Common Questions

Question: We have PF product that is shipped to the customer’s freight forwarder in Texas then exported to our customer in MX. We enter the product in U.S. commerce and pay applicable duty/tariff. Q: Can we ship inbond to the FF to avoid duty/tariff? Can you elaborate on the process? I assumed an FTZ cannot […]

Question: We are trying to figure out the calculation method for iron and steel and aluminum products that are included in the scope of CBAM. Are there any definitive calculations that have been released by the EU in regard to reporting and calculating indirect and direct emissions? Answer 1: Here are two files that we’ve […]

Question: We have a Calibration and Alignment job in Mexicali, MX.  What will Mexican Customs require to cross the border? What would US Customs require from him when he returns? Answer 1: To The Inquirer: the best way to do a temporary entry into Mexico is to use a ATA Carnet. It will eliminate having […]

Question: How does your company handle duty refunds? Should accounting count is as revenue? Answer 1: This highly depends on the type of refund I believe. A refund due to a Protest/PSC/PEA probably should not be considered revenue, but rather offset duties paid originally.  Our organization posted refund like this to the same exact place […]

Question: I’m a trade compliance manager and lately, planners at my company have been asking me for UNSPSC numbers. I strongly feel that this is not a trade compliance responsibility.  Do you agree?  Who performs this function at your company? Answer 1: While this is not something trade compliance has had to do at my […]

Question: I was wondering if any of the trade community creates an annual Global or Regional Trade Compliance Calendar and would be willing to share.  I just started at a new company and would like to create one for my department. I truly appreciate any help/guidance anyone is willing to offer. Answer 1: I believe […]

Question: Best way for a licensed customs broker to obtain continuing education points, both for the pending requirement for the 2024 Triennial fee and then thereafter? (I am not currently working in a brokerage office, but working in the private sector in a compliance role.) Answer 1: The continuing education requirements apply to the 2024 […]

QUESTION: Looking for advice from the membership about how to obtain work experience in the import/export industry and best method(s) to approach a potential career move. I’ve spent the last 5+ yrs. attaining the broker license, attending workshops & courses to learn/hone classification skills, NCBFAA CES, etc. Yet, when perusing job openings and calculating my […]

QUESTION: I’m the trade compliance manager for a company that has several divisions operating as separate entities (own EIN/IOR). I only have ACE access to one entity/IOR. If I request access for the other companies, are there any concerns with violating the “customs business” reg or would most of the things I can do in […]