Import

Questions and answers about Import

  • Bill-To Party

    Question: We have regular defective units that are returning free of charge for the purpose of testing and repair. There is no billing or payment to these defective returned parts. However, the shipper will bill the services to our 3PL operator. In this scenario, is it correct for shipper not mentioning the “BILL-TO” in the […]

  • Ultimate Consignee Customs Directive 3550-079A

    Question: Customs Directive 3550-079A defines the Ultimate Consignee as:  6.3 The Ultimate Consignee at the time of entry or release is defined as the party in the United States, to whom the overseas shipper sold the imported merchandise. If at the time of entry or release the imported merchandise has not been sold, then the […]

  • weights/units of measure

    Question: We are having trouble obtaining weights in the right unit of measure to support our customs declarations. At what point in your purchasing and manufacturing processes are weights determined? How do you ensure weights are determined and maintained in the unit of measure you can use for customs purposes? What do you consider best […]

  • Import into the EU

    Question: Hello: We have a situation where we are selling products to our Netherlands office where they will sell to our end customer. Our NL office is not ready to act as the importer of record and since we have fiscal representation in the EU we would like to act as the IOR in the […]

  • Sets for Retail

    Question: We import sets that are put up for retail sale. We would like to break out each of the items in the set on the commercial invoice, each with its own HTS and value. Is this acceptable since they are imported all together in the same retail box? Answer 1: You may want to […]

  • Air Filters & EPA

    Question: What information is needed to import an air filter in the United States. Based on my research the producer would need to provide an EPA registration number, EPA producer establishment number and the brand name of the pesticide product or devices.  If the air filter does not make a claim regarding reducing microorganisms, etc. […]

  • CBP 5106 Importer Identity Form

    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 […]

  • Outsourcing import compliance work

    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 […]

  • Annual Import Compliance Risk Assessment

    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 […]

  • Personal Firearms

    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 […]

  • Importing a water sample

    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 […]

  • Employees bringing equipment into Taiwan

    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 […]