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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 ========== […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
QUESTION: I’m interested in hearing how companies keep records for freight invoices. Is your Finance/Accounting Dept or Compliance Dept to keep the records? I am asking is because our Compliance team keeps records for all import / export shipping documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, BOL, AWB, etc.). We have a lot of […]
QUESTION: I have taken over less than a year ago as the customs manager at a company and have been trying to obtain complete entry package records from a current broker for almost as long. The broker requirement is to send complete scanned entry packages (3461, 7501, commercial invoices, BOL/AWB, certificates, their invoice, etc.) to […]
QUESTION: I would like to ask the membership what is being saved for record-keeping purposes when it comes to International shipments moving via Express Courier. For instance, what is kept in lieu of a 7501 or 3461? The only clearance information we have available at this time is what is stated on the tracking. ========== […]
