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1 Shipping to the United States |
This booklet
is a brief treatment of some of the issues relating
to the entry of products into the United States.
Throughout this booklet, references will be made
to the Customs Regulations of the United States
and will be signified as such; 19 CFR, noting
the section. While the procedures may look complex
and involved, working closely with PBB, as your
Customs Broker, can greatly ease the process
of entering your products into the U.S. market.
Following are some of the questions you should
be able to answer about your product:
1. What regulations apply
on entry into the United States?
2. How can one assure compliance with all U.S.
regulations?
3. Is there a need for any special government inspections
or special forms for specific government agencies?
4. Are there any special programs or allowances
that would reduce duty or relieve regulatory requirements?
5. Are the goods properly (legibly, conspicuously,
and permanently) marked to indicate their country
of manufacture?
The next step is to make sure the necessary documents
for entering the United States are complete and
correct:
1. Be sure to provide an invoice for U.S. Customs.
Please note: the most common
and frequent mistake on the invoice is the absence
of the U.S. Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
or Social Security (SS) number(s) for the U.S.
consignee or buyer of merchandise shipped to the
U.S. This number is a requirement for the release
of imported merchandise from U.S. Customs custody.
The absence of this number is the single greatest
cause for delay of your shipment at the border.
2.If other Government agencies’ (examples: Fish & Wildlife,
Food & Drug Administration, the Environmental
Protection Agency, and so forth) requirements apply,
check for any required forms or inspections.
Under the Customs Modernization
Act (or "Mod Act" for short), which was signed
into law December 8, 1993, the legal responsibility
for many decisions has been shifted from U.S. Customs
to the importer. As a result, Customs now requires
that importers exercise "reasonable care" in the
conduct of their Customs business, or face the
possibility of severe penalties for failure to
meet this standard. "Reasonable care" means actively
taking the steps necessary to make sure that all
of one’s Customs-related business is conducted
correctly. Inadvertence, good-faith belief, or
ignorance are no longer defensible positions. Be
certain of the correct HTS classification, duty
rate, value for duty, country of origin marking,
NAFTA and other special programs, and proper maintenance
of records.
One way by which an importer may demonstrate "reasonable
care" is to have consulted with Customs, a Customs
attorney, or a Customs Broker. PBB, licensed by
the U.S. Customs Service, is deeply knowledgeable
and richly experienced in handling all of the issues
and regulations that might pertain to the U.S.
importation of your products. Enclosed is a list
entitled "Consulting Topics and Services" that
reflects our full range of consulting services.
Establishing a relationship with PBB as your Customs
Broker is a simple process. Merely complete the
following forms, which are available from your
account manager:
1. Power of Attorney - which
allows PBB to act as your agent in conducting your
U.S. Customs business (instructions for completion
are found on the reverse side of the form).
2. PBB Credit Application -
PBB may offer a line of credit to it's customers
and therefore the credit application is an important
part of the new account set up package. Before
granting a line of credit an application is taken.
The credit application provides PBB with information
to run various financial reports. These credit
reports are used to determine whether the requested
limit and terms are granted.
3. Surety Bond- Customs requires
a surety bond on all goods entering the United
States. If shipments are usually high volume and/or
high value, or are regulated by other government
agencies, obtaining a continuous surety bond may
be a good option. Alternatively, the product will
be covered by a single entry bond for each entry
into the United States. For additional information
on obtaining a continuous surety bond, please contact
the PBB Bonds Department.
All of us at PBB look forward
to helping you in the efficient entry of your products
into this vast American marketplace!
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