Tag: CBP
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Introduction: You Have the Right to Challenge When CBP issues a tariff classification ruling that you believe is incorrect, you are not required to accept it. The customs system provides multiple avenues for challenging unfavorable classification decisions, from administrative reconsideration to formal litigation. Classification rulings affect not just the specific entry but all future imports…
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Introduction: When CBP Gets Your Classification Wrong Tariff classification is not always a clear-cut exercise. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule contains thousands of headings, the General Rules of Interpretation require subjective judgments, and the same product can reasonably be argued to fall under more than one heading. When the importer and CBP reach different conclusions, a…
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Introduction: Your Right to Challenge Customs Decisions When you disagree with a CBP decision regarding the classification, valuation, rate of duty, or other aspect of a customs entry, you have a legal right to challenge that decision through the protest process established under 19 USC 1514. This right is fundamental to the customs system and…
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Introduction: Penalties Are Not Reserved for Bad Actors There is a common misconception that customs penalties are only imposed on businesses that are deliberately trying to cheat the system. In reality, the vast majority of penalty cases involve honest mistakes: classification errors, valuation oversights, documentation gaps, and procedural failures committed by businesses that simply did…
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Section 232 and Its Lasting Impact 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum from most countries have fundamentally altered cost structures for manufacturers, fabricators, and distributors. The tariffs apply to primary products and certain downstream articles. Scope of Section 232 Tariffs Steel tariffs cover flat-rolled, long, tubular, stainless, wire, and semifinished products.…
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The $800 Rule That Built an Industry CBP processes over a million de minimis shipments per day. This exponential growth has raised concerns about duty avoidance, trade remedy evasion, and product safety circumvention. How De Minimis Works Today Shipments valued at $800 or less can enter without formal entry or duty payment. The threshold applies…
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Security as a Trade Advantage C-TPAT is a voluntary public-private partnership that recognizes supply chain participants maintaining robust security. Certified partners receive tangible trade facilitation benefits including reduced inspections and expedited processing. Benefits of Certification Reduced inspections and examinations, expedited processing, front of the line during elevated threats, mutual recognition with foreign trusted trader programs,…
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A Cash Flow Tool Most Importers Overlook A bonded warehouse allows imported goods to be stored without duty payment for up to five years. Duties are only owed upon withdrawal for domestic consumption. If goods are exported, no duties are owed at all. How Bonded Warehouses Work Several classes exist for different activities. When goods…
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The Ecommerce Import Boom and Its Compliance Gap Ecommerce importers are subject to the same customs laws as any other importer, but many are unaware of these obligations. CBP has identified ecommerce imports as a priority enforcement area. Customs Compliance Basics You need an importer of record number. Every product must be classified under the…
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The Hidden Tariff That Can Reach Triple Digits Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are calculated individually for each foreign producer and can range from single digits to several hundred percent. The retrospective nature means liability can change years after importation. How AD/CVD Duties Work The Department of Commerce determines dumping/subsidization and calculates rates. The ITC determines…