overview of the import process robert j. schott airschott, inc
DESCRIPTION
Overview of the Import Process Robert J. Schott AIRSCHOTT, INC. ROLE of the CUSTOMS BROKER. To represent the Importer before Customs (CBP) and the carriers; To protect the interests of the Importer at the border; - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Overview of the Import Process
Robert J. Schott
AIRSCHOTT, INC.
ROLE of the CUSTOMS BROKER
• To represent the Importer before Customs (CBP) and the carriers;
• To protect the interests of the Importer at the border;• To advise the Importer on relevant issues which arise
with carriers and / or government agencies;• To make timely and accurate presentations to
government agencies and carriers in order to keep the importer’s cargo moving and secure;
• To keep the Importer informed of the progress of the cargo: release, delivery, etc.
The PROCESS
• Documents: – get ‘em to your broker early, not late!
– Invoices– Packing Lists– Export Permit or Declaration– Form 6– FFL
MATCHING the DATA– BATFE requires consistency between product descriptions on
the Form 6 and the Form 6A;
but– CBP must be able to connect the invoice description with the
Form 6 / 6A description.
How do we do that?
NO FORM 6?DON’T SHIP IT!
• Bad things happen when goods requiring a Permit (Form 6) arrive in the USA before a BATFE Permit has been issued:
StorageDelay
The FRUSTRATION:a PAPER CHASE!
• BATFE does not communicate electronically with CBP.
• Paper documents must be presented to CBP for firearms shipments – not so for alcohol or tobacco. Why?
• Once connected, your permits could be decremented in real time by BATFE / CBP.
INCONSISTENCY by PORTInadequate Training
• CBP Officers in the field don’t always know what to do with Form 6As;
• BATFE Officers in the field don’t always know what to look for in an audit.
SECURITY MATTERS
• Don’t let your suppliers ship on Thursday or Friday (don’t let firearms shipments sit at a terminal over the weekend);
• Know your truckers;• Don’t let your truckers hold cargo overnight;• Look for signs of tampering;• Check the inside boxes when stacked on pallets.
Other matters:
ISF: Must do for ocean shipments.
C-TPAT: Get on board.