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Five Things You Need to Know to Breeze Through Customs
International shipping can conjure up thoughts of delays, fines, fees
and a bewildering amount of paperwork. We know how complicated international
shipping can be, so here are some helpful hints:
I. Know the Shipping Process
a. Exporter prepares necessary export documents.
b. Courier picks up shipment and supporting export
c. International air express carrier reviews export paperwork and submits
outbound manifest to Customs. Information can be sent electronically
for pre-clearance.
d. Shipment is transported to its country of destination and inspection
area.
e. Broker submits paperwork to Customs, if not pre-cleared.
f. Customs examines paperwork and may inspect shipment.
g. Customs assesses duties and/or fees, if applicable.
h. Shipment released from Customs.
i. Broker arranges for payment of duties and/or fees, if applicable.
j. Courier transports to recipient.
The shipping department should implement a formal export compliance program
to ensure that all exports and export decisions are handled in a way
that is consistent with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International
Traffic in Arms Regulations
(ITAR) and other government regulatory agencies.
2. Know the Country of Destination
Some countries restrict certain commodities and heavy fines could be
levied on the exporter. And, if you are sending a shipment with a combination
of items, your entire shipment could be detained indefinitely. Governments
may completely prohibit types of
commodities from entering or exiting their borders. For a list of unacceptable
commodities for all countries, contact your sales representative.
3. Know Your Documentation and Licensing Requirements
Customs reviews documents that certify contents and purpose of shipments
entering or exiting their borders. It is vitally important that documents
contain accurate and complete information and comply with the format required
by the agency and country. If
paperwork is not properly completed, Customs can impose serious penalties
such as delays, seizures and even civil or criminal punishment.
4. Utilize a Licensed Customs Broker
One way to expedite the movement of your shipment through U.S. and International
Customs offices is to hire a licensed Customs broker, or use the services
of an international air express carrier with Customs brokers on staff
around the globe. In selecting a Customs broker and/or international carrier,
look for a closed-loop system in which the shipping agent is responsible
throughout the process, from courier pickups through moving, entering,
clearing, and delivering the shipment to the consignee. Brokers
should offer a direct, electronic data interface with Customs for immediate
clearance of certain types of entries, and should be able to help you
with all Customs documentation.
5. Take Control of Your Incoming Shipments Look for services that
can:
- Simplify the process and reduce costs by consolidating shipping,
Customs clearance billing and worldwide tracking into a single account.
- Manage the express shipment of packages and documents of any size,
weight or value both inbound to the U.S. and between countries.
- Track and coordinate the shipping of all overseas vendors, shippers
and branch offices anywhere in the world.
- Manage the entire transaction and payment from the control of the
U.S. account and offer predetermined rates in U.S. dollars with no
currency fluctuation.
- Utilize an electronic manifest system so that your documents are
filed with Customs in advance of their arrival - critical for achieving
expedited clearance.
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