The ISF Honeymoon Comes to an End January 26th
The honeymoon phase of Importer Security Filing (ISF) will be over in less than one month. On January 26th, 2010, U.S. importers of ocean cargo will be faced with a harsh reality. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin issuing fines and penalties for importers who fail to file their ISFs, file late, fail to update, or fail to delete their ISFs. Penalty amounts will be $5,000 per Importer Security Filing transmission and can be as much as $10,000 per ISF.
Was your honeymoon successful? Are you ISF ready?
At this time, importers need to be very familiar with their progress reports. Customs issues these monthly progress reports to whoever is filing the ISFs in order to let them know how they are doing. The reports inform the filer about how often their ISFs are accepted or rejected as well as how timely they are filing. If you haven’t seen your progress report, you need to ask whoever is filing immediately. Remember: it is not the filer that has to pay the fine; the importer is liable for their ISFs.In order to avoid paying these stiff fines, many importers have brought their policies and procedures in house to ensure they know that they are filing timely and accurately.
The ISF consists of 10 very easily attainable data elements. Once the importer begins receiving the information, the filing is easy.It's time to create a successful ISF program.TRG Direct, an ISF and customs entry self filing provider, allows importers to file online in seconds using templates and excel uploads. Also, since the ISF is not considered customs business, many importers allow their vendors to access the ISFs under their own user names and input information, which means the information never has to go through a third party.If you haven’t started filing, don’t stress: you still have a month to practice filing penalty-free. However, you need to start filing now.
CBP has stated that the most important thing importers can do before compliance begins is to create a history with CBP by filing their ISFs. By doing so, importers may be able to mitigate any fines and penalties assessed at the beginning of compliance. Importers who have not been filing will be the first ones paying these fines.If you have been filing, you need to make sure your policies and procedures are in place and that all filings are timely and accurate. Check your progress report to see how well you’re doing. And remember, by filing yourself, you have complete control over filing timely and accurately.
Showing posts with label importer security filing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label importer security filing. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why is my cargo being inspected?
Have you ever wondered why CBP has chosen to inspect your cargo?
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have updated their cargo examination processes in order to better protect American borders from contraband. One of these changes is the introduction of inspectional technology, known as Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). This system utilizes low-energy x-ray and/or low-energy gamma radiation in order to effectively inspect cargo without slowing down the import process. It also increases the number of daily inspections and since VACIS provides a better picture, physical examinations are less frequent. VACIS allows Customs to identify contraband, such as illegal drugs, currency, or guns.
CBP will identify which containers will be inspected prior to the vessel’s arrival, and the terminal must make the cargo available for CBP inspection 48 hours after arrival. If you are a direct filer you will be notified of a hold by an ABI cargo release response. CBP typically opts to inspect cargo from suspected or actual law violators. VACIS can be used at all air, sea, and land ports and for even the most difficult commodities.
If Contraband is Detected…
During the examination, the cargo is placed in a shielded enclosure, and gamma rays are sent through the cargo. The amount of gamma radiation detected informs CBP of the density and thickness of cargo, allowing them to identify contraband. It takes only seconds to scan, but it takes 30-40 minutes per container to analyze the image. If any concern arises after a VACIS scan or the shipment is high risk, the container could then go to a Container Examination Station (CES) where individual boxes or pallets are unloaded and scanned with a smaller x-ray machine. It takes about a day to unload, scan, and reload 12 containers. CTPAT members go to the front of the line if their cargo is taken to a CES.
Since CBP is unable to determine what exactly is in each container, they are looking to the importer for help. Importer Security Filing is a new initiative that will allow CBP determine which shipments are at a higher risk for National Security threats. Now that the importer is required to relay the origin, contents, etc of the container, CBP has a head start in their inspection process.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have updated their cargo examination processes in order to better protect American borders from contraband. One of these changes is the introduction of inspectional technology, known as Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). This system utilizes low-energy x-ray and/or low-energy gamma radiation in order to effectively inspect cargo without slowing down the import process. It also increases the number of daily inspections and since VACIS provides a better picture, physical examinations are less frequent. VACIS allows Customs to identify contraband, such as illegal drugs, currency, or guns.
CBP will identify which containers will be inspected prior to the vessel’s arrival, and the terminal must make the cargo available for CBP inspection 48 hours after arrival. If you are a direct filer you will be notified of a hold by an ABI cargo release response. CBP typically opts to inspect cargo from suspected or actual law violators. VACIS can be used at all air, sea, and land ports and for even the most difficult commodities.
If Contraband is Detected…
During the examination, the cargo is placed in a shielded enclosure, and gamma rays are sent through the cargo. The amount of gamma radiation detected informs CBP of the density and thickness of cargo, allowing them to identify contraband. It takes only seconds to scan, but it takes 30-40 minutes per container to analyze the image. If any concern arises after a VACIS scan or the shipment is high risk, the container could then go to a Container Examination Station (CES) where individual boxes or pallets are unloaded and scanned with a smaller x-ray machine. It takes about a day to unload, scan, and reload 12 containers. CTPAT members go to the front of the line if their cargo is taken to a CES.
Since CBP is unable to determine what exactly is in each container, they are looking to the importer for help. Importer Security Filing is a new initiative that will allow CBP determine which shipments are at a higher risk for National Security threats. Now that the importer is required to relay the origin, contents, etc of the container, CBP has a head start in their inspection process.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Certificates of Participation in TRG Direct's ISF Vendor Compliance Program
TRG Direct has released the first batch of certificates of participation in their ISF Vendor Compliance Program.
- Participants have received educational training in
Understanding the background and the data elements of ISF,
Awareness of the severity of penalties associated with non-compliance,
Best practices for communicating with US importers on timely ISF data delivery,
Ensuring policies & procedures are in place for future relationships with new US importers.
Participation in this program in no way insures the vendor/supplier will be compliant in delivery of Importer Security Filing information to the U.S. importer. Participation does however, demonstrate the vendor’s/supplier’s willingness to be fully educated on ISF and engage in ISF compliant practices.
Friday, September 11, 2009
TRG Direct Customer Service Blog l Jamie Dinan
TRG is pleased to announce the launch of our Customer Service blog for our direct filing software, TRG Direct. Jamie Dinan will be writting dailing on common questions asked by our customers. Whether they come from our User Group meetings or from our daily customer service helpline, these FAQs will be a help for all ISF and customs entry direct filers.
Are you ready to take control of your Importer Security Filing? With less than 5 months remaining in the informed compliance period, TRG Direct is seeing a surge in new accounts. Contact us today or apply online to bring your ISF in-house with our web-based software. Start saving today, only $3 - $5 per ISF.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
ISF Software Demo
Importer Security Filing remains on the top of the list of high priorities for importers of goods via ocean cargo. TRG offers an ISF software known as TRG Direct for importers to self-file their ISF entries.
As importers search for the solution that fits into their business processes, it is imperative they take the time to learn about direct filing and view a demonstration of available systems. TRG Direct is making this easy for importers to learn about our system.
You can view a demonstration on our website as well as sign up for our Webinars. If you would like to have a personalized demonstration with our direct filing experts, we can arrange that as well.
So here are your options...
View an online demo
Sign up for our ISF software webinar
Contact us to schedule a personalized demonstration
We will make the transition into direct filing your ISF as simple as possible!
As importers search for the solution that fits into their business processes, it is imperative they take the time to learn about direct filing and view a demonstration of available systems. TRG Direct is making this easy for importers to learn about our system.
You can view a demonstration on our website as well as sign up for our Webinars. If you would like to have a personalized demonstration with our direct filing experts, we can arrange that as well.
So here are your options...
View an online demo
Sign up for our ISF software webinar
Contact us to schedule a personalized demonstration
We will make the transition into direct filing your ISF as simple as possible!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Direct Filing Customs Entries
Direct Filing has become a phenominon over the last couple of years. If you are like most small to medium sized importers today, you have probably wondered about the benefits and ease of direct filing your own entries directly with US Customs & Border Protection (CBP). Here are the ´top ten´ reasons why now may be the opportune time for you to consider direct filing your own import entries.
#10 – 10+2 Importer Security Filing
Now that the 10+2 ISF has officially been passed, direct filing is the way to go. TRG Direct has a comprehensive parts database that keeps track of every item you import. This helps you manage and uniformly apply tariff classification, value, country of origin, quantity and Free Trade Agreements. As a result, TRG Direct gives your company the flexibility to adapt to new sourcing strategies such as 10+2.
#9 – Improved supply chain velocity
Using TRG Direct gives you the ability to pre-file your entries with CBP and actually obtain clearance information up to five (5) full days before the vessel arrives at its US port of destination. Assuming your consignment isn´t targeted by CBP for examination, pre-filed and pre-cleared shipments can be moved as soon as the vessel completes discharging. In some cases you can actually take one or two full days out of your supply chain transit time resulting in greater efficiency and improved cash flow.
#8 – Because you´re probably already doing most of the work
In many cases we´ve found that the majority of US importers are already providing the essential entry data (such as tariff classification, value and origin) to their appointed broker. If that´s the case, the remaining data elements on the CBP entry document are elementary in nature (such as vessel name and import date).
#7 – Improved vendor/supplier interaction
Direct filing not only gives you greater control, but it puts you in closer touch with your foreign vendors and suppliers. If a vendor´s documentation falls short of expectations or is incorrect, the mistakes are generally caught faster and repaired sooner. Again, this leads to greater consistency and improved levels of compliance and helps you meet your obligation to exercise reasonable care.
#6 – No one has more product knowledge
No one knows more about your product line, or the material being imported, than your own employees. If questions arise during the classification or entry process employees typically have access to specification sheets, schematic drawings, the merchant or buyer and lots of other detailed information about the product being imported.
#5 – Enhanced visibility
Direct filing affords your company much greater visibility into the entire supply chain and entry process and helps your company become more efficient along the way.
#4 – Savings
We believe most companies are more concerned about their level of compliance than they are about saving on entry fees. With that said, there could be a windfall of savings based on your volumes and what you are currently paying a broker today for processing your entries. These reduced expenses make your company more competitive by lowering your overall landed cost and adding to your bottom line.
#3 – More control
Direct filing gives you and your company much greater control over the entire import process.
#2 – Higher levels of compliance
With little exception, one of the most compelling reasons to consider direct-filing is improving your compliance rate with CBP. No one will take greater care in the preparation and processing of an entry that your own employees.And, the number one reason to consider direct filing…
#1 – Because you canAll U.S. importers have the right to direct-file entries covering imported product or material for their company; without any requirement for licenses or CBP permits.
#10 – 10+2 Importer Security Filing
Now that the 10+2 ISF has officially been passed, direct filing is the way to go. TRG Direct has a comprehensive parts database that keeps track of every item you import. This helps you manage and uniformly apply tariff classification, value, country of origin, quantity and Free Trade Agreements. As a result, TRG Direct gives your company the flexibility to adapt to new sourcing strategies such as 10+2.
#9 – Improved supply chain velocity
Using TRG Direct gives you the ability to pre-file your entries with CBP and actually obtain clearance information up to five (5) full days before the vessel arrives at its US port of destination. Assuming your consignment isn´t targeted by CBP for examination, pre-filed and pre-cleared shipments can be moved as soon as the vessel completes discharging. In some cases you can actually take one or two full days out of your supply chain transit time resulting in greater efficiency and improved cash flow.
#8 – Because you´re probably already doing most of the work
In many cases we´ve found that the majority of US importers are already providing the essential entry data (such as tariff classification, value and origin) to their appointed broker. If that´s the case, the remaining data elements on the CBP entry document are elementary in nature (such as vessel name and import date).
#7 – Improved vendor/supplier interaction
Direct filing not only gives you greater control, but it puts you in closer touch with your foreign vendors and suppliers. If a vendor´s documentation falls short of expectations or is incorrect, the mistakes are generally caught faster and repaired sooner. Again, this leads to greater consistency and improved levels of compliance and helps you meet your obligation to exercise reasonable care.
#6 – No one has more product knowledge
No one knows more about your product line, or the material being imported, than your own employees. If questions arise during the classification or entry process employees typically have access to specification sheets, schematic drawings, the merchant or buyer and lots of other detailed information about the product being imported.
#5 – Enhanced visibility
Direct filing affords your company much greater visibility into the entire supply chain and entry process and helps your company become more efficient along the way.
#4 – Savings
We believe most companies are more concerned about their level of compliance than they are about saving on entry fees. With that said, there could be a windfall of savings based on your volumes and what you are currently paying a broker today for processing your entries. These reduced expenses make your company more competitive by lowering your overall landed cost and adding to your bottom line.
#3 – More control
Direct filing gives you and your company much greater control over the entire import process.
#2 – Higher levels of compliance
With little exception, one of the most compelling reasons to consider direct-filing is improving your compliance rate with CBP. No one will take greater care in the preparation and processing of an entry that your own employees.And, the number one reason to consider direct filing…
#1 – Because you canAll U.S. importers have the right to direct-file entries covering imported product or material for their company; without any requirement for licenses or CBP permits.
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