Import

Questions and answers about Import

  • Deducting Freight Charges from Imports

    Question: It’s basic compliance knowledge that duty should not be paid on international freight.But when a supplier lists freight on their invoice – how do other importers handle this?  How do you know its actual freight costs and not estimated or some type of average freight calculation?Do you require any back-up that it is actual […]

  • Country Group D sourcing requests

    Question: We are seeing more customer requests for certifications of any materials/components in our products sourced from any Country Group D countries. Is this just an indirect request to deterine tariff implications from China (i.e. steel or aluminum), or is there another reason? What is strange is they’re citing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which […]

  • When is something a part?

    Question: We build a particular kind of vehicle.  There’s a lot of metal in the structure:  bent plates, support plates, cover plates, etc.We buy the metal in plate or rod form, then we process it by cutting, shaping, drilling, bending, etc into the specific form needed.When does it stop being, say, an Other item of […]

  • Post Summary Corrections

    Question: We are submitting our first time ever Post Summary Correction. We understand that we have to provide a reason that CBP understands (correction is related to GRI, Rulings, etc.). However, we are unsure of what documents we need to submit.The corrections are in regard to incorrect HTS codes and incorrect Chapter 99 codes. What […]

  • IEEPA liquidation Protest

    Question: For those of you who want to Protest liquidation dates in order to prep for a possible overturning of IEEPA tariffs:Have you had success?  Any granted yet?What language are you using to file? Answer 1: These are just my comments/ thoughts on your question.  You should consult with your own customs or legal counsel […]

  • Managing Parcel Imports

    Question: Can members of the group share how they manage parcel imports? The company I work for has a contract with a large parcel carrier, and those imports are smooth when members of the company ship using the created accounts. However, people within the company will randomly ship using other parcel carrier with which the […]

  • Proof for tariff reimbursement – what do you ask your suppliers for?

    Question: We are willing to compensate our suppliers for increased import duties due to reciprocal tariffs and Sect 232. We ask for proof first, ideally a redacted 7501. What if they refuse to provide even a redacted 7501?  What can we accept as proof?  Some have tried to send just their broker’s invoice for the […]

  • Suffixed Importer Number

    Question: We currently have all entries cleared under our basic importer number ending in suffix “00”.  We would like to start clearing another division’s entries under an importer number ending in “AB”. On entries, and on the 5106, do we show the corporate HQ address or the division’s address? Answer 1: There is room for […]

  • What’s a vehicle?

    Question: My broker told me that the trains (locomotives, train cars) we build and ship are NOT vehicles as contemplated by HTS US 8544.30, so our ignition wiring sets are somewhere else in 8544. Where can I find a definition of “vehicles” for this purpose? Answer 1: Chapter 87 specifically covers “Vehicles other than railway […]

  • Custom Clearance Delays with small package courier imports

    Question: Is anyone noticing an increase in delivery times on small package imports?  If so, have you recommended Supply Chain increase their lead time for small package and if so, but how many days?   We’ve noticed a recent increase in our delivery times. Shipments will show cleared Customs, and out for delivery for multiple days […]

  • USDA Guideline 1100 Letter Template

    Question: Hello ICPA Membership– Can anyone provide a USDA Guideline 1100 letter template for FDA-approved, finished pharmaceutical products? Further, is a USDA letter required for products that have no animal origin? The way I read the guideline is that a letter is only required if the pharmaceutical product has animal origin. How is this notated […]