Record Keeping

Record Keeping

  • ELECTRONIC RECORDKEEPING

    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 […]

  • RECORDKEEPING ON FLASH DRIVES

    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 […]

  • EEI FILING RECORD RETENTION

    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 […]

  • ELECTRONIC RECORDKEEPING SCENARIO

    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 […]

  • ELECTRONIC RECORDKEEPING

    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 […]

  • RECORDKEEPING PROCESS

    QUESTION: I was recently tasked to oversee a project to ensure we comply with record keeping for importation in the U.S. I am fairly new to my compliance role and needed the member’s input. Per the CBP website: Importers, exporters, carriers, and brokers are required to keep their U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records […]

  • RECORDKEEPING PROCESS

    QUESTION: I was recently tasked to oversee a project to ensure we comply with record keeping for importation in the U.S. I am fairly new to my compliance role and needed the member’s input. Per the CBP website: Importers, exporters, carriers, and brokers are required to keep their U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records […]

  • RECORDKEEPING BIS PART 762

    QUESTION: I have been tasked with creating and managing an export compliance recordkeeping system/procedure. We have Sales Representatives (independent contractors) that represent and sell our products all over the world.  Are these Non-US citizens, selling US origin products (manufactured in the US) subject to the recordkeeping requirements of BIS part 762? ========== Answers: Yes ========== […]

  • HTS RECORD KEEPING

    QUESTION: We’re trying to determine the correct retention period for our documents used to support our HTS classifications.  Several years ago I read, or was told, that the supporting documents must be kept for five years after the end of the product life cycle.  Is this correct?  Or, should the documents only be retained for […]

  • RECORDKEEPING REALITY

    QUESTION: Import Recordkeeping was rather straight forward in the past, as it was paper and file cabinets and 5+ years. Took up a lot space but was rather simple concept (at its core). Then came electronic permissions, by sending written request to CBP, and you can store on CDs and electronic formats. But now in the […]

  • RECORD RETENTION COUNTRY REQUIREMENTS

    QUESTION: I am currently reviewing our retention schedule for export and import documentation. Currently the standard is 5 years, but is anyone in the membership aware of any other countries that would require a longer retention period? I have heard that Brazil has a 7-year recordkeeping requirement, though I have not been able to verify […]

  • RECORDKEEPING PROCESS

    QUESTION: I would like to ask the membership what are the preferred methods for storage of import and export records (e.g. electronic, FTP sites, paper copies, DVD, etc.). Do you store based on CBP requirements in addition to, Litigation cases, ISO, and/or any other program requirement? Any feedback as to pros and cons? ===================== ANSWER: […]