Miscellaneous

MISCELLANEOUS

  • NOTIFY PARTY ON OCEAN B/L

    QUESTION: We have recently been told by a major steamship line that it is policy that they can  only invoice the “Invoice company” listed on the B/L.  Our company name appears  as the notify party only.  The carrier terms and conditions state in part, the following” “Every person defined as merchant in clause 1 shall […]

  • PPE No Touch Thermometers

    QUESTION: We would appreciate assistance from the membership if anyone has a checklist of the requirements for importing from China, No Touch Thermometers. Due to Covid-19 this is a rush order request-A lot to research in short time.  Understand the thermometers are regulated by FDA – FDA Cosmetic Act They are a medical device – […]

  • Broker Known Importer Program

    QUESTION: Is anyone actively implementing/utilizing the Broker Known Importer Program (BKIP)? If so, are you seeing tangible benefits? ========== CBP is not actively using BKIP in their targeting algorithm so the flag is not impacting their decision on whether to inspect the goods. BKIP does, however, provide some best practices for importer identification/validation which will […]

  • ERP selection

    QUESTION: Our company is in the process of selecting an ERP. Can the ICPA community provide guidance on the types of questions we should ask regarding Trade Compliance and Logistics modules, capabilities and functionalities? What are the minimal data cells and info should the ERP have? Can anyone provide insight into the benefits that integration […]

  • 9801 AND SEC 301 DUTIES

    QUESTION: Situation – we purchased a machine of Chinese origin for our Mexico facility. It was moved under a TE and arrived to our brokers bonded warehouse yesterday. We just got word that the MX government may shut our Mexico operation down because it is considered a non-essential activity. The machine is subject to Section […]

  • DBA and National Permit

    QUESTION: If a broker has a DBA issued by a state or county within a state, can the broker apply for a National Permit and then make entries outside that jurisdiction?  ================================================================ Answers: Apples and oranges. No reason why you can’t. ================================================================ Are you an individual with a brokers license?  Have you already filed for […]

  • Working with External Customs Advisors

    QUESTION: Does anyone have experience working with external customs advisors during an audit? Interested to know if you sign an engagement letter of some sort.    How do you define the scope of their work in an audit?  Sometimes these things can take turns here and there. Is it appropriate to request a weekly or monthly […]

  • COVID-19 classifications

    QUESTION: Is there a resource in place that identifies classifications for Covid-19 related articles? ========== Answer: Attached is an  updated classification guide for COVID19 Supplies https://www.icpainc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/COVID-19-supplies-hs-classification-reference_en-1.pdf ===========

  • RUSSIAN CUSTOMS DISPUTE

    QUESTION: Hypothetical scenario only in country of Russia: A Russian importer of record is audited by Russia customs and customs states that the importer did not pay duties on additions to the price paid or payable.  The importer pays these additional duties for the alleged omissions of an addition to price paid or payable event […]

  • ORIGIN “NEW NAME NEW CHARACTER TEST”

    QUESTION: Importing into the US an unassembled machine classifiable in Chapter 84. All components are individually packaged and shipped on the same master b/l. Certain components are from CN, others are from TW and VN. No FTA is in play, so origin is determined by the “new name, character, use test.” Being un-assembled at the […]

  • SHIPPING INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINER

    QUESTION: I’m with an Australian company and we are exploring air freight options for shipping a single IBC. It weighs 860KG and the dimensions are 1.2 L  x 1.1 W  x 1.1 H (in meters). This is a class 3 dangerous good and will be going from Singapore to Melbourne. We typically import via ocean and air […]

  • SHIPPING PPE EXCEPTIONS

    QUESTION: OK, we’ve seen the Government letter banning exports of N95 respirators, surgical masks, etc.  Does this mean I can’t send some to one of my foreign offices?  Is there no exception for intercompany shipments?  ***************** Answers: It does not mean that.  It means the USG gets to vet each shipment and decide yes or […]