Overview of the Import Process
Robert J. Schott
AIRSCHOTT, INC.
ROLE of the CUSTOMS BROKER
• To represent the Importer before Customs (CBP) and the carriers;
• To protect the interests of the Importer at the border;• To advise the Importer on relevant issues which arise
with carriers and / or government agencies;• To make timely and accurate presentations to
government agencies and carriers in order to keep the importer’s cargo moving and secure;
• To keep the Importer informed of the progress of the cargo: release, delivery, etc.
The PROCESS
• Documents: – get ‘em to your broker early, not late!
– Invoices– Packing Lists– Export Permit or Declaration– Form 6– FFL
MATCHING the DATA– BATFE requires consistency between product descriptions on
the Form 6 and the Form 6A;
but– CBP must be able to connect the invoice description with the
Form 6 / 6A description.
How do we do that?
NO FORM 6?DON’T SHIP IT!
• Bad things happen when goods requiring a Permit (Form 6) arrive in the USA before a BATFE Permit has been issued:
StorageDelay
The FRUSTRATION:a PAPER CHASE!
• BATFE does not communicate electronically with CBP.
• Paper documents must be presented to CBP for firearms shipments – not so for alcohol or tobacco. Why?
• Once connected, your permits could be decremented in real time by BATFE / CBP.
INCONSISTENCY by PORTInadequate Training
• CBP Officers in the field don’t always know what to do with Form 6As;
• BATFE Officers in the field don’t always know what to look for in an audit.
SECURITY MATTERS
• Don’t let your suppliers ship on Thursday or Friday (don’t let firearms shipments sit at a terminal over the weekend);
• Know your truckers;• Don’t let your truckers hold cargo overnight;• Look for signs of tampering;• Check the inside boxes when stacked on pallets.
Other matters:
ISF: Must do for ocean shipments.
C-TPAT: Get on board.