Record Keeping

Record Keeping

  • Import Recordkeeping

    QUESTION: We’re looking to improve our import post entry review process which encompasses approximately 10,000 entries.  Our process currently includes taking a screenshot of the goods receipt to evidence quantities received and invoice payment to confirm the value paid to the vendor.  These screenshots are maintained as part of the entry packet. We’d like to […]

  • 163.12 Recordkeeping Compliance Program

    Your Social Security Statement QUESTION: Is anyone in the membership a “certified recordkeeper” under this program? What are the benefits? %%%%%%%%%% ANSWER: That is a great question. My impression is that this program was a creature of the 1990’s that slipped into irrelevance since then.

  • E-RECORDKEEPING

    QUESTION: If my records are digital (.pdf, etc.) and saved within my network folders and also available through broker’s dashboard applications, do I need to get approval for an alternative format, or is that covered under the “paper or electronic” covered under normal recordkeeping?  What falls under alternative format nowadays? %%%%%%%%%% ANSWERS: For Customs import […]

  • Record Retention

    QUESTION: How long am I supposed to retain records for an International BOL (HBL, AWB)? The way I understand it: CBP as well as a slew of other US govt agencies say 5 years The IRS says its accounting document and needs to be held 7 years (does this only pertain to Domestic BOL’s)? BOL’s […]

  • Record Retention Best Practices

    QUESTION: I am curious to know what would be considered the current best practice in obtaining entry documents from your customs brokers.  Curious to know what the membership is doing. CD sent on a regular cadence FTP Shared Site Pull documents from broker’s portal Email Other ========== Answers: We currently receive clearance docs via email, […]

  • Record Retention Best Practices

    QUESTION: I am curious to know what would be considered the current best practice in obtaining entry documents from your customs brokers.  Curious to know what the membership is doing. CD sent on a regular cadence FTP Shared Site Pull documents from broker’s portal Email Other ========== Answers: We currently receive clearance docs via email, […]

  • LAND BORDER IMPORT RECORDKEEPING

    QUESTION: The customs broker I use, sends us the import entry package documentation on a daily basis with the exception of the Bill of Lading for land border imports. When ask why the bill of lading is not being sent, their response is that the bill of lading is not required under the (A)(1)(a) list. […]

  • POD FOR IMPORT RECORDKEEPING

    QUESTION: Is it required to save POD’s (Proof of Delivery)  (BOLS, vehicle inspection sheets, ect.) for admission packets? ========== Answer: PODs are not required for general import record keeping purposes. Typical documents are BOL, commercial invoice, packing list, 7501 Customs Form.  Others may be required if applicable such as COO, GSP statements, FTA statements, PGA […]

  • ANSWERS TO Question on Record Retention

    QUESTION: How long am I supposed to retain records for an International BOL (HBL, AWB)? The way I understand it: CBP as well as a slew of other US govt agencies say 5 years The IRS says its accounting document and needs to be held 7 years (does this only pertain to Domestic BOL’s)? BOL’s […]

  • Answers to Question on Record Retention Best Practices

    QUESTION: I am curious to know what would be considered the current best practice in obtaining entry documents from your customs brokers.  Curious to know what the membership is doing. CD sent on a regular cadence FTP Shared Site Pull documents from broker’s portal Email Other ========== Answers: We currently receive clearance docs via email, […]

  • Answers to QUESTION ON LAND BORDER IMPORT RECORDKEEPING

    QUESTION: The customs broker I use, sends us the import entry package documentation on a daily basis with the exception of the Bill of Lading for land border imports. When ask why the bill of lading is not being sent, their response is that the bill of lading is not required under the (A)(1)(a) list. […]

  • Answer to QUESTION ON POD FOR IMPORT RECORDKEEPING

    QUESTION: Is it required to save POD’s (Proof of Delivery)  (BOLS, vehicle inspection sheets, ect.) for admission packets? ========== Answer:PODs are not required for general import record keeping purposes.Typical documents are BOL, commercial invoice, packing list, 7501 Customs Form.  Others may be required if applicable such as COO, GSP statements, FTA statements, PGA claims, etc.