The trusted customs and trade compliance specialist for African and diaspora-connected SMEs navigating U.S. import systems.

Budi Customs & Trade Compliance LLC is a boutique trade compliance and educational consulting practice based in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving African and diaspora-connected SMEs across the United States. We exist because the U.S. import system is full of small businesses trying to do the right thing — and most of them are getting compliance advice that's either too generic, too expensive, or written for Fortune 500 trade desks.

Our positioning is deliberate: we are the trusted customs and trade compliance specialist for African and diaspora-connected SMEs navigating U.S. import systems. That intersection — customs knowledge, African market fluency, diaspora business culture, and clear written analysis — is uncommon, and it's exactly where small importers need help.

Our work centers on AGOA, classification, audit response, and import readiness. We pair on-the-ground knowledge of African supply chains with U.S. customs law as it's actually enforced — not how the textbook describes it.

About our credentials

The principal is a customs specialist preparing for the Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE). Until that license is issued, the firm provides advisory, classification research, and training services only — and refers brokerage work (entry filing, ISF) to vetted licensed partners. We supervise the compliance side of those files so nothing falls through the cracks.

We're transparent about this because it matters. Under 19 CFR Part 111, only licensed customs brokers may transact customs business on behalf of importers. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling you risk.

How we work

Every engagement starts with a free 20-minute call. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit. If we're not, we'll point you to someone who is. Fees are fixed where possible and hourly where the work genuinely can't be scoped up front.