QUESTION: Import Recordkeeping was rather straight forward in the past, as it was paper and file cabinets and 5+ years. Took up a lot space but was rather simple concept (at its core). Then came electronic permissions, by sending written request to CBP, and you can store on CDs and electronic formats. But now in the […]
QUESTION: I am currently reviewing our retention schedule for export and import documentation. Currently the standard is 5 years, but is anyone in the membership aware of any other countries that would require a longer retention period? I have heard that Brazil has a 7-year recordkeeping requirement, though I have not been able to verify […]
QUESTION: I would like to ask the membership what are the preferred methods for storage of import and export records (e.g. electronic, FTP sites, paper copies, DVD, etc.). Do you store based on CBP requirements in addition to, Litigation cases, ISO, and/or any other program requirement? Any feedback as to pros and cons? ===================== ANSWER: […]
QUESTION: I’m interested in hearing how companies keep records for freight invoices. Is your Finance/Accounting Dept or Compliance Dept to keep the records? I am asking is because our Compliance team keeps records for all import / export shipping documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, BOL, AWB, etc.). We have a lot of […]
QUESTION: I have taken over less than a year ago as the customs manager at a company and have been trying to obtain complete entry package records from a current broker for almost as long. The broker requirement is to send complete scanned entry packages (3461, 7501, commercial invoices, BOL/AWB, certificates, their invoice, etc.) to […]
QUESTION: I would like to ask the membership what is being saved for record-keeping purposes when it comes to International shipments moving via Express Courier. For instance, what is kept in lieu of a 7501 or 3461? The only clearance information we have available at this time is what is stated on the tracking. ========== […]
QUESTION: Instead of filing paper copies of our US import documents including FTA certificates, we would like to scan our documents into .pdf copies and upload them to a shared server. Do we need approval from the US government to do this? ========== Yes. 163.5 Methods for storage of records. (b) Alternative method of […]
Question: Does anyone in the community have work instructions for electronic record keeping for import transactions that you are able to share? ————————————- ANSWERS: Linked, is the procedure we had approved by US Customs for electronic recordkeeping. You must send them a cover letter and the procedure you are going to use to get approval. […]
Question: Our company receives sample shipments from our overseas suppliers via courier service (i.e. FedEx, UPS…). As the IOR, I believe that we are required to maintain the invoice, AWB and the declaration for 2 years for all Section 1321 shipments. However, our primary courier is telling me that they do not have […]
Question: My company currently does all of our own record keeping for export shipments. We have many domestic orders that are sold to a domestic customer but shipped overseas. These are mostly drop shipped to the domestic customers freight forwarder. Because we know that an export will be done we still run denied parties screening […]
Question: I can’t seem to find the documentation retention requirement for type 03 entries . I assume 5 years from date of entry if liquidated; if not liquidated within 5 years, retain records until liquidated? ************* Answers: 5 years from date of liquidation **************** This is a good idea, however, the statute is not that […]
Question: I have been tasked with crafting our International Records Retention Policy. I’ve been told that the Board wants one policy, not separate ones for each country. This policy is supposed to cover Trade Compliance and also to be relevant to larger Legal needs. Does anyone have any advice or examples? Anywhere I can go […]
