QUESTION: What are the exact documents that are necessary for recordkeeping purposes as it relates to Section 321 US Imports? I can see that if it the manifest is being used as the entry document the HTS and Entry Summary are not required but I am wondering what are the required documents for importers to […]
QUESTION: It is my understanding that record keeping requirements are stated in CFR Title 15, part 762 and CFR 19, part 163 for exporters and importers. I recently changed jobs, my new place told me that they do not keep records in house and their forward/ broker retains them. My understanding is that this is incorrect and they should be kept […]
QUESTION: Does anyone in the membership keep their US import records for 6 years (default) to cover recordkeeping requirements for the ISF rather than the 5 years required by the regulations for the other documents? We changed our recordkeeping policy to 6 years after the ISF was implemented, but I am wondering if we should […]
QUESTION: If importing on DDP terms from suppliers in Europe, (meaning my company is not the importer of record) am I still liable for keeping the files/filing entry #, etc? ********** Answers: Since your company is not the IOR, you are not required to have a copy of the entry on file. You can request […]
QUESTION: Our company currently maintains paper documents for our shipment files which contain transportation and customs clearance information to comply with US recordkeeping requirements. Our company is adopting policies that will allow more employees to work from home either scheduled or in case of bad weather. This would require associates to take shipment files home […]
QUESTION: Is it mandatory to maintain paper documents/electronic records on how a tariff classification was determined for an imported product? ========== Answers: Each part record should clearly indicate the reasoning behind why it was classified with a specific HS number (valuable info in the event of a CBP audit questioning classification). Is it required for […]
QUESTION: As an importer of record, what percentage of entries should be audited solely for keeping compliance? ========== Answers: I think this depends on your pre-entry processes. If you do not provide any input pre-entry, you had better audit every entry. If you have good pre-entry processes (preventative), then you can set lower percentages on […]
QUESTION: We are planning to move to an electronic record keeping process and would like to get feedback from other members of the group as to how they are obtaining entry documents from your clearing brokers and how are you keeping your entry documents stored electronically? *********** Answers: You just have to advise CBP in […]
QUESTION: As an importer we have written notification since 2013 from CBP to retain our import documentation as paperless recordkeeping. Per CFR standards 19CFR 163.5(b)(2) alternative method we use for paperless recordkeeping is CD ROM, would it still be compliant if we convert over to using USB Flash drives? In the CFR regulations it is […]
QUESTION: For those filing the EEI/ITN in ACE, do you consider the automated email for each EEI filing to be a record that must be retained for 5 years? Or do you just delete the email? My company saves the emails in PDF format for 5 years, but I have never heard of them being […]
QUESTION: We receive documents via email from our foreign suppliers when we start a shipment file. Later we receive original paper documents from the supplier. We keep the records for 5 years per the regulations. We would like to move to digital records. My understanding is that since we receive paper documents we must keep […]
QUESTION: Can anyone in the membership explain how they transitioned from paper records to strictly electronic records after receiving approval from US Customs? We currently house our import data in physical files, Access, our ERP system, ACE Reports, etc. All data is very traceable and easy to locate. Any tips? ANSWER: Our company has a […]
