QUESTION: We are a customs broker and have traditionally saved our records in paper form. We are now looking into saving scanned copies. Specifically, we are considering keeping the scanned copies either on a corporate drive, which would require certain permissions to delete documents, or in our ABI system which allows us to store the […]
QUESTION: For customs brokers, does the broker always have to accept “service of process” on behalf of a non-resident importer when the broker is filing their entries? Or is it the broker’s choice to accept service of process vs. requiring the non-resident importer to designate another U.S. agent to accept service of process? I’ve reviewed […]
QUESTION: How does your brokerage team measure efficiency? We are currently focused on entries filed per agent and are exploring other metrics to help identify opportunities for improvement. Do you get more detailed than each entry summary, such as efficiency per entry line? Or have different metrics for different customer needs, such as PGA, multiple […]
QUESTION: We are looking to update our POA agreements with the Broker. Currently there are three separate agreement for three different locations that clear Customs under the same IOR. We are looking to imitate one agreement for all locations that will show the company Corporate Office as the principle location of business . Can this […]
QUESTION: I am new to my company and I am responsible to oversee our customs broker who makes a lot of errors. The broker relationship was established long before me and going on 10 plus years.I am in the process of auditing and establishing KPIs for our broker and currently the error ratio is 18%. […]
Question: I’m responsible for trade compliance for 6 different divisions. Would providing an SOP to the import broker the other divisions use be considered “Customs Business”? %%%%%%%%%% ANSWERS: When in doubt read the regulations. See the definition of “customs business” below. It appears what you are doing falls under the category of a “corporate compliance […]
QUESTION: Is there a way to file a PSC with customs, stating that the errors are broker errors, not caused by the importer? If so, how would the broker file the PSC, admitting that the errors are caused by the broker, not the importer. %%%%%%%%%% ANSWERS: If it were a Prior Disclosure you were submitting, […]
QUESTION: Our transportation manager does not feel like brokerage fees should be allocated to the freight side of the business. Was curious how other companies may be allocating these charges. ==================================================== Answers: How are duties allocated? Brokerage charges are directly related to meeting import requirements. If duties are allocated as a tax, brokerage charges may […]
QUESTION: I am looking for guidance on a broker’s duty to the IOR. Is there a part of a regulation that spells this out? I have reviewed Part 111 of 19 CFR 110 and it only details their duty to USCBP. We are the IOR on shipments, using a very large air courier service as […]
QUESTION: Why are Customs broker fees generally a lot less for shipments entering the US from Canada and Mexico than from other foreign countries? ========== Answers: Generally the fees are rated by mode of transport. CA and MX are primarily truck and rail which are a simpler process than ocean/air that is seen from other countries […]
QUESTION: I am looking to understand from the membership who in your company owns the customs broker relationship, who decides which broker(s) to use, and if you tie it to who owns freight forwarder relationships or split it out from transportation? Looking for specific titles/departments/functions please. *************** Answers:The customs broker relationship is owned by Global […]
QUESTION: I’d like to find out what others are doing to measure CHB performance – what KPI’s have you set, and how do you then gather the data/measure? Did you set the expectations or were they mutually agreed upon? I am not unhappy with the service I am receiving, but it would be beneficial to […]
