As you know, Importer Security Filing (10+2 ISF) is a government mandate requiring importers to file additional data elements for all shipments entering the U.S. via ocean cargo.
Tips for your Importer Security Filing success!
As you continue to improve your ISF program to avoid the $5,000 penalties, please review these helpful tips. If you are using a broker/freight forwarder or you are filing direct, keep these in mind.
• Evaluate your ISF record: Have you requested your ISF progress report? Whoever is filing your ISF should provide you with a copy of this report that comes directly from U.S. Customs (CBP). If your ISF filer has not done so already, request this from him/her or contact me to see how you can request this directly from CBP. See an example ISF report here.
• Always File: You are better off filing late than not filing at all. Your policies and procedures should make sure that each ocean shipment has an ISF filed 24 hours prior to the departure of the vessel OR sooner. However, should an ISF be missed, your policies should ensure that an ISF is filed as soon as possible before the ship reaches the port of arrival.
• Keep Notes: Make sure that you and/or your filer maintain detailed records of everything done in order to file an accurate and timely ISF. Should mitigation need to take place for an ISF, CBP will want to see that you performed due diligence to file correctly and on-time.
• Ask Questions: The more you understand the process, the smoother the filing will go. In most cases, you are doing the majority of the ISF filing and your filer is simply hitting the transmit button. It is up to you to be aware of problems that may occur. Review our FAQs here.
• Evaluate resources: Should you find that your ISF compliance is below par and your costs to import are increasing due to ISF penalties, look into the other options available. I’d be happy to discuss in detail with you the pros of direct filing and see where you will be able to decrease your costs while increasing your compliance.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Purchase a Continuous Bond for Importer Security Filing
January 26th 2010 marked the official implementation of Importer Security Filing. Beginning this day all importers filing an ISF on their ocean cargo must have appropriate new bonding in place.
If…
1) You have a shipment entering the U.S. via ocean goods in the next year, and
2) You import using single transaction Customs bonds
…now is the time for you to take a look into purchasing a continuous import bond.
Multiple Single Entry Bonds or 1 Continuous Bond?
In the past, it was more economical for low volume importers to purchase single entry bonds. However, U.S. Customs is now requiring that if a single transaction bond is used to clear the entry an additional single entry ISF bond to be place. This increases the costs of single entry transactions; however, TRG has the solution.
Since 1991, TRG has provided continuous Customs bonds direct to importers. The continuous import bond will cover every shipment over a one year period (both entry and ISF). Call us today to see how you can save.
Applying for Continuous bond is easy.
Send TRG a completed 1 page application and Power of Attorney form,
TRG will contact you with any changes needed on the application,
TRG will place the bond with U.S. Customs,
You will provide your broker (or whomever clears your entries) with the new bond number.
It’s really that simple to decrease your import costs! Don’t pay the high costs of single entry bonds. If you are interested in obtain a continuous bond, please contact TRG or apply online today!
If…
1) You have a shipment entering the U.S. via ocean goods in the next year, and
2) You import using single transaction Customs bonds
…now is the time for you to take a look into purchasing a continuous import bond.
Multiple Single Entry Bonds or 1 Continuous Bond?
In the past, it was more economical for low volume importers to purchase single entry bonds. However, U.S. Customs is now requiring that if a single transaction bond is used to clear the entry an additional single entry ISF bond to be place. This increases the costs of single entry transactions; however, TRG has the solution.
Since 1991, TRG has provided continuous Customs bonds direct to importers. The continuous import bond will cover every shipment over a one year period (both entry and ISF). Call us today to see how you can save.
Applying for Continuous bond is easy.
Send TRG a completed 1 page application and Power of Attorney form,
TRG will contact you with any changes needed on the application,
TRG will place the bond with U.S. Customs,
You will provide your broker (or whomever clears your entries) with the new bond number.
It’s really that simple to decrease your import costs! Don’t pay the high costs of single entry bonds. If you are interested in obtain a continuous bond, please contact TRG or apply online today!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Meet Trade Innovations l Supply Chain Security Consultants
Trade Innovations, a partner of TRG Direct, was launched as a practical alternative to traditional consulting and law firms. Since the company's founding in 2005, they have steadily built a portfolio of satisfied clients. Through carefully crafted strategic alliances they have the ability to provide world class service in the areas of customs and import compliance consulting, export compliance, training, C-TPAT programs, surety bonds, direct-filing of customs entries and Importer Security Filings (ISFs), marine insurance, and carnets.
To commemorate the company's 5 year anniversary Trade Innovations recently refreshed and updated their web site (www.tradeinnovations.com). In addition to their Blog, they added all of today's social media links so now you can follow Trade Innovations on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Make sure to visit them online and sign up for their monthly newsletter. It is full of insightful information.
To commemorate the company's 5 year anniversary Trade Innovations recently refreshed and updated their web site (www.tradeinnovations.com). In addition to their Blog, they added all of today's social media links so now you can follow Trade Innovations on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Make sure to visit them online and sign up for their monthly newsletter. It is full of insightful information.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Do you have multiple manufactures or suppliers on an Importer Security Filing?
A common questions among, new ISF direct filers is, "what do I do if I have multiple manufacturers, ship to parties, etc on one ocean shipment?"
The initial thought from most importers is that they will need to file multiple ISFs. However, this is not the case. The direct filer will actually be able to file just one ISF and enter the multiple parties. TRG Direct makes this very simple.
If you are using the ISF Excel template and uploading the document to TRG Direct, you will simply insert as many extra rows in the template as needed. If you are entering the information manually into the system you will simply choose add another party and a new field will appear.
Fill out the ISF and file as you normally do and you are all taken care of!
The initial thought from most importers is that they will need to file multiple ISFs. However, this is not the case. The direct filer will actually be able to file just one ISF and enter the multiple parties. TRG Direct makes this very simple.
If you are using the ISF Excel template and uploading the document to TRG Direct, you will simply insert as many extra rows in the template as needed. If you are entering the information manually into the system you will simply choose add another party and a new field will appear.
Fill out the ISF and file as you normally do and you are all taken care of!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Import & Export Recordkeeping Best Practices
Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices by Mike Laden
TRG attended another successful event hosted by the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) this past March. With educational sessions ranging from the Pros and Cons of Direct-filing to Understanding Incoterms, attendees were buzzing about the depth of knowledge presented at this conference. Mike Laden of TRG Direct presented Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
Electronic – Keeping your records in an electronic format will allow you to expedite the document retrieval process as well as implement the following best practices. This will also allow your information to be stored in a “on-demand” centralized location. Electronic storage will need to be approved by Customs & Border Protection (CBP). *Your policies and procedures should require you to keep the originals for 120 days and all electronic records a minimum of 5 years!*
Policies & Procedures Comprehensively Documented – CBP expects to see that you have policies in place prior to an audit. The policy must ensure the preservation of integrity, readability, and security of the information contained in the original records. Include in your procedures a standardized retrieval process for your records.
Completely Crossed Referenced – If the document relates to information elsewhere, be sure to make that connection.
Exception Files – Your import/export records should be able to “tell a story”. Policies should require that any and everything be stored. If there was an email about it, store it. When in doubt, store it!
Audited Before Storage – Set up a procedure for internal auditing of your documents as they move to storage. Penalties may result for negligence and failure to maintain records. This could be $10,000 per violation and each missing document could be considered a violation!
Award Winning TRG
2009 Pros to Know
Mike Laden and Kelby Woodard of TRG Direct have been acknowledged as Supply & Demand Chain’s 2009 Pros to Know. Recipients of this award have personally helped clients address the challenges of the recession and prepare for the recovery ahead. Congratulations and well deserved!
ICPA Founders Awards
We can’t say we were surprised this March when Greg Hodge of TRG was awarded the 2009 ICPA Founders Award at the annual conference. A true advocate of the ICPA, Greg referred the most new members to the ICPA in 2009.
TRG attended another successful event hosted by the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) this past March. With educational sessions ranging from the Pros and Cons of Direct-filing to Understanding Incoterms, attendees were buzzing about the depth of knowledge presented at this conference. Mike Laden of TRG Direct presented Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
Electronic – Keeping your records in an electronic format will allow you to expedite the document retrieval process as well as implement the following best practices. This will also allow your information to be stored in a “on-demand” centralized location. Electronic storage will need to be approved by Customs & Border Protection (CBP). *Your policies and procedures should require you to keep the originals for 120 days and all electronic records a minimum of 5 years!*
Policies & Procedures Comprehensively Documented – CBP expects to see that you have policies in place prior to an audit. The policy must ensure the preservation of integrity, readability, and security of the information contained in the original records. Include in your procedures a standardized retrieval process for your records.
Completely Crossed Referenced – If the document relates to information elsewhere, be sure to make that connection.
Exception Files – Your import/export records should be able to “tell a story”. Policies should require that any and everything be stored. If there was an email about it, store it. When in doubt, store it!
Audited Before Storage – Set up a procedure for internal auditing of your documents as they move to storage. Penalties may result for negligence and failure to maintain records. This could be $10,000 per violation and each missing document could be considered a violation!
Award Winning TRG
2009 Pros to Know
Mike Laden and Kelby Woodard of TRG Direct have been acknowledged as Supply & Demand Chain’s 2009 Pros to Know. Recipients of this award have personally helped clients address the challenges of the recession and prepare for the recovery ahead. Congratulations and well deserved!
ICPA Founders Awards
We can’t say we were surprised this March when Greg Hodge of TRG was awarded the 2009 ICPA Founders Award at the annual conference. A true advocate of the ICPA, Greg referred the most new members to the ICPA in 2009.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
TRG Direct Introduces MyFileIdea a Social Networking Site for Direct-Filers
TRG Direct invites you to engage with one another in our new direct filing forum, MyFileIdea. Modeled after popular social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, MyFileIdea offers you the ability to communicate with other users of the system in real time. Register Now!
MyFileIdea is a place to:
1) Interact with TRG Direct Users
2) Post Comments/Feedback/Ideas
3) Monitor System Updates
The greatest feature of MyFileIdea is that you can post your ideas on how to make the system work better for you.
This hub allows you to monitor the status of all the MyFileIdeas daily. Use this key to follow the progress.
Implemented: The idea was accepted and the programming changes have been completed.
Pending: The idea has been approved by TRG Direct and is awaiting implementation by the programmers.
Review: The idea is under review by TRG Direct.
Clarification: The idea needs further explanation by the user.
Alterations: The idea has been reviewed by TRG Direct and the company has some suggestions to make the idea more effective for all users.
MyFileIdea is also a place for prospective self-filers. This is not required, but we do ask that you take some time every now and then to engage with these users and help them determine if direct filing is right for them. Be honest with the experiences you have had with TRG Direct, both good and not so good.
Let’s Get Started! Register Now!
MyFileIdea is a place to:
1) Interact with TRG Direct Users
2) Post Comments/Feedback/Ideas
3) Monitor System Updates
The greatest feature of MyFileIdea is that you can post your ideas on how to make the system work better for you.
This hub allows you to monitor the status of all the MyFileIdeas daily. Use this key to follow the progress.
Implemented: The idea was accepted and the programming changes have been completed.
Pending: The idea has been approved by TRG Direct and is awaiting implementation by the programmers.
Review: The idea is under review by TRG Direct.
Clarification: The idea needs further explanation by the user.
Alterations: The idea has been reviewed by TRG Direct and the company has some suggestions to make the idea more effective for all users.
MyFileIdea is also a place for prospective self-filers. This is not required, but we do ask that you take some time every now and then to engage with these users and help them determine if direct filing is right for them. Be honest with the experiences you have had with TRG Direct, both good and not so good.
Let’s Get Started! Register Now!
Monday, February 22, 2010
ISF Day of Reckoning Arrives
ISF Day of Reckoning Arrives
It's safe to say that if your company is not filing the mandatory Importer Security Filing (ISF) for all maritime cargo bound for the US by today, that you can expect difficulty getting your shipment(s) released upon arrival in the U.S.
For more information on ISF filing and the most comprehensive easy-to-use system for filing ISF's and customs entries at a savings of up to 90% off ordinary costs please contact TRG Direct.
TRG Direct President Michael Laden has been very active attending CBP ISF Public Outreach Sessions at various venues around the country and in Europe. TRG Direct has been instrumental in working closely with CBP to ensure that all problematic system issues are addressed and remedied during this critical non-enforcement phase.
It's safe to say that if your company is not filing the mandatory Importer Security Filing (ISF) for all maritime cargo bound for the US by today, that you can expect difficulty getting your shipment(s) released upon arrival in the U.S.
For more information on ISF filing and the most comprehensive easy-to-use system for filing ISF's and customs entries at a savings of up to 90% off ordinary costs please contact TRG Direct.
TRG Direct President Michael Laden has been very active attending CBP ISF Public Outreach Sessions at various venues around the country and in Europe. TRG Direct has been instrumental in working closely with CBP to ensure that all problematic system issues are addressed and remedied during this critical non-enforcement phase.
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