Charter Brokerage was founded in 1994 for the purpose of providing compliance-focused customs, export and drawback services to the petroleum, petrochemical and airline industries.  The obligation of an importer to exercise "reasonable care" in the entry of merchandise and to adopt procedures that reflect "informed compliance" were the result of the Customs Modernization Act of 1993.  Charter initially sought to assist the petroleum and airline industries in meetings these obligations. Since that time, however, Charter has expanded to provide these services to a large variety of industries, all of which are subject to the same requirements. From our inception, our focus has been to provide the expertise, support and data tools necessary to assist our clients in meeting their obligations for compliance with the laws and regulations that govern the importation of merchandise. 

                             Petroleum Industry Expertise

For at least the last fifteen years, the principals in Charter have been involved in every significant issue that has come before Customs Headquarters or has been raised in the Court of International Trade affecting the customs treatment of petroleum or petrochemical products.  We have worked with the American Petroleum Institute and other industry groups to ensure that rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“Customs”) are reasonable and consistent with the business practices of the petroleum, petrochemical, and airline industries. 

We have stayed current on all developments in the customs laws related to petroleum and petrochemical products, and we know the approach taken by Customs in ongoing administrative issues.  We understand the manner in which petroleum and chemical products are traded and have analyzed the impact and effect of that trading process on customs requirements.  We have particular expertise in:

• tariff classification of distillates, including motor fuels,
• valuation and appraisement of petroleum and chemical products,
• eligibility of petroleum and chemical products for duty-free or reduced duty treatment under the ever increasing number of special duty programs, and
• the application of the drawback law to petroleum and petrochemical imports and exports.

Other Industries 

Charter is unique in that its seeks to provide compliance-focused customs and export services. Numerous industries have recognized the need for these services, including bulk commodities, food and beverage, wine and spirits, metals, machinery and equipment and others.  Charter is pleased to provide services to companies in these and other industries. 

For more information regarding Charter, contact us.