I often hear from clients about shipments “stuck” in customs and, needless to say, they are always frustrated. The shipments may include critical parts needed for an equipment or plant shutdown, expensive high tech components not generally carried in inventory, or medical instruments for hospitals. Delayed orders also mean delayed payments which gets everyone’s attention.

The data used in customs entries comes directly from the commercial invoice for the transaction. All countries have different, and sometimes obscure, customs regulations. It is true, however, that most delays are caused by a few commercial invoice errors or omissions.

Commodity descriptions should answer the questions: What is it? What is it made of? What is it used for? Use plain language which can be understood by anyone. Avoid trade names, brand names, and jargon. These can be added below the description or to the packing list as needed. If using a harmonized code enter only the first 6 digits which are universal. All countries apply their own last 4 or 6 digits.

Value for customs may appear to be too low for the commodity being shipped. The customs agencies in the destination country need to make sure that duty rates are accurate and will hold up the shipment if in doubt. Make sure that your commercial invoice reflects the correct transaction value.

Recipient contact info is often lacking on the commercial invoice. Customs in the importing country will not contact the exporter if they have questions or issues. If they are unable to contact the importer the shipment will go into storage. Make sure you include recipient name, address, phone number, and e mail address on your CI.

Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for immediate assistance.

Freight forwarders are essential logistics service providers in international trade. The functions performed by forwarders make it possible for any business to export their products without a large staff. In recommending forwarders to clients I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a good business relationship with providers. It is important to note, however, that primary responsibility for compliance with the EAR falls on the “principal parties in interest” (PPI) in a transaction. This usually means the US seller and the foreign buyer.

Here is some useful info from BIS:

Responsibilities of the Forwarding Community

Forwarding agents have compliance responsibilities under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) even when their actions are dependent upon information or instructions given by those who use their services. However, hiring an agent, whether a freight forwarder or some other agent, to perform various tasks, does not relieve a party of its compliance responsibilities.

Agents are responsible for the representations they make in filing export data. Moreover, no person, including an agent, may proceed with any transaction knowing that a violation of the EAR has, is about to, or is intended to occur. It is the agent’s responsibility to understand its obligations.

Primary responsibility for compliance with the EAR falls on the “principal parties in interest” (PPI) in a transaction. Generally, the PPIs in an export transaction are the U.S. seller and foreign buyer. 

Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for immediate assistance.

I frequently conduct no fee discussions (phone or Zoom) with new clients to determine if I can help them. They may be unsure about their HTS codes or a specific regulation. Exporters quite often assure me that their commodities fall under EAR 99 and NLR (No License Required). While this may be true, due diligence requires verification which starts with checking ECCN (Export Control Classification Number). BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) spells out the specific procedures for checking ECCN and licensing requirements. The CCL (Commerce Control List) Index is a good place to start.

https://bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/regulations-docs/13-commerce-control-list-index/file

Here is some more info from the BIS website:

What does EAR99 mean?

If your item falls under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction and is not listed on the CCL, it is designated as EAR99. EAR99 items generally consist of low-technology consumer goods and do not require a license in most situations. However, if your proposed export of an EAR99 item is to an embargoed country, to an end-user of concern, or in support of a prohibited end-use, you may be required to obtain a license.

Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for assistance

How About Those Regulations ?

My last post was about AEC/EEI filing for US exports, which has become routine for most shippers. The real complexity in international trade is the many different regulations applying to destination countries.

Customs delays in other countries are problematic, requiring a lot of time and effort to resolve. Best practices in exporting include due diligence and research when shipping to a country for the first time. The Country Commercial Guides published by the International Trade Administration are an excellent no cost starting point. Here is the link:

https://www.trade.gov/ccg-landing-page

I participated in a webinar last week in which one of the topics was invoice value for customs. Following is an overview of the topic.

Customs entries on imported merchandise involve calculating duties and taxes based on commodity classification (HTS), country of origin, and transaction value. In a previous post we discussed the importance of making sure that correct HTS codes are used. In most cases the commercial invoice or CI value is used for duty calculation. In situations where the transaction is not so clear Customs has established an “appraisement hierarchy” to determine entry value. The details can be found in US Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR part 152.  Here is a summary:

Appraisement Hierarchy

1) Transaction Value- actual invoice value

2) Transaction Value of identical merchandise- same country, same class and kind

3) Transaction Value of similar merchandise- same country, commercially interchangeable

4) Deductive Value – start with US retail selling price and deduct commissions, transportation, insurance, duty/tax, and value of further processing

5) Computed Value- sum of the following. Importer can request computed instead of deductive. Includes cost of materials, cost of labor, cost of packaging, profit, overhead, G&A

6) Value if other values cannot be determined- if the value of imported merchandise cannot be determined it will be appraised on the basis of a value derived from the methods set forth in parts 152.103 thru 152.106.

Parts 152.107 and 152.108 detail value if other values cannot be determined or used and unacceptable bases of appraisement.

Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for assistance

Exporting does not always mean shipping a tangible commodity. Software, drawings, manuals, specs, and other intellectual property are exported on a regular basis. Engineering firms, software companies, researchers, manufacturers, and universities need to be aware of the “deemed export” rules. They may be engaged in export transactions without even knowing it. Best practices and due diligence will mitigate the risk of fines and penalties.

Here is some info from the BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) website:

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/deemed-exports/deemed-exports-faqs

Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for immediate assistance

Last week’s post emphasized the importance of an Export Compliance Program as a risk management tool. Unfortunately, most small/medium companies do not have full ECPs. Whether your company has a formal Export Compliance Program (ECP) or not, it is critical that you have procedures in place to screen orders for Red Flags.

Many companies rely on their busy shipping department to manage export compliance. I believe that this is a mistake because shippers are under time pressure to get shipments off the dock, they often don’t have training or expertise, and usually don’t have authority to stop shipments. In the absence of a formal Export Compliance Program, clear protocols for escalation and resolution must be in place when Red Flags appear.

Here is a list from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) website of things to look for in an export transaction. Make sure you are not doing business with the bad guys. A little due diligence up front saves a lot of trouble later on.

The customer or its address is similar to one of the parties found on the Commerce Department’s [BIS’] list of denied persons.

The customer or purchasing agent is reluctant to offer information about the end-use of the item.

The product’s capabilities do not fit the buyer’s line of business, such as an order for sophisticated computers for a small bakery.

The item ordered is incompatible with the technical level of the country to which it is being shipped, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment being shipped to a country that has no electronics industry.

The customer is willing to pay cash for a very expensive item when the terms of sale would normally call for financing.

The customer has little or no business background.

The customer is unfamiliar with the product’s performance characteristics but still wants the product.

Routine installation, training, or maintenance services are declined by the customer.

Delivery dates are vague, or deliveries are planned for out of the way destinations.

A freight forwarding firm is listed as the product’s final destination.

The shipping route is abnormal for the product and destination.

Packaging is inconsistent with the stated method of shipment or destination.

When questioned, the buyer is evasive and especially unclear about whether the purchased product is for domestic use, for export, or for reexport.

For help contact mitch@52.91.45.227

C-level executives all understand risk management and protect their organizations accordingly. They make sure insurance policies are in place for all possible contingencies and retain legal counsel for further protection. Unfortunately, export compliance is rarely treated as the risk that it represents. There are several reasons for this:

Inertia- initial steps are taken to develop an Export Compliance Plan but progress stalls as more urgent tasks need attention.

Management believes that company is too small or doesn‘t export enough to need a formal ECP.

Lack of upper management commitment and willingness to put in the time.

Management doesn’t want to spend the money or devote resources to create an ECP.

Compliance is managed at lower levels with limited authority to get the project done.

Reliance on Logistics Service Providers for compliance. While LSPs are valuable business partners, the exporter is ultimately responsible for compliance.

The best insurance against export fines and penalties is an up to date Export Compliance Program. Both upper management commitment and front line training are essential parts of an ECP.

Fines and penalties for violations should make export compliance a basic part of risk management. Best practices, including an ECP, will reduce exposure to steep fines and penalties as described by BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) on their website https://www.bis.doc.gov/

Penalties- Violators of the Export Administration Act of 1979, may be subject to both criminal and administrative penalties. When the EAA is in effect, criminal penalties can reach 20 years imprisonment and $1 million per violation.

Privileges – A denial of export privileges prohibits a person from participation in any transaction subject to the EAR.

contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for assistance.

A client recently asked for help in determining Country of Origin for their imports. As they noted, it is not always obvious. 21st Century supply chains are complex for even the simplest products. Parts are sourced globally before being assembled and shipped to the final destination.

Country of origin, often abbreviated COO, is one of the elements, along with harmonized code and commodity valuation, in determining duty/tax rates. While trade agreements such as USMCA (formerly NAFTA) have specific and complex rules of origin, the basic COO elements are:

Country in which the commodity is made, mined, grown, manufactured, or underwent substantial transformation. The 3 way test for substantial transformation is new name, new character, new use.

Substantial Transformation Rule….used to determine country of origin if articles or components are not wholly obtained from one country…Does article have new name, character, or use?

Change in character- altered physical characteristics of article or components. Were changes cosmetic? What was the process that resulted in change?

Change in use- Is end use of article interchangeable with end use of components? Is end use of component predetermined at time of importation? What was the process that resulted in change of use? Predetermined end use generally precludes substantial transformation but subject to specifics of article/components in question.

Change in name- this is the least compelling of the factors supporting substantial transformation. Do components retain original name after processing?

Subsidiary/Additional Factors- extent and nature of operations (complex or simple); value added and/or cost incurred during transformation process; essential character of article (components transformed into finished product); change from producer to consumer good; tariff shift.

Ad Hoc Logistics can help with regulatory questions or your international logistics needs. Contact mitch@52.91.45.227

One of our most common services, for both new and existing clients, is reviewing customs entries for accuracy. Clients understandably want to make sure that they are not overpaying duties on their imports. This, of course, leads to examination of the commercial invoices.

As everyone involved in international trade knows, the commercial invoice is one of the primary documents of the transaction. While there is no universal standard format for commercial invoices, including the following key elements will help reduce customs delays and entry mistakes:

Invoice Number, Page Numbers – Avoids confusion for entries with multiple CIs or CIs with multiple pages.

Country of Origin– Best to use ISO country codes.

Related/Not Related parties

Incoterms and currency- these are elements of the sales contract. Indicate version of Incoterms (2010, 2020) as all parties may not be aware of updates.

Harmonized tariff # and duty rate if known

Description of goods – avoid trade names, brand names. What is it? What is it made of? What is it used for?

Summary of Value- must include IV Invoice Value. Can also include NDC Non Dutiable Charge (subtractions), AMMV Add to Make Market Value (additions), NEV Net Entered Value (bottom line- dutiable)

For immediate assistance contact mitch@52.91.45.227