Question: Is Form 5106 a requirement? We are receiving requests from a customer to provide them with a completed Form 5106. First, I would not provide the completed form to our customer or anyone else. From what I have read, it is to be submitted to CBP/DHS to have an importer # assigned. I am […]
Question: As I continue to develop my import trade compliance program and ask for resources I am often challenged to determine what can/should/must be done internally vs. what we can properly outsource. We do not self-file, so there is a customs broker engaged. I am not referring to HS Classification as I know that can […]
Question: Hello ICPA Members, I am hoping someone can share an Import Compliance Annual Risk Assessment template that they have created. I am looking for examples of risk assessments so I can create one for my Import Compliance Department. I appreciate any information you are able to share. Thank you! Answer 1: Adrienne Braumiller and […]
Question: Is there a way to import personal firearms into the U.S. from Canada duty free? They are not eligible for USMCA. We were looking at Household goods and personal effects but unsure if that provision applies. Any guidance on how (if possible) to import duty free and any documentation requirements outside of the import […]
Question: Hello, We need to bring back a valve that has corroded in Canada. However, to figure out why it’s corroding, we asked if they could include a water sample with the valve. Does anyone have any information on importing water samples into the US? I called CBP, but have not had much luck. I […]
Question: There are two employees traveling to Taiwan and they want to carry with them the parts they need to test an assembly machine there. What are the risks of doing this? What information/forms do they need with them so they can go into Taiwan with the parts? There is not enough time to send […]
Question: Is anyone aware of invoicing requirements for imports into Brazil. Do invoices and packing lists need to be signed in BLUE ink? Do all documents submitted to Brazilian Customs need to be originals or can a PDF copy of the signed documents be submitted? Are exporters required to stamp and sign the invoice and […]
Question: My question is related to remotes and the batteries for those remotes. We will begin importing TV remote controls along with two AA batteries in the package. These are standard batteries, non-Lithium based. Do these batteries need to be inserted into the remote before it can be considered part of the remote or can […]
Question: Is it a risk not to change the MIDs when auditing imports? Should we be updating with our broker if the code is a number or letter off? There seems to be many variations per company. Answer 1: Sounds like sloppy work on the part of the broker. I suggest you clarify which MID […]
Question: Are importers required to keep the seals that are cut and removed from imported container when they are received? If so, how long are they to be kept. Answer 1: There is no legal requirement. I suggest you keep any that do not match your documentation, see best practices for CTPAT.
Question: I have a scenario in which imports are shipped by rail from Canada to US. If movement is delayed or cancelled, the shipper notifies the railroad. The railroad cancels the car and notifies Customs via EDI. It recently came to light that no one is notifying the broker. Currently the broker is not finding […]
Question: For members that use a courier’s bond to do customs clearance, the courier is the IOR, and the actual importer is the ultimate consignee. Has any of the entries been part of your customs audit? Are you concerned if the courier declares the entry as a Section or informal entry? Or it might not […]
