U S Customs And International Trade Guide

Explains process of importing goods into the U.S., including informed compliance, invoices, duty assessments, classification and value, marking requirements, etc.

With the intensified focus on antiterrorism in US trade policy — and the transfer of the Customs Service from the US Treasury Department to the Department of Homeland Security as the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection — traditional ways of thinking about customs and trade law are now out of date. In light of the war on terrorism and the emphasis on border security, businesses engaged in the cross-border exchange of goods face a multitude of new laws and initiatives — in addition to the traditional array of responsibilities required by the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While these regulations are intended to strengthen border security, without careful planning they may have the unfortunate result of hindering the efficient movement of goods. In addition to updated customs forms and helpful appendices, this third edition covers the burgeoning area of free trade agreements between the US and countries around the globe. These agreements are a critical aspect of US bilateral trade relations, affecting not only duty rates but also rules of origin and policies on investment, trade in services and access to Government procurement markets. In sum, this book is an invaluable tool for a host of international trade professionals including in-house counsel dealing with import-export issues, corporate logistic managers, regulatory and compliance managers, and import-export specialists.

This guide to US customs and international trade includes coverage of: the Provisions of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984; Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Laws; obtaining and appealing rulings from the US Customs Service; import restrictions and requirements; and the complete Customs regulations with ammendments - USITC and Commerce Department Regulations, annotated Harmonized Tariff schedules of the United States, and Tables of Staged Tariff Rate Changes. Over 100 sample forms and a tariff classification decision finder are also included.

Provides general overview and addresses three major areas of interest for all importers (compliance, enforcement, trade security). The book covers: -Fundamental elements of lawful importation, i.e., the importation process itself, classification, valuation, marking, and duty savings opportunities -Importer's recordkeeping obligations -Administrative and judicial review of CBP's decisions -CBP's auditing of importers' operations to determine compliance -Liquidated damages, penalties, and seizures -Government efforts to assure cargo security in aftermath of September 11.

The Customs Modernization Act has resulted in major changes To The U.S. Customs Laws, creating new standards that require importers and exporters to use `reasonable care' and to engage in `informed compliance'. Ignorance of customs laws and procedures will no longer operate as a defense against fines and penalties. The new law puts an affirmative duty on importers, exporters, and their representatives to learn the new laws and procedures and how to adhere to them. This new book is essential for all business executives, customs brokers, corporate counsel of international companies, and legal practitioners who need a clear and comprehensive guide to U.S. customs and trade laws so that they can protect themselves and their clients involved in the transport of goods across country lines or the subsequent receipt of same.

This publication provides an overview of the importing process and contains general information about import requirements. This edition contains much new and revised material brought about because of changes in the law, particularly the Customs Modernization Act. The Customs modernization provisions has fundamentally altered the process by shifting to the importer the legal responsibility for declaring the value, classification, and rate of duty applicable to entered merchandise.Chapters cover entry of goods, informed compliance, invoices, assessment of duty, classification and value, marking, special requirements for alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and boats, import quotas, fraud, and foreign trade zones.In addition to the material provided by the U. S. Customs Service, the private commercial publisher of this book has provided a bonus chapter on how to build a tax-free import-export business.