Is It Acceptable To Use UNK for FSVP Importer’s DUNS on Entries of Food, Beverage, and Dietary Supplements?

Question of the month with our Licensed Customs Broker, Jessica Parks: Answer:   No, as of July 24th, 2022, Customs will reject any entries filed with the code UNK in the Entity Number field for the FSVP Importer’s DUNS. Per FDA Regulations, 21 CFR 1.509(a), FSVP importers will be required to ensure that their valid, 9-digit DUNS number is provided in the Entity Number field. The … Read More

Customs Q&A of the Month: What are the latest imposed export controls on Russia?

question of the month

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently released the following guidelines, “In response to the Russian Federation’s (Russia’s) invasion of Ukraine, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has taken swift and severe action to impose stringent export controls on Russia. These restrictions have also been applied to Belarus in response to its substantial enabling of Russia’s invasion. The actions taken by BIS build on existing … Read More

New CBP Updates: Reinstatement of Certain China Exclusions

At the end of March 2022, the office of the United States Trade Representative announced the reinstatement of certain exclusions from China section 301 tariffs.  This new product exclusions fall under HTSUS classification 9903.88.67, according to the aforementioned office. These said Section 301 China tariff exclusions were previously expired on Dec 21, 2020, and reinstated until December 31, 2022. These exclusions apply to roughly 500 … Read More

What is the Government Confidentiality Request Portal?

question of the month

Customs Q&A of the Month: What is the Government Confidentiality Request Portal? with Licensed Customs Broker, Jessica Parks Did you know that information and data appearing on outward and inward manifests can be disclosed to interested members of the public? Information that is currently available to the public: • Consignee´s Name and Address • Shipper´s Name and Address • Notify Party Name and Address • … Read More

Question of the Month: Are 301 tariffs eligible for duty drawbacks?

question of the month

With our Licensed Customs Broker, Jessica Parks Q: Are 301 tariffs eligible for duty drawbacks? A: Yes, However Duty drawbacks, or refunds, of these duties can only occur under specific circumstances.  Your goods are eligible for duty drawback if, after being imported into the U.S., they are subsequently exported without ever entering U.S. commerce, OR they are legally destroyed or disposed of without ever entering … Read More

Is the Merchandising Processing Fee (MPF) Increasing this year?

Q: Is the Merchandising Processing Fee (MPF) Increasing in 2021? A: Yes, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), posted notice of the below-noted increase(s) in user fees, which are effective October 1, 2021. CBP will increase Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) ‘User Fees’ by 11.009 per­cent to adjust for inflation in the fiscal year 2022. New Rates Include: MPF Minimum:  $27.75 (previously $27.23) MPF Maximum:  … Read More

What is the Country of Origin Marking Requirements?

Customs Question of the Month with Licensed Customs Broker, Jessica Parks Q: What is the Country of Origin Marking Requirements?  A:  All cargo that is imported into the US needs to be labeled correctly with the country of origin (country of manufacture, production, or growth). The purpose of the marking is to inform the ultimate purchaser in the US of the country in which the article … Read More

Customs Brokerage Question of the Month

Anti-Dumping Customs Brokerage Question of the month

Q: What are Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties? A: Antidumping (AD) and Countervailing Duties (CVD) are intended to offset the value of dumping and/or subsidization, thereby leveling the playing field for domestic industries taking a hit by unfairly traded imports. “Dumping” occurs when foreign manufacturers sell goods in the United States less than fair value, causing injury to the U.S. industry. AD cases are company-specific; their … Read More

Continuous Bond: What Is It, and Why Do You Need One?

Q&A custom brokerage GLC services Continuous bond

Q: Why do I need a continuous bond? A: Customs Bonds are required by US Customs for all commercial imports valued at $2,500 or more, even if a shipment is duty-free.  A bond guarantees to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) that the importer will make good on its payment for the duties and taxes due per shipment.  There are Single Entry Bonds (SEBs) that … Read More