Miami, United States
Customs clearance in Miami
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Miami. Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Industries in Miami and how we support them
Miami is the US centre for perishables imports, especially cut flowers and fresh produce from Colombia, Ecuador and Central America. Pharma and medical companies use Miami as a distribution base for Latin America, and electronics, telecom equipment and aircraft parts are re-exported across the region. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via MIA, sea freight through PortMiami and Port Everglades, temperature-controlled transport for pharma, Next Flight Out for aircraft parts and On-Board Courier for samples. Customs entries and inspections are prepared with complete shipment data.
Operational logistics facts for Miami
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Miami International Airport (MIA) | Freighter flights to Latin America and the Caribbean | Main US air hub for Latin American trade |
| PortMiami and Port Everglades | Containers and ro-ro for the Americas | Two ports in South Florida for sea freight |
| Perishables handling at MIA | Flowers, fruit and vegetables | Specialised handling for temperature-sensitive goods |
| Doral warehouse district | Distribution and re-export to Latin America | Close to MIA for consolidation and storage |
Airports, seaports and connections in Miami
- AirportMiami International
MIA - SeaportPortMiami and Port Everglades
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main US airport for air cargo to and from Latin America and the Caribbean, with freighter connections to most capitals in the region and strong links to Europe. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) to the north handles smaller cargo volumes. By sea, PortMiami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale handle containers and ro-ro cargo, with a strong focus on Latin American and Caribbean trade. This makes South Florida a natural hub for re-export to and from the Americas.
The Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) connects MIA with downtown and PortMiami, while I-95, the Florida Turnpike and I-75 lead north to the rest of Florida and the Southeast. The Florida East Coast Railway serves both PortMiami and Port Everglades with intermodal rail links. The warehouse district around Doral and the airport hosts many freight forwarders, perishables handlers and distribution centres.
One contact, local customs expertise
Our partner team in the United States files the declarations locally, under the Ziem Logistics brand. You send documents and questions to our operations desk, which coordinates with the team and keeps you informed.
Customs clearance in the United States
Ziem network
Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from the United States we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the United States need an importer of record number and, for most formal entries, a customs bond.
Documents we check before shipping
Commercial invoice, packing list, the transport document and, where needed, certificates of origin, licences or permits. We check that descriptions, values and HS codes are consistent across all documents before the goods move.
Frequently asked questions
Who clears customs for perishables arriving at MIA?
Customs clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the data we prepare. Perishables are also inspected by CBP agriculture specialists, and some products require USDA permits or phytosanitary certificates.
Can goods be held in Miami for re-export without paying US duties?
Yes. Goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse or a foreign-trade zone in the Miami area and re-exported without paying US import duties. Whether this fits your flow depends on the goods and the planned destination, so we check the options with you.
What does an importer need for US customs in Miami?
An importer of record number, a customs bond for most formal entries, a commercial invoice, packing list and correct HTSUS classifications. Food, plants and pharma also have FDA or USDA requirements. Clearance is filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through ACE.