ImportLogix FAQs

Questions About ISG and ImportLogix

• Pricing & Agreement
  • How is ImportLogix priced?

    ImportLogix pricing is customized based on your company profile. During a tariff savings review, ISG evaluates your import volume, tariff and duty spend, supplier relationships, and projected savings, then presents your monthly subscription and 3-year agreement terms before you enter an agreement. Additional legal reviewer, import manager, and supplier seats are included at no extra cost. Under the Discount Guarantee, ISG reduces the subscription proportionally if realized tariff and duty savings, measured before the ISG subscription fee, fall below the savings projection in your agreement after the supply chain review and implementation of ISG recommendations. The agreement governs the measurement period and how the discount is applied.

  • Can our attorney and other team members use ImportLogix?

    Yes. Additional legal reviewer, import manager, and supplier seats are included at no extra cost with your ImportLogix subscription. Legal reviewers can review documentation, and import managers can coordinate assigned supplier relationships.

  • How is the monthly subscription determined?

    ImportLogix pricing is customized based on your company profile, including annual import volume, tariff and duty spend, supplier count, and projected savings. ISG reviews your projected savings and monthly subscription with you before you enter an agreement.

  • What happens if an importer discontinues the program?

    If an importer chooses to exit the Import Savings Program, no reverse action is required. Documentation, shipping, and customs procedures remain intact with suppliers and the customs broker. The financial terms outlined in the 3-year Client Service Agreement must be completed.

  • What if a company is acquired or goes through an ownership change during the agreement?

    If an importer's company undergoes a merger or ownership change during the program, ISG will review available options to ensure continuity. ISG should be notified promptly so both parties can manage the transition while maintaining compliance and savings.

  • What is the Discount Guarantee?

    Under the Discount Guarantee, ISG reduces the subscription proportionally if realized tariff and duty savings, measured before the ISG subscription fee, fall below the savings projection in your agreement after the supply chain review and implementation of ISG recommendations. The agreement governs the measurement period and how the discount is applied.

  • Why does the program require a 3-year commitment?

    ImportLogix is designed as a long-term tariff savings and compliance platform rather than a short-term software expense. The term provides full coverage across multiple product and supply chain cycles, ensures ISG's Tariff Valuation Process and compliance documentation remain current as trade laws evolve, and aligns subscription costs with the full scale of savings generated. Most importers begin realizing measurable savings as early as their first shipment, often offsetting early program costs well within the first year.

  • What happens after the 3-year agreement ends?

    After the initial 3-year Client Service Agreement, ISG offers legacy ImportLogix clients options to extend discounted annual subscription renewals based on their company profile.

• About ISG & ImportLogix
  • Does ISG work with customs attorneys and brokers?

    Yes. Customs attorneys and brokers can extend ISG's Tariff Valuation Process to their existing client engagements through the ImportLogix affiliate program. Customs broker licensing models are also available. Contact ISG to learn more.

  • How is ImportLogix different from other tariff savings strategies?

    ImportLogix is built on a fundamentally different Tariff Valuation Process. The software allows importers to review more than 250 potential savings opportunities across 45 supplier cost categories. It works alongside First Sale, FTZ, HTS, and country-of-origin strategies, as well as existing customs brokers and freight forwarders. Sourcing changes and supply chain restructuring are not required, but participating importers and suppliers must follow the documentation, verification, invoicing, and payment procedures.

  • Is ISG a law firm or customs broker?

    No. ISG is a software-as-a-service company. ImportLogix provides educational tools, documentation templates, and procedural references. It does not replace advice from a licensed customs attorney or broker about individual customs transactions.

  • What if a business does not qualify?

    Importers who do not meet current qualification criteria will be notified by email and can opt in for future communications. ISG periodically updates program availability and notifies interested applicants when openings arise.

  • What is ImportLogix?

    ImportLogix is a secure, patent-pending, cloud-based enterprise software platform that applies ISG's patent-pending Tariff Valuation Process to reduce tariff and duty costs for U.S. importers. The platform is built on the only CBP rulings library database of its kind, developed in partnership with Am Law 100 and Am Law 200 firms, and vetted by leading customs brokers.

  • Who is Import Savings Group (ISG)?

    Import Savings Group is a software-as-a-service company. Its software, ImportLogix, offers one of the first comprehensive tariff valuation experiences, providing importers with the education and tools to identify and unbundle non-dutiable services from dutiable product costs. ISG's Tariff Valuation Process is developed in partnership with Am Law 100 and 200 firms and vetted by leading customs brokers.

  • Who qualifies for ISG’s Import Savings Program?

    ISG works with U.S. Importers of Record with significant tariff exposure. ISG evaluates each company’s fit using the Importer Profile Questionnaire and a review of import activity, supplier relationships, and potential savings.

• Tariff Savings
  • How does ImportLogix reduce tariffs and duties?

    ImportLogix helps importers identify services and fees included in supplier prices that may qualify for exclusion from dutiable product costs. Each proposed exclusion requires an applicable legal basis, actual qualifying costs, supporting records, and importer review. Qualifying services are documented and invoiced separately from products. Separating invoices alone does not reduce the total amount paid or make a cost non-dutiable. Each exclusion must meet the applicable CBP requirements.

  • How much could a company save on tariffs with ImportLogix?

    Actual savings depend on qualifying costs, supplier records, and the importer’s review. ISG reports that every client has exceeded the projected 15% reduction in tariffs and duties. Many ISG clients have achieved savings of 30% or more. Individual examples include $6.45 million in annual savings for a consumer products client and $1.19 million in savings for a home furnishings importer. Lower dutiable values may also affect bonds, insurance, and trade finance costs, depending on their terms. A tariff savings review provides a company-specific projection and explains the subscription cost separately.

  • How quickly can savings begin?

    ISG estimates less than one week for the Supplier Survey and about one month for importer verification. Timing depends on supplier cooperation, documentation availability, and any outside customs review. The importer and supplier complete the applicable agreements before the first shipment under the arrangement, then verify qualifying costs for each shipment.

  • Will ImportLogix replace our current duty reduction methods?

    No changes to current duty reduction methods are required. Because ISG's Tariff Valuation Process addresses the customs value itself — rather than the duty rate, HTS classification, or timing of clearance — ImportLogix can be used in combination with First Sale programs, Foreign Trade Zones, duty drawback programs, or bonded warehouse arrangements. ImportLogix also works alongside customs brokers and freight forwarders, layering additional savings on top of existing methods and arrangements.

• Compliance & Legal
  • How does ImportLogix support a customs review or CBP documentation request?
    ImportLogix organizes template Services & Fees Agreements and supporting documentation, including supplier responses, methodology, importer and supplier agreements, shipment ledgers, and supporting records. Importers should retain evidence supporting each approved exclusion. ISG provides account support, while the importer and its licensed customs advisers determine the response to a CBP request, formal audit, or enforcement matter.
  • How is company and supplier data protected?

    ImportLogix uses secure, AWS-based cloud infrastructure with role-based access controls to protect Importer and supplier data. Access is limited to authorized users only, and data is used exclusively for the tariff and duty savings program. See ISG's Privacy Policy for full details.

  • How is ImportLogix’s tariff savings strategy legally supported?

    ImportLogix's tariff savings strategy is legally supported by CBP customs valuation law — grounded in established rulings that define and clarify transaction value for all U.S. imports. ImportLogix is built on the only CBP rulings library database of its kind, developed in partnership with Am Law 100 and Am Law 200 firms, applying established customs rulings and guidance to Importer and Supplier cost data, and vetted by leading customs brokers.

  • Is the Import Savings Program compliant with U.S. Customs regulations?

    Yes. The Import Savings Program is fully compliant with U.S. Customs laws and regulations, and every valuation is grounded in established CBP customs rulings. ISG's tariff reduction models were developed in partnership with Am Law 100 and 200 firms to ensure the highest level of compliance and trust, and the Importer of Record retains final say over all valuations before declaring import value to Customs.

  • What happens if U.S. Customs law or CBP guidance changes during the subscription term?

    ISG provides platform updates as CBP rulings evolve during the 3-year agreement, together with priority account management. Importers should review the effect of relevant changes with their licensed customs advisers.

  • What records support a proposed exclusion?

    Depending on the cost, supporting records may include supplier invoices, proof of payment, general ledger detail, allocation schedules, and other evidence connecting the amount to the shipment. ISG assists the importer and supplier in identifying these documents.

• Getting Started
  • How do we get started and review our potential savings?
    Complete the Importer Profile Questionnaire and schedule a tariff savings review and ImportLogix demonstration. Identify your review team, supplier contacts, and available records. ISG will discuss projected annual and three-year savings, the workflow, and your customized ImportLogix pricing. Qualifying importers may also ask about the pilot program before becoming an ISG account.
  • How does onboarding to ImportLogix work?

    Once you sign your ImportLogix subscription agreement and complete payment setup, you'll automatically receive your login credentials and onboarding instructions. From there, you'll begin inviting your Import Manager/Buyers and/or suppliers to join the platform — individually or in bulk. As suppliers log in, the Supplier Survey process begins, activating your tariff savings program.

• Operations & Implementation
  • Can we keep our existing customs brokers and sourcing relationships?

    Yes. ImportLogix works alongside existing customs brokers, freight forwarders, suppliers, and savings strategies. It does not require sourcing changes or supply chain restructuring. Your team still reviews proposed exclusions and implements the applicable documentation, invoicing, and payment procedures.

  • Does the importer’s company develop the required Customs documentation?

    ImportLogix generates the supporting documentation needed for compliance and import files, based on data collected from each supplier. ISG recommends that each importer's legal counsel or customs specialist review the details to confirm all documentation supports the specific industry, business model, and supplier relationship.

  • Does the importer’s team need to manage data collection with suppliers?

    Yes. Suppliers provide the cost information and supporting records, while the importer’s team coordinates the review, resolves questions, and approves or rejects proposed exclusions. ImportLogix organizes supplier responses and messages, but the importer still verifies actual costs and supporting evidence for each shipment.

  • How much time and internal effort does the program require?

    Resource needs depend on your supplier records and internal review process. Existing managers and buyers can coordinate Supplier Surveys, while suppliers provide cost information and evidence. After the initial documentation is completed, shipment-level analysis continues for every shipment, including cost verification, separate invoicing, and payment reconciliation.

  • Is translation supported in ImportLogix?

    Yes. ImportLogix currently supports Google Translate. By default, the platform displays instructions, fields, surveys, and documents in English and USD.

  • What data do importers and suppliers need to provide?

    Importers provide company and import information, including annual import volume, recent tariff and duty spend, purchasing structure, and supplier contacts. Suppliers complete the cost survey, answer verification questions, and identify supporting records. Each proposed exclusion requires actual costs and evidence such as invoices, payment records, or allocation schedules. Survey percentages are estimates and do not authorize deductions.

  • What if some suppliers decline to participate?

    ImportLogix is activated on a per-Supplier basis, and cooperation rates have historically been high. ISG provides introductory materials to help customs and procurement teams introduce the program, clarifying that participation is voluntary and requires no change to a supplier's pricing or revenue. However, if a supplier declines, significant tariff savings can still be realized for every other factory relationship onboarded to the platform.

  • Will accounting or shipping documentation need to change?

    Yes. Some changes are needed to implement the savings procedures. ImportLogix provides step-by-step procedures for shipment purchase orders, invoices, and payments to suppliers or third parties, as applicable to the documented arrangement.

• Pilot Program
  • Can we evaluate ImportLogix through the pilot program?
    Yes. Qualifying importers may join an invitation-only, four-week pilot for a flat $1,000 fee. The pilot includes platform access, onboarding one supplier to complete the questionnaire, and access to a Tariff & Duties Savings Report and Supplier General Ledger. No long-term contract is required to begin the pilot. Contact ISG to discuss eligibility. After the pilot, importers who sign ISG’s 3-year agreement receive importer and supplier template Services & Fees Agreements.
  • Does the pilot require a 3-year agreement?

    No. No long-term contract is required to begin the pilot. The full ImportLogix subscription is offered separately under a 3-year agreement.

  • What happens during the four-week pilot?

    The pilot follows four stages: invite your supplier, collect questionnaire responses and records, review actual costs, and generate the reports. Progress depends on supplier participation and the availability of supporting information.

  • What happens when the pilot ends?

    Pilot access ends after four weeks. ISG will contact you about continuing with an ISG account and onboarding additional suppliers.

• How ImportLogix Works
  • Does completing the Supplier Survey authorize a deduction?

    No. Survey percentages are estimates. Each proposed exclusion requires an applicable legal basis, actual qualifying costs, supporting records, and importer review. A category name or survey response alone does not authorize a deduction.

  • Does separating services and fees reduce what we pay the supplier?

    Separating qualifying services and fees from product costs does not itself reduce the supplier’s total payment. For example, a $100,000 supplier payment may be separated into an $85,000 product invoice and a $15,000 Services & Fees Invoice when the service amounts qualify and are supported. The importer pays both invoices separately. Some documented arrangements may instead involve a payment to a third party. Paying a third party does not by itself make a cost non-dutiable.

  • What are the two phases of the ImportLogix process?

    Phase 1: Documentation Generation establishes the supplier information and agreements. Phase 2: Per-Shipment Analysis verifies actual costs and supports separate invoicing and payment for each shipment.

  • What happens in Phase 1: Documentation Generation?

    1. The supplier completes the cost survey to identify potential non-dutiable costs and initial estimates.

    2. The supplier answers verification questions and identifies supporting records.

    3. ImportLogix generates the Master Relationship Agreement and applicable Services & Fees Addendums for review, documenting the proposed basis for treating qualifying services as non-dutiable.

    4. The importer and supplier sign the applicable agreements before the first shipment under the arrangement and retain the records.

  • What happens in Phase 2: Per-Shipment Analysis?

    1. ImportLogix generates the Supplier General Ledger for the shipment.

    2. The supplier verifies that the ledger reflects actual qualifying services and fees, supported by records.

    3. The supplier issues a separate Services & Fees Invoice using the verified amounts approved by the importer.

    4. The importer pays product invoices and Services & Fees Invoices separately and retains the payment records.

    Repeat Phase 2 for each shipment.

• Cost Savings Categories
  • Can ImportLogix affect costs beyond tariffs and duties?

    Lower dutiable values may also affect customs bonds, insurance, trade finance, and other value-based costs. Any additional savings depend on the relevant terms, limits, and the importer’s circumstances.

  • What are the cost savings categories?

    ImportLogix reviews more than 250 potential savings opportunities across 45 categories. Our modules include Production and Manufacturing, General Overhead, Logistics and Distribution, Financial and Administrative, Project Management and Business Services, Marketing and Sales, Exclusivity Fees, and other opportunities specific to the business. These are areas for review, not automatic exclusions. Not every category applies to every supplier.