Tuesday, February 15, 2011

5 Things to Know About Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) Classification

1. HTS codes are a global tool. The World Customs Organization (WCO) maintains the Harmonized Tariff Description and Coding System (HTS). Over 170 countries participate in WCO’s HTS system. The first six digits of the HTS code identify all items in international trade and are the same for all countries that use the HTS. The last two or four digits are country specific; in the U.S. these last four digits provide the duty rate and balance of trade statistical reporting suffix for the imported goods.

2. As an importer, you are responsible for establishing the correct HTS classifications used on your import entries and/or ISF security filings. This is why it is important to establish that accurate information about your products is reported to CBP and to not completely rely on third parties to guess about your products to provide HTS classifications on your behalf. It is the importer’s responsibility to supply sufficient information about the imported goods so that a customs expert may determine the proper classifications of those goods.

3. You could be paying too much by using the wrong HTS code. The HTS is primarily a classification system to uniformly identify products and secondarily a tariff system on imported goods. Using the wrong HTS will result in an incorrect payment of duties whether too little or too much, this creates an issue for CBP in their revenue collection mission and may result in them issuing penalties for failure to provide correct and accurate information to CBP.

4. If you have been using the wrong HTS codes, it is not too late to fix your mistake and avoid costly fines. If you find out you have been using the wrong HTS code and have been paying too much or too little, you can file a Post-Entry Amendment (PEA) to pay any additional owed duties or to request a refund for overpayment. If the entry has already been liquidated (usually 315 days after entry), an administrative protest can be filed up to 180 days after liquidation of the entry.

5. HTS codes are not static. Worldwide the HTS is being updated and changed to allow for new product innovations and technology. In addition, governments are evaluating new revenue sources and seeking to balance their trade with other countries. In the U.S. when an HTS code is created, it has an expiration date to allow for updates. Because of this, it is important to constantly ensure that the codes you are using are valid. The correct classification of imported goods is an ongoing project, and the HTS codes used should be reviewed at minimum, on an annual basis.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

TRG Launches Low-Cost Web-Based HTS Classification Tool for U.S. Importers

TRG Classify™ is an online classification tool that allows you, the importer of record, to classify your good and attain the 6 and 10 digit tariff codes in a few quick and easy steps. To do this, TRG Classify consolidates your general product description by applying the tariff schedule’s “General Rules of Interpretation” to intuitively provide the user with the exact tariff number needed to calculate correct duties.

Bozeman, MT December 21, 2010

Law requires US importers to declare all products they import by means of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. The process of identifying the HTS code assigned to a good is referred to as HTS classification. U.S. importers face many key challenges regarding the classification of their imported commodities. TRG Classify™ offers U.S. importers a web based in house solution that is both accurate, affordable, and time efficient. http://www.trgclassify.com

TRG Classify presents a resolution to the following classification problems importers deal with on a day-to-day basis:

□ Overpayment of Customs duty due to inaccurate classification
□ The importer of record’s legal liabilities associated with any misclassification of products even if the HTS Classification is done by a third party
□ Inability to identify business opportunities with countries offering preferential tariff arrangements
□ Shipments delayed at Customs because of improper or untimely product information
□ A need to meet government requirements to participate actively and use diligence in preparing Customs declarations

Designed specifically for the end user, TRG Classify™ takes any product description no matter how it is expressed and delivers the corresponding HTS code and duty rate. TRG is offering this service for a $2 per classification fee and no start up cost! It is available as a stand alone application or as an addition to the company’s Customs entry and ISF self-filing tool, TRG Direct™. http://www.trgclassify.com

About Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG)
Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) is an import solutions provider. The company provides innovative products and services to companies involved in international trade. Since 1991, TRG has been the leader in providing U.S. Customs bonds direct to importers. The company has also developed a direct filing system, TRG Direct™, for importers to bring entry and Importer Security Filing clearance in-house. TRG also operates a cargo insurance division, TRG Marine™. TRG Marine™ constructs specialty all-risk insurance policies designed specifically for companies operating in a global environment.

Contact:

Jena Leary
TRG
Marketing Director
jleary@trgdirect.com
406-922-6553

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

TRG is in Search of New Lead Developers

Lead Developer: We will be hiring for this position in phases. The first two openings must be filled by January 10th. The next hiring phase will not be until May. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Position Description: A lead developer works to generate new leads for the sales team. Making 11 – 12 B2B calls per hour, a great lead developer is comfortable on the phone, highly organized and results driven. TRG’s Marketing Department is looking for two part-time lead developers to build the company database and ensure growth within the sales department for the coming years. Your day-to-day responsibilities will be to contact companies from a list of U.S. Importers, find the person in charge of the company’s U.S. Customs bond, and introduce TRG.

Requirements: TRG is accepting applications from competitive, motivated, self-starters who are able to communicate effectively over the phone. This is not a sales position but requires a high level of understanding of our products, which will be covered in training. The faster you learn the position, the faster your paycheck grows.

Compensation: The best part about this job is that it is offered with a base pay plus incentives. The harder and faster you work, the more money you will make. We want motivated people to join our team. Work for a company that rewards you for being forward thinking and incorporating your great ideas into your daily processes.

The base pay is $8/hour. Additional compensation is paid out monthly and dependent on your individual results.

Please send resumes and cover letters electronically to jleary@traderiskguaranty.com, or via mail to:

Jena Leary
TRG
140 East Main Street, Suite G
Bozeman, MT 59718

Monday, November 15, 2010

Import Bond Questions of the Day

The following are questions that we received from a company interested in purchasing a $50,000US Import Bond with TRG. These are commonly asked questions we receive from companies that would like to learn more about TRG and the products we have to offer. Please feel free to add your own questions, we would love to hear from you.

Q: Do I understand correctly that if we decide to go with TRG Bond that we would pay only $750.00US for a 3 Year Import Bond and this would cover us for the next 3 years?

A: You are correct, if you do choose to go with TRG for the placement of your US Customs import bond the pricing will be $750 for 3 years which averages out to be $250 a year. There are no hidden fees. $750 would be all you would need to pay in order to renew your import bond for the next 3 years (2011-2013) with TRG.

Q: After the 3 year period, we would pay $395.00US per year to have our bond renewed yearly, correct? Or we could pay $895.00US for another 3 year period for our bond which would cover the years of 2014,2015, & 2016. Am I correct here, as well? I am being told by other companies to make sure that you really do mean that the price is a total of $750 for 3 years, which equals $250US per year, because they have heard from other clients that with Trade Risk Guaranty you pay $250 the first year, then $350 the second year, and then $750 for every year thereafter. I do not get this at all from what you have written to me and I hope this isn't true because it doesn't seem equitable and true at all by what is written.

A: If you were to choose to renew your bond with us for an additional 3 years the price would be $895, which equals $298.33 per year, and that would cover you for the next 3 years (2014-2016). The only difference between our promotional pricing for new customers and our standard pricing is the underwriting fee. We waive the underwriting fee for our new customers.

I am unsure as to where the companies you have spoken with have come to the conclusion that you pay $250 for the 1st year than $350 for the following year and so on. Let me assure you that our pricing does not work that way. If you choose to go with a 3 year bond you will ONLY pay the $750 and you will be covered for 3 years. Same goes for the 1 and 2 year bond. If you choose to go with only a one year bond the price would be $300, and if you chose to go with a 2 year bond the price would be $525 (or $262.50 per year).

Q: My company has a Co-Principal, is there an additional cost for that, if so, how much?

A: We do charge a one time fee for adding a Co-Principal to a bond. For example, if you were to choose the 3 year bond we would add $50 to the $750 which would equal $800; or if you were to choose to go with the 2 year bond we would add $50 to the $525 and the total for the 2 year bond with a co-principal would be $575.

Q: If everything worked out and we were able to get our bond through TRG, I need to be able to assure that this is going to work out well for us. What we don't want to happen is for TRG to say something along the lines of "Oh, that is something your broker takes care of." and then we proceed to speak with our broker and they say "Well, because you have your bond with another company we don't deal with that situation." This would have to work very smoothly. We would need to be able to get whatever they might need at anytime and right away. Do you think your company would be able to care for us taking all the above into consideration? Are you willing to address the above concerns?

A: The process of purchasing your bond directly through the surety is the same process your FF goes through to secure a bond for you. They contact a company just like us, purchase the bond for you and sell it back to you. Your FF does nothing different in securing the bond for you other than being the 3rd party involved. When you purchase the bond directly you can use any broker/FF to clear your entries for you. The process of entry clearance will remain the same and handled through your current FF. TRG is not a Customs broker, we simply become your direct contact to the surety. Once you have the new bond information from us, you simply supply that information to your broker/FF. We do ask, that if you should choose TRG, to not notify your broker until we have processed the bond. This will make sure that your FF does not place a termination notice prior to us placing the new bond, causing a lapse in coverage. We take care of terminating your current bond and at the same time we replace it with the new bond.

You can contact our bond department at anytime with any questions regarding your bond. We’re here to help. With TRG, you also have free access to our system called Eagle Eye. With Eagle Eye you can look up your bond information, query all entry information for those that were entered on your bond as well as supplemental duty bills and liquidated damages reports. We pride ourselves on our customer service and ability to provide you with the information you need.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Attends 2010 MSU Homecoming Events

On the evening of Friday, October 8, and the early morning of Saturday, October 9, Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) showed up to support the Montana State University Bobcats during their Homecoming festivities. TRG participated in the Homecoming events by distributing Bobcat-themed koozies, blue and gold balloons, and TRG mugs.

Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) 1 November 2010 - Many of TRG’s current employees proudly graduated from Montana State University, located in Bozeman. When given the opportunity, the TRG staff enjoys getting out and supporting their local team. At this year’s MSU Homecoming Parade and Pep-Rally, TRG supported the Bobcats while promoting TRG by handing out Bobcat-themed TRG materials.”

TRG focused on searching for talented individuals to join their sales team at the Homecoming events. TRG is a growing company and is in need of motivated sales members that are interested in becoming part of the TRG team. TRG likes to recruit new employees from MSU because TRG is aware of the outstanding education MSU graduates have received while attending Montana State University.

Kathryn Shaw, TRG’s Marketing Analyst, eagerly joined the TRG team after graduating from MSU last spring. “I was incredibly fortunate to find such a great career with TRG after graduation,” Shaw states. “It not only allows me to use my degree in marketing but also allows me to continue to live and work in Bozeman.”

TRG is currently in search of individuals to fill the positions of full time sales support representatives along with full time sales executives. As the leader in direct marketing of do-it-yourself trade facilitation products, TRG is thriving and continues to look for competitive, motivated employees to participate in the success of this niche market. If you are looking for a career in a vigorous and fast-paced industry, employment with TRG is what you are looking for.

To learn more about employment with TRG please visit: http://traderiskguaranty.com/Employment.aspx

About TRG:
Now located at 140 East Main Street, Suite G, Bozeman, MT, TRG is an international surety agency providing Customs bonds, marine cargo insurance, and other trade-related products direct to companies that import into the United States.

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency, having agency agreements with Hanover Insurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Great American Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, both of which are insurance companies approved by the Department of the U.S. Treasury to issue U.S. Customs bonds.

TRG Marine insurance policies are written by our sister agency, Corporation for International Business – dba Boomerang Freight Solutions Insurance Agency in the state of CA, dba Corporation for International Business, Inc. in the states of CT/MA/MO/NM, and dba CIB Insurance Agency, Inc. in the states of FL/MD/NH.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Teams up with the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce to Find Talented Sales Reps

April 2009, Bozeman, Montana, became home to Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG), the leading direct supplier of International Trade products. Over one year later, the company is pushing forward with a local marketing campaign to increase the community’s awareness of TRG and to attract qualified sales representatives. The company expects their new membership with the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce to aid in greater community wide exposure.

Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) 11 October 2010 – The Bozeman Chamber of Commerce offers local business owners networking opportunities and a place to become active participants in the Montana community. TRG, a local business new to Bozeman, has officially become a silver member of the chamber. http://www.bozemanchamber.com/membership/join.asp

Unique to Bozeman, TRG’s products do not cater to the needs of most local businesses and consumers. TRG offers trade facilitation products to U.S. importers via electronic communication. With the vast majority of the company’s market residing on the east and west coasts, the name TRG is rarely seen or heard in Bozeman. Functioning primarily as a sales and marketing office, the company is located in downtown Bozeman and is continually offering employment opportunities to the community. http://traderiskguaranty.com/Employment.aspx

Aside from the Chamber of Commerce, TRG is actively involved with student functions at Montana State University – Bozeman. TRG attends 1 – 2 career fairs at MSU each year and over 60% of TRG’s employees are graduates of MSU Bozeman. TRG recently sent Gregg Cummings, National Sales Manager, to campus, who spoke with students in a Professional Selling Business course about the skills needed to build a successful career in sales. TRG’s marketing department participated in a semester long business course allowing students to receive hands-on consulting experience.

Community members engaged with TRG employees as they distributed information about job opportunities at the MSU Pep Rally and Homecoming Parade this October. “We have spent a lot of time and money trying to find the best way to inform people about our excellent employment opportunities, but we continue to struggle to find candidates exhibiting the caliber of talent we expect from Bozeman,” Jena Leary, Marketing Director stated.

About TRG:
Now located at 140 East Main Street, Suite G, Bozeman, MT, TRG is an international surety agency providing Customs bonds, marine cargo insurance, and other trade-related products direct to companies that import into the United States.

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency, having agency agreements with Hanover Insurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Great American Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, both of which are insurance companies approved by the Department of the U.S. Treasury to issue U.S. Customs bonds.

TRG Marine insurance policies are written by our sister agency, Corporation for International Business – dba Boomerang Freight Solutions Insurance Agency in the state of CA, dba Corporation for International Business, Inc. in the states of CT/MA/MO/NM, and dba CIB Insurance Agency, Inc. in the states of FL/MD/NH.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Cargo Theft Reports l What’s Your Risk?

All supply chains are unique. In many cases, the complexity of a supply chain and its security parameters permit gaps and, in turn, increase the theft risk of your freight. Certain cargo, such as electronics, is more susceptible to loss by theft than others. These risk factors include theft by commodity, the path of the import or location and the type of theft. Cargo theft statistics are available for importers and exporters to analyze their risks and make adjustments to their supply chains. Modifications may include increased security to your distribution channels to aid in cargo loss prevention and/or building a shipping insurance policy designed to your specific risks to offset the cost of a loss.

Must Read Cargo Theft Statistics
Every month FreightWatch International releases a Cargo Theft Report to subscribers. The report includes diagrams breaking down reported theft incidents for that month.

In August 2010 FreightWatch reported, “FreightWatch recorded 58 cargo theft incidents in August; an 18% increase from the thefts recorded in July. The states with the highest number of thefts were California and Florida, while Georgia experienced a higher number of incidents compared to last month displacing Texas to fourth place on the list of cargo theft.”

Subscribe to FreightWatch International’s Theft Report by contacting
Dan Burges
dan.burges@freightwatchintl.com
512-532-0159

Dan Burges states that the FreightWatch data, "Comes from out own proprietary database. We gather cargo theft data through clients, industry organizations, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies and open source media. We believe our database to be one of the most comprehensive cargo theft databases covering cargo theft in the United States."

Unique supply chains deserve unique coverage! If you lack the broad insurance coverage you need, contact TRG Marine™ today to see how we can customize a cargo insurance policy specific to your commodities and distribution channel. Every supply chain is unique; your insurance policy should be so too. Our years of experience and market connections will find you the best coverage at the best price! www.TRGMarine.com

Jena Leary | TRG
Marketing Director
140 East Main Street, Suite G
Bozeman, MT 59715
jleary@trgdirect.com

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The TRG Trade Spotlight Expands Features and Brings Recognition to Customs Bond Holders

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) has improved the company’s International Trade Ezine known as the TRG Trade Spotlight. TRG added many new features to the layout in order to provide a more interactive experience for the readers.

Bozeman, MT, September 22, 2010 — The TRG Trade Spotlight is an electronic newsletter or Enzine, released by Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG). The publication provides content relative to the International Trade industry. The primary purpose for the TRG Trade Spotlight is to keep TRG’s customers up-to-date on old and new Customs regulations that may have an impact on their business practices.

The Customer Spotlight section is new to the monthly article. Highlighted here, is one of TRG’s unique customers. In order for TRG to feature the business, the customer must submit their interest to TRG and provide a short background on what makes their company stand out. The TRG Trade Spotlight will then provide a description of the business and a link to the company’s website. “We have over 6,500 customers, that’s a reader base. We want to help some of the SMEs in that mix to tell their story and with hope gain a few more customers from the recognition,” Jena Leary, TRG’s Marketing Director, states.

Of course, no Ezine would be complete without a one-of-a-kind crossword puzzle. The company is offering subscribers a fun and challenging crossword puzzle that features questions based on the import and export industry. Answers to the monthly puzzles are found on the company’s website. http://traderiskguaranty.com/crossword.aspx

Kathryn Shaw, Marketing Analyst for TRG acknowledged, “By adding the new features to the TRG Trade Spotlight, we anticipate our customers will become more engaged in each release and begin to relate more to TRG as a vendor. In addition, we hope our customers will find the new features entertaining. Let’s face it, finding the fun factor within the rules and regulations of International Trade can be tricky. Hopefully the crossword puzzle and Customer Spotlight will be enjoyed by our readers.” To view past TRG Trade Spotlight articles please visit http://traderiskguaranty.com/TRGSpotlightArchives.aspx.

About TRG:
TRG is an import solutions provider marketing its products directly to the importer. These products include U.S. Customs import bonds, shipping insurance (freight insurance) and direct filing of U.S. Customs entries and Importer Security Filing. Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency, having agency agreements with Hanover Insurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Great American Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, both of which are insurance companies approved by the Department of the U.S. Treasury to issue U.S. Customs bonds.

Contact:
Kathryn Shaw
Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG)
406-922-6525

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Looking for a great paying sales career in Bozeman Montana? Look no further!

Sales Support: Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) - Bozeman is currently seeking PT and FT Sales Support Representatives. In this position you will become a member of a sales team and assist 1-2 Senior Sales Executives in lead generation, sales cycle organization/prioritization and maintaining prospect relationships. The team based sales approach throws you into the fast-paced, dynamic environment while providing you with the hands-on training needed for advancement within the company. TRG is accepting applications from competitive, motivated, self-starters to assist in meeting and exceeding sales executive’s revenue goals.

PT: $10/hour

FT: $23,000 salary

Please send resumes to Jena Leary, jleary@traderiskguaranty.com

About TRG:

Offering insight into the world of International Trade, believe it or not, Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) is located in the Gallatin Valley of Bozeman, Montana. The downtown location is a hop, skip and a jump away from Bridger Bowl, Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Ski Facilities. Fishing, hiking, camping and many other outdoor activities are available to you out your backdoor. Filled with an office of outdoor enthusiasts, a few perks to employment at TRG include; powder days on the slopes and summer fishing and hiking team trips.

As the leader in direct marketing of do-it-yourself trade facilitation products, TRG is thriving and continues to look for competitive, motivated employees to participate in the success of this niche market. If you are looking for a career in a vigorous and fast-paced industry, employment with TRG is what you are looking for. Go Global in Montana!

Monday, September 20, 2010

TRG Hosts Bozeman Gold Toastmasters Club

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) has been hosting the Bozeman area Toastmasters at TRG’s downtown office for the past eight months. The Bozeman Gold Toastmasters Club meets every Friday at 12:00pm (MST).

Bozeman, MT, August 12, 2010 — TRG proudly hosts the Bozeman Gold Toastmasters Club every Friday at noon in their Bozeman office. Bozeman Gold Toastmasters Club helps give men and women the skills and confidence they need to speak effectively in front of large audiences. The Toastmasters Club has been operating internationally since 1924, and they currently have more than 200,000 members in 80 countries.

Each Friday at noon the Toastmasters club meets for an hour and gives everyone in the club a chance to stand up and speak. At every meeting, a few club members typically have the opportunity to stand up and present a topic of interest, and then the other members of the club provide them with constructive feedback. The club offers a calm, relaxed, and supportive environment for individuals to improve their public speaking skills. http://bozemangold.freetoasthost.ws/index.html

TRG’s Bozeman office houses the majority of the company’s sales and marketing members. TRG also operates out of Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, and Big Sky, MT. TRG’s president, John Michel, decided to offer TRG’s office to the Bozeman Toastmasters Club for their weekly meetings. Mr. Michel trusts that Toastmasters is a great learning tool for the company’s sales producers. By hosting Bozeman’s Toastmasters Club at the TRG office, many of TRG’s employees have since joined the club and are benefiting from their membership and participation.

“I would recommend Toastmasters to anyone that likes meeting new people, networking, and has a genuine interest in learning to speak more professionally,” TRG Senior Account Executive Darren Pettyjohn states. “My speaking skills have improved. I think about what I say before it comes out. It helps me slow down and speak more professionally, as nerves typically make you speak fast.” For additional information about employment with TRG please visit their website at: https://traderiskguaranty.com/Employment.aspx

About TRG:
TRG is an import solutions provider marketing its products directly to the importer. These products include U.S. Customs import bonds, shipping insurance (freight insurance) and direct filing of U.S. Customs entries and Importer Security Filing. Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency, having agency agreements with Hanover Insurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Great American Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, both of which are insurance companies approved by the Department of the U.S. Treasury to issue U.S. Customs bonds.

Contact:
Kathryn Shaw
Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG)
406-922-6525