-agency compliance (such as the USDA or TTB for alcohol).
Several reputable U.S. customs brokers and trade compliance firms specialize heavily in food, beverage, and perishable supply chains:
USA Customs Clearance: Offers specialized Food Import Consulting Services and licensed brokerage explicitly tailored to help food importers handle FDA facility registrations, prior notices, and complex entry documentation.
Alba Wheels Up International: A prominent national U.S. customs broker that explicitly integrates specialized practices for perishables and beverage alcohol logistics alongside mainstream customs brokerage.
Crowley Logistics: Provides tailored Customs Brokerage Perishables services covering complex fresh and frozen food supply chains, dealing directly with the FDA, FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Programs), and USDA.
Livingston International: A major North American customs broker handling heavy volumes of FDA-regulated food, agricultural, and consumer goods entries across all primary land, air, and sea ports of entry.
To help narrow down the ideal partner for your specific needs, could you share:
What specific type of food or beverage are you importing (e.g., packaged foods, fresh produce, or alcoholic beverages)?
Are your foreign suppliers already registered with the FDA?
Portside Customs Service Inc - 560 Sylvan Ave #2054, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, United States
WB Skinner, Inc - 300 NJ-17 #3c, Lodi, NJ 07644, United States
Kamino Air Imports - 423 Hazel St, Clifton, NJ 07011, United States
Chain Customs Services - 300-2 NJ-17 Unit a, Lodi, NJ 07644, United States
Express Customs Clearance (USA) Inc. - 218-14 Northern Blvd Ste 103, Bayside, NY 11361, United States
H W St John & Company - 292 N Central Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, United States
Ken Lehat & Associates - 5 Dakota Dr Ste 210, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States
Just Your Broker Inc - 688 Crans St, Elmont, NY 11003, United States
Appalachian Customs Service LLC - 375 Sylvan Ave #28, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, United States
New York Customs Brokers Inc. - 148-02 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
All Cleared Customs Brokerage - 55-02 96th St, Corona, NY 11368, United States
T H Weiss Inc - 57 Brant Ave Ste 101, Clark, NJ 07066, United States
If you're importing food or beverages into the U.S., I'd focus on brokers that explicitly handle FDA-regulated food imports, not just general customs clearance. Since you're in the North Jersey area, there are several nearby options:
Portside Customs Service Inc — Englewood Cliffs, NJ. They specifically handle FDA releases and perishable foods including cheese, chocolate, and fresh truffles, and can clear shipments at U.S. ports nationwide.
WB Skinner, Inc — Lodi, NJ. A licensed customs broker with stated expertise in food and beverage importers, FDA clearance, and freight forwarding.
Kamino Air Imports — Clifton, NJ. Particularly relevant if you're bringing in perishable or time-sensitive food products by air; it handles FDA-regulated food shipments.
Chain Customs Services — Lodi, NJ. Its services include FDA/food-import work and nationwide customs clearance.
Allied CHB — Rahway, NJ. This is particularly food-focused: the company says FDA and agricultural commodities account for more than 60% of its business and specifically handles FDA Prior Notice, FSVP documentation, food-facility registration verification, labeling review, and FDA detention/refusal issues.
What I'd ask the broker
For a food/beverage import, ask whether they handle these before you hire them:
FDA Prior Notice
FDA food facility registration / FEI issues
FSVP requirements
FDA product codes and entry filing
Ingredient/additive and labeling issues
USDA requirements if the product contains meat, dairy, eggs, etc.
Alcohol-specific requirements if you're importing alcoholic beverages
FDA detention or refusal issues
Customs bonds and HTS classification
Clearance at the actual port you'll be using
FDA confirms that food—including beverages, seafood, dairy, snacks, canned foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements—is subject to FDA entry requirements, and that a customs broker can submit the FDA information and Prior Notice as part of the entry process.
If you tell me what you're importing (e.g., coffee, sauces, candy, cheese, alcoholic beverages, supplements, frozen foods) and where it's coming from, I can narrow this to brokers with the most relevant experience and give you 3–5 contacts to request quotes from.
When importing food and beverages into the U.S., you need a customs broker deeply familiar with FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USDA , and Prior Notice requirements, as minor paperwork errors can result in costly port delays or detentions.
A few reputable U.S. customs brokers specializing in or heavily experienced with food, beverage, and perishable imports include:
Brauner International : Operating since 1931, this family-owned firm has a long-standing niche and reputation in handling food products (including active involvement in associations like the Tea Association, Green Coffee Association, and Cocoa Merchants' Association). They manage regulatory compliance across the FDA and USDA out of major hubs like JFK and New Jersey/Miami.
All Cleared Customs Brokerage (ACCB) : Based in New York with national clearance capabilities, ACCB explicitly specializes in FDA-regulated food and beverage entries—ranging from fresh produce to frozen and canned goods—and manages prior notice, facility registrations, and USDA/FWS declarations.
GT Brokers Corp : Based in Doral, Florida, they specialize heavily in time-sensitive perishable food and beverage cargo (such as fresh produce and seafood), offering 24/7 availability and nationwide entry filing geared toward strict FDA/USDA compliance.
To help me narrow down or recommend the absolute best fit, could you tell me:
What specific type of food or beverage are you importing (e.g., alcohol, dairy, shelf-stable goods, fresh produce, seafood)?
Through which U.S. port of entry do you plan to bring the shipment in?
Ken Lehat & Associates - 5 Dakota Dr Ste 210, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States
New York Customs Brokers Inc. - 148-02 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
All Cleared Customs Brokerage - 55-02 96th St, Corona, NY 11368, United States
Portside Customs Service Inc - 560 Sylvan Ave #2054, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, United States
Express Customs Clearance (USA) Inc. - 218-14 Northern Blvd Ste 103, Bayside, NY 11361, United States
H W St John & Company - 292 N Central Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, United States
Gloria S Oh Custom House Brokerage - 179-30 149th Ave #103, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
Reliance Customs Brokerage - 102 West End Ave, Inwood, NY 11096, United States
Just Your Broker Inc - 688 Crans St, Elmont, NY 11003, United States
Kamino Air Imports - 423 Hazel St, Clifton, NJ 07011, United States
For food and beverage imports, I’d shortlist brokers with FDA/FSMA/FSVP experience, not just general customs clearance. FDA specifically notes that food imports require FDA entry information and often Prior Notice, with additional requirements depending on the product.
Ken Lehat & Associates — New Hyde Park, NY; specifically handles FDA, FSVP, FSMA, food and beverage compliance.
My first calls would be Ken Lehat and New York Customs Brokers if you're importing through JFK/Newark.
If you tell me what food/beverage you're importing, country of origin, and whether it's ocean or air freight, I can narrow this to 2–3 brokers that specifically fit your shipment.
EMD Customs Broker & Logistics Center - 1800 E Garry Ave Ste 208, Santa Ana, CA 92705, United States
KGB Customs Broker - 7757 Mary Ellen Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605, United States
Concord Solutions Group - 347 S Stimson Ave Ste R103, City of Industry, CA 91744, United States
Inter-Orient Services - 1455 Monterey Pass Rd, Ste 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Gene Mack, Licensed Customs Broker - 110 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832, United States
Juliana Lim Custom House Broker - 18505 S Broadway, Gardena, CA 90248, United States
Hesed Customs Service - 3820 Del Amo Blvd Ste 238, Torrance, CA 90503, United States
Henry E Kloch & Co Inc - 827 N Ford St, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
CH Powell Company - 20013 S Rancho Way, Compton, CA 90220, United States
Flegenheimer International Inc - 227 W Grand Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245, United States
Ilogix - 780 Nogales St, City of Industry, CA 91748, United States
If you're importing food or beverages into the U.S., I’d prioritize a customs broker that regularly handles FDA entries, Prior Notice, FSVP-related requirements, FDA facility/product issues, and USDA/APHIS requirements when applicable—not just a general freight broker. FDA specifically notes that food importers are responsible for U.S. compliance and that customs brokers can handle FDA entry information and classification.
Since you're in the Southern California area, these are worth contacting:
EMD Customs Broker & Logistics Center — Santa Ana. Specifically advertises FDA food-import entry filings, FDA registration assistance, Prior Notice, and product-code/HTS classification. This looks like a strong option for a smaller or mid-sized food importer.
KGB Customs Broker — North Hollywood. Handles FDA-related food imports and Prior Notice/FDA registration, and is convenient for the LA area.
Concord Solutions Group — City of Industry. Particularly interesting if you're importing frozen food, agricultural food products, dietary supplements, or raw materials, with FDA compliance support.
Inter-Orient Services — Monterey Park. Has experience with food products and FDA/USDA import documentation and permits.
What I'd ask before hiring one
Tell the broker exactly what you're importing and ask:
Do you regularly clear this specific type of food/beverage?
Will you handle FDA Prior Notice and FDA entry filing?
Can you advise on FSVP responsibilities, or do you have an FSVP partner?
Will you review the ingredients, product code, HTS classification, and U.S. labeling before the first shipment?
Do you handle USDA/APHIS if the product contains meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, plant products, etc.?
Can you handle FDA holds, examinations, detentions, or Import Alerts if they occur?
What are your brokerage, FDA/PGA, bond, exam, and other entry fees?
That's important because FDA-regulated food can be detained or refused if it doesn't meet U.S. requirements, and the importer—not FDA or the broker—is ultimately responsible for compliance.
If you tell me what product you're importing (e.g., sauces, snacks, coffee, alcoholic beverages, supplements, frozen foods), country of origin, and whether it will arrive by ocean or air, I can narrow this down to 3 brokers I'd contact first and give you a checklist of the exact FDA requirements you'll likely need.
When importing food and beverage products into the U.S., you need a customs broker experienced in navigating not just U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), but also Partnered Government Agencies (PGAs) like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and potentially Fish and Wildlife (FWS).
Specialized brokers help manage prior notice filings, facility registrations, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP), and label compliance. Here are notable options and specialized providers handling food and beverage clearances:
All Cleared Customs Brokerage: Offers specialized FDA Food Importation Services , managing FDA, USDA, and FWS declarations, prior notices, and entry filings.
U.S. Food Imports LLC: Focuses entirely on regulatory compliance and U.S. Food Imports Customs Brokerage Services tailored to agricultural and food products meeting FDA/USDA guidelines.
Crowley Logistics: Provides extensive Customs Brokerage for Perishables geared toward food products, seafood, fruits, and temperature-sensitive beverages requiring rapid clearance and cold-chain compliance.
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA): You can search their member directory directly via the NCBFAA Member Locator to filter licensed customs brokers by specific commodity expertise like food and agriculture.
To help narrow down the best fit, could you share:
What specific type of food or beverage are you importing (e.g., shelf-stable, alcoholic beverages, dairy, fresh produce, meat)?
Which ports of entry or U.S. states will your shipments be arriving through?
If you are importing food and beverage products into the U.S., look for a customs broker with FDA/USDA experience, not just a general freight broker. Food shipments often require FDA Prior Notice, correct HTS classification, product coding, labeling review, and coordination with agencies that can hold or refuse shipments.
Here are some brokers and specialists that focus on food/beverage imports:
Food & beverage–focused customs brokers
Agiloc International, Inc. — Specializes in food import clearance across U.S. ports, including FDA, USDA, permits, inspections, detentions, and compliance support.
Allied Customs House Brokers — Offers food and beverage import services with FDA Prior Notice filing, FSVP guidance, labeling review, and detention support.
EntryUS LLC — Provides customs entry services for food and agricultural products, including FDA Prior Notice, ISF filings, HTS classification, and FDA/USDA hold management.
DM Customs Brokerage — Handles FDA-regulated imports, including food and beverages, with Prior Notice filing and FDA documentation support.
USA Customs Clearance — Provides food import consulting and customs brokerage support for FDA-regulated products.
What to ask before hiring one
Ask whether they have experience with your exact product category:
Gene Mack, Licensed Customs Broker — Fullerton. Their specialty includes FDA-regulated imports and they specifically mention alcoholic beverages, if that's relevant to your products.
Agiloc International — not as local to you, but potentially my top specialist pick. They're based in Burlingame and explicitly specialize in food import clearance, with three licensed customs brokers and experience with FDA, USDA, agriculture, Fish & Wildlife, NOAA and other agencies, covering all U.S. ports.
Follow how AI answers questions like this in Shipping and Freight Logistics Solutions.
Livingston International : A major North American customs broker offering specialized food and beverage compliance, including FDA registration assistance, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) navigation, and classification.
Crowley Logistics : Features robust perishable and food-grade customs brokerage capabilities, handling FDA Prior Notice, USDA/APHIS import permits, and cold-chain/exam coordination.
