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.