Is an electronic signature valid for this form?

Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, most U.S. transactions accepting electronic signatures are legally valid provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are satisfied; exceptions like wills or certain court filings may still require wet signatures.

When is notarization or witness needed?

Notarization and witness requirements depend on state law and the document's use; many customs authorizations do not require notarization but brokers or carriers may request it for high-value shipments or certain customs processes. Check state notary rules and CBP guidance before relying solely on e-signatures.

How do I revoke an authorization?

Revoke in writing and deliver to the broker and any carriers or customs representatives; allow reasonable processing time. Include effective revocation date and retain proof of delivery. Consult broker agreements and counsel about obligations incurred before revocation takes effect.

Can a broker accept an e-signed form?

Yes, if the broker accepts e-signatures and the signature meets ESIGN/UETA requirements for intent, consent, attribution, and retention. Brokers may have internal policies requiring notarization or additional authentication for specific transactions; verify acceptance with the broker's written procedures.

What records should I keep and for how long?

Retain the signed authorization, supporting invoices, bills of lading, entry summaries, and the platform audit trail. Federal guidance suggests keeping tax and customs-related records at least three to six years; industry or state rules can extend this period.

Who can sign on behalf of a company?

An authorized corporate officer, designated trade compliance representative, or holder of a valid power of attorney may sign. Confirm corporate governance, board resolutions, or power of attorney documentation to demonstrate authority; brokers often require proof before accepting company-authorized signatures.

Electronic Signature
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Legal
Legal Customs Authorization Form

Legal Customs Authorization Form

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LEGAL CUSTOMS AUTHORIZATION FORM

This Legal Customs Authorization Form (the "Authorization") is made as of Date: by and between Principal Name: , Principal Address: and Customs Broker Name: , Broker Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Principal imports and/or exports goods that require customs clearance, classification, valuation, and entry filing with competent customs authorities; and

WHEREAS, Principal desires to engage and appoint Broker to act as its agent for the purpose of preparing, signing, submitting, and managing customs entries, declarations, permits, and related transactions on behalf of Principal; and

WHEREAS, Broker has represented that it is duly authorized, licensed and competent to perform customs brokerage services and to act as Principal's agent for the matters described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, Principal and Broker agree as follows:

1. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY

Principal hereby appoints Broker as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority to prepare, sign, file and transmit customs entries, declarations, applications for permits and licenses, certificates of origin, export documentation, and related shipping documents; to pay duties, taxes, deposits and other charges on behalf of Principal where requested; and to take all actions necessary to secure the release, transport and delivery of Principal's goods through customs, subject to the limitations in Section 2.

2. SCOPE OF AUTHORIZATION

Broker is authorized to act on Principal's behalf in connection with the following categories (check all that apply):

Import clearance and entry filing Export documentation and filing Temporary admission / inward processing

Bonded warehouse and duty deferral Tariff classification and valuation advice Applications for permits, certificates or licenses

3. LIMITATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Broker shall act only within the scope of authority granted in this Authorization and shall follow written instructions from Principal. Broker may rely on documentation and information provided by Principal and is not required to independently verify the accuracy of such information. Principal authorizes Broker to sign customs documents and declarations where permitted by applicable law on Principal's behalf.

Specific handling instructions (if any):

4. DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS

Principal shall promptly provide Broker with all invoices, packing lists, purchase orders, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other information necessary to complete customs filings. Broker shall maintain records of transactions as required by law and shall provide copies of entries, declarations, and related documents to Principal upon request.

5. FEES, PAYMENT AND LIENS

Principal agrees to pay Broker's charges for services rendered and to reimburse Broker for advances made on Principal's behalf for duties, taxes, bonds, duties and other charges. Broker may, at its option, retain possession of goods or documents until outstanding amounts are paid and may assert and enforce a lawful lien or security interest to secure payment of fees and disbursements.

Billing contact and address for invoices:

6. INDEMNITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Principal shall indemnify, defend and hold Broker harmless from and against any fines, penalties, losses, claims, costs and expenses arising out of false or incomplete information supplied by Principal, failure to comply with any laws or regulations, or instructions inconsistent with this Authorization. Broker's liability to Principal for its negligence or breach of this Authorization shall be subject to any statutory limitations applicable to customs brokers and, where none apply, to Broker's direct damages not exceeding the amount of fees paid to Broker for the transaction giving rise to the claim.

7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Principal represents and warrants that it is the owner or lawful importer/exporter of the goods, that it has authority to appoint Broker, and that all information provided to Broker is true, complete and accurate to the best of Principal's knowledge. Broker represents that it will perform services in a commercially reasonable manner and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

8. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Authorization is effective on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by either party. Revocation shall not affect Broker's authority with respect to entries, declarations or transactions already initiated prior to receipt of the revocation. Termination shall not relieve Principal of obligations to pay fees and indemnify Broker for services rendered prior to termination.

9. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Authorization shall be in writing and delivered by hand, courier, or certified mail to the addresses provided below or to such other address as either party designates in writing.

Principal notice address: Broker notice address:

10. AMENDMENT, WAIVER AND COUNTERPARTS

No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Authorization shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Failure to exercise any right shall not constitute a waiver. This Authorization may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original and together shall constitute one instrument.

11. GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY; ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Authorization shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws selected by the parties below. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This Authorization contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

Governing law (choose jurisdiction):

12. CERTIFICATION

By signing below, Principal certifies that the information provided to Broker is true and accurate and that Principal authorizes Broker to act as Principal's agent to the full extent described in this Authorization. Principal acknowledges that false or misleading statements may subject Principal to fines, penalties or other legal liability.

Principal Tax Identification Number: Broker License / Registration Number:

13. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS

Principal may grant Broker additional specific authorities below. Check and describe any such specific powers:

Additional authorities (describe):

Principal:

By:

Date:

Customs Broker:

By:

Date:

What the Legal Customs Authorization Form Is

A Legal Customs Authorization Form authorizes a customs broker or designated agent to act on behalf of an importer, exporter, or consignee to prepare, sign, and file customs entries, declarations, and related paperwork required for cross-border shipments. The form typically grants authority to pay duties and taxes, receive and endorse documents, and access shipment records. It records the parties, scope of authority, shipment identifiers, and effective dates. Used in U.S. customs processes with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the document helps establish clear responsibilities and supports compliance with import/export reporting and bonded entry requirements.

Why a Clear Authorization Matters

A Legal Customs Authorization Form clarifies authority, reduces delays at ports, and allocates liability for duties, penalties, and brokerage fees. It streamlines customs clearance by enabling brokers to act promptly, maintain accurate records, and demonstrate authorization during audits or CBP inquiries.

Who Typically Signs and Uses This Form

Typical signers include importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, in-house trade compliance teams, or customs attorneys.

Importers: company officers or designated trade compliance representatives who control shipment accounts and duty payments.
Customs brokers: licensed agents authorized to sign entries, pay duties, and manage release documentation.
Freight forwarders: handle logistics and often require broker authorization to clear shipments on behalf of clients.

Confirm signer authority within corporate governance or power of attorney records to avoid disputes and ensure valid authorization for CBP interactions.

Essential Sections to Include in the Form

Essential sections define parties, scope of authority, shipment identifiers, financial responsibilities, effective period, and limitations to clarify broker powers and importer obligations.

Parties

List full legal names, business addresses, EIN or tax ID, and designated contact information for importer, exporter, and broker; specify whether agent acts as exclusive or limited representative for customs matters.

Scope

Define precise authority: prepare and sign customs entries, file electronic declarations, pay duties and taxes, receive documents, request bonded releases, and access shipment records for compliance and audit purposes.

Identifiers

Include bill of lading, airway bill, CBP entry number, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, purchase order, invoice numbers, and any manufacturer or consignee identifiers needed for accurate customs declaration.

Financials

Specify payer for duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and incidental charges; authorize direct debit or bonded account use; include indemnity clauses and billing instructions to prevent payment disputes and penalties.

Term

State effective date and expiration or event-based termination, procedures for revocation, and any auto-renewal; note that revocation should be delivered in writing and allow time for CBP processing.

Signatures

Include signature blocks for authorized representatives, printed names, titles, dates, and, if required, notarization or witness attestations; note whether electronic signatures under ESIGN/UETA are accepted for this authorization.

Required Information and Data Elements

Importer: Full legal name and EIN

Broker: Broker name and license number

Consignee: Address, contact, consignee ID

Shipment ID: B/L or AWB and entry number

Payment Terms: Who pays duties; billing method

Signatory Info: Name, title, date, and notarization

Step-by-Step: Complete and Execute the Form

Follow these sequential steps to complete and execute a Legal Customs Authorization Form accurately and to support timely customs clearance.

01

Prepare: Gather invoices, B/L, HTS codes, and company IDs.
02

Draft: Enter parties, scope, and payment instructions clearly.
03

Authenticate: Add signatures, notarization, or e-signature per jurisdiction.
04

File: Provide to broker and retain copies for audits.

How to Configure an Online Execution Workflow

Configure an online Legal Customs Authorization workflow to enforce required fields, signer order, and authentication for compliant electronic execution.

Field	Configuration
Required Fields	Full names, EIN, B/L, HTS codes enforced
Signer Order	Importer then broker; optional witness after
Authentication	Email OTP standard; KBA or 2FA for high assurance
Retention	Store signed PDF and audit trail for retention policy

Who Receives and Files the Authorization

Routing and filing paths show who receives, signs, and files the authorization with broker and how copies are retained for audits.

Send to Broker: Deliver executed form to broker for CBP entry filing.
Provide to Carrier: Share authorization with carrier for release and delivery permissions.
File with Records: Retain signed PDF and audit log in company records.
Share with Customs: Broker files entries with CBP and makes records available upon request.

Technical Requirements for Electronic Execution

Electronic execution and eSubmission require platform controls for format support, secure storage, and signer authentication to meet regulatory expectations.

Formats: PDF, DOCX, and XML supported
Integrations: Connects to NetSuite, Google Workspace, Salesforce
Auth Methods: Email OTP, SMS code, or KBA

Key Timing: When to Provide and Retain the Form

Key timing items affect clearance: when to deliver the form, how revocation works, and retention expectations for audits and protests.

Provide Before Arrival:

Deliver authorization to broker before cargo arrival or carrier release to prevent holds.

Revocation Notice:

Submit written revocation; allow reasonable time for broker and carrier processing.

Record Availability:

Make documents available immediately on CBP request or audit.

Customs Protest Window:

Note protests typically must be filed after liquidation; verify specific deadlines with CBP counsel.

Broker Retention:

Brokers commonly retain records at least five years; confirm policy with your broker.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Using informal or incomplete names for parties, mismatched tax IDs, or missing shipment identifiers often lead to TIN verification delays, holds, or rejected entries by CBP.
Granting overly broad authority without limits can expose importers to unexpected charges, duty liabilities, and difficulty revoking permissions in time-sensitive situations.
Failing to specify payment terms or bonding arrangements results in billing disputes, delayed releases, and potential interest or penalty accrual on unpaid duties.
Neglecting to obtain clear corporate authorization or notarized signatures can cause brokers to refuse action and creates evidentiary issues during audits or customs inquiries.

Potential Penalties and Operational Risks

Entry Rejection: Clearance delayed or denied

Financial Liability: Importer liable for duties and penalties

Bond Forfeiture: Breach can trigger bond claims

Interest Accrual: Unpaid duties accrue interest

Legal Exposure: Civil fines and enforcement actions

Operational Delays: Cargo holds and demurrage costs

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Executing Authorizations

Comparison of common eSignature pricing and feature highlights to consider when executing Legal Customs Authorization Forms and managing signer workflows.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Form

Answers to frequent questions about validity, notarization, e-signing, revocation, record retention, and broker acceptance when using a Legal Customs Authorization Form.

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