dhl us customs import guide

UNITED STATES CUSTOMS IMPORT INDUSTRY GUIDE

Updated June 2012

U.S. Customs Import Industry Guide 2

DHL ExPERTISE ................................................................... 3

General Requirements ........................................................ 5

Power of Attorney .......................................................... 5

Employer Identification Number .................................... 6

Customs Bonds .............................................................. 7

Types of Clearance ......................................................... 8

Packaging Requirements ................................................ 9

Paperwork Requirements ............................................. 10

Binding Rulings ............................................................ 13

Incoterms ..................................................................... 14

Marking Requirements ................................................. 15

Internet Purchases ............................................................ 16

Intellectual Property Rights ............................................... 17

Toxic Substances ............................................................... 18

Textiles .............................................................................. 19

Consumer Goods .............................................................. 25

Life Sciences ...................................................................... 30

Food and Drink ................................................................. 31

Other Government Agency Requirements ......................... 34

International Trade Agreements

Preferential Trade Programs ......................................... 36

Free Trade Agreements ................................................. 39

Punitive Duty Rates ........................................................... 41

Carnets.............................................................................. 42

Security Certification ......................................................... 43

Useful Links ...................................................................... 44

Information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. DHL Express assumes no responsibility for any clerical errors or for regulatory information contained herein. Customers should seek their own counsel on matters that may affect their regulatory or financial responsibilities from engaging in international trade.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S. Customs Import Industry Guide3

DHL ExPERTISE

BENEFIT FROM DHL’S RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONAL ExPERTISE

Whether importing or exporting to any of hundreds of international markets, DHL has the experience and services to handle it all.

• LicensedCustomsbrokerinU.S.withon-siteCustomsclearanceatallinternationalgateways

• ProgressivetrainingforCustomsbrokerageagents ensuring DHL is up to date on regulatory matters and industry trends

• Extensivecountry-by-countryknowledgeofcurrentCustomsregulationsthroughourin-houseexperts

• LongstandingrelationshipwithCustomsauthoritiestoenablefastCustomsclearance

Thankstoour‘ClearedinAir’process(CIA),themajorityofalldutiableshipmentsareclearedpriortoarrivalintheU.S.

DHL has dedicated operations personnel at the gatewayswhoexaminethepaperworkandenterthedataintooursystemswhiletheshipmentsareintheair.Thenthepaperworkistransmittedelectronicallytothedestinationgatewaybeforetheshipmentsarrive.


LICENSED CUSTOMS BROkERS

• ToimportshipmentsintotheUnitedStates,a“LicensedCustomsBroker”mustbeappointedtofacilitatetheprocessbetweenCustomsand the consignee

• Unlikeothercompaniesandmostfreightforwarders,DHLExpressU.S.hasthislicenseinternally.ThismeansthattheCustomsprocessiscontrolled“in-house”andnotcontractedouttoathirdparty

• Thisensuresfasterturn-aroundandbettercontrol of the process

CERTIFIED CUSTOMS SPECIALISTS

InadditiontoourstaffedLicensedCustomsBrokers,DHLemploysnearly150CertifiedCustomsSpecialists(CCS).TheCCSdesignationisanindustryrecognizedstandarddemonstratingprogressiveknowledgesuitedtoproperimportcompliance.TheCCSisearnedviatheNationalCustomsBrokersandFreightForwardersAssociation(NCBFAA)byattendingNCBFAAsponsored events covering critical aspects of the import process.

DHL actively supports employees in this personal development,allowingourcustomerstorecognizeandbenefitfromDHL’scommitmenttothehighestlevelofcompliance competence.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AFFAIRS AND COMPLIANCE

ForCustomsbrokerageservices,traderegulatorycompliance and trade promotion services, rely on DHLExpressU.S.’sInternationalTradeAffairsandCompliance(ITAC)team.ITACistheDHLExpressU.S.’slicensedcorporateCustomsbrokerandsupervisesallDHLExpressU.S.Customsbrokerageactivities.

InternationalTradeAffairs&Compliance(ITAC)ContactInformation:Phone:1.859.817.8010Email:[email protected]

DHL ExPERTISE


GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

POWER OF ATTORNEY

ThePowerofAttorney(POA)isthefoundationonwhichCustomsbrokeragebusinessisbuilt.InsomeCustomsclearancesituations,DHLneedsaproperly-executedPOAtoclearthegoodsinyournameandtopreparethenecessaryCustomsdocuments to ensure a smooth clearance process.

POAsarenormallyonlyneededwhenperformingformalentriesandrestrictedinformalentries.(SeeTypesofClearanceSection6andthefollowingPOArequiredsituations).DHLmusthavethePOAonfilebeforethesetypesofclearancescanbegin.ItisthereforeimportanttohavethePOAexecutedwellinadvanceofarrivalinordertopreventclearancedelay.DHLwillthenholdthePOAonfileasdeterminedbylaworbyadatedeterminedbytheImporterofRecord.

OnceaPOAiscompletednominatingDHLasthebroker,thecompanywhoexecutedthePOA,isreferredtoastheImporterofRecord(IOR)andDHLactsastheirrepresentativetoUSCustoms.We then take care of the detailed steps necessary to ensure a seamless transaction and to provide youwithasinglesourceforyourshippingneeds.

DHL requires POA for the following clearance situations:

When the consignee requests that entry be processed in their name

Foreign-made goods valued over $100,000

American goods returned valued over $10,000

All goods returning to the United States after having been exported for exhibition, used abroad, repaired abroad, further processed abroad, etc.

Shipments containing alcoholic beverages and/or tobacco products

Shipments containing civil aircraft parts (including HTS 8803 and civil aircraft agreements)

All shipment entries that are required to be flagged for Reconciliation

Shipments that require these special types of formal entry: • Temporary Importation Bonds (TIB) • Antidumping Duty (ADD) • Countervailing Duty (CVD) • Department of State (DOS), including ITAR exemptions • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) • Government contract

Shipments of goods regulated by Food and Drug (FDA), Fish & Wildlife (FWS), US Dept of Agriculture (USDA), and Other Govt Agency (OGA) valued over $5,000 USD

Shipments entered duty free under various International Trade Agreements (e.g. GSP, NAFTA, DR-CAFTA, Singapore FTA, etc.) when the following apply.

• If the supporting documentation is available at the time of entry, a POA is required if shipment value is over $10,000

• If the supporting documentation is not available, a POA may be required for all formal entries

• A POA is required for all textile product entries


EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN), INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES TAX NUMBER (IRS) OR PORT ASSIGNED NUMBER

AllU.S.Customsbrokersarerequiredtoreporttheconsignee’sEmployerIdentificationNumber(EIN)orIRSnumberwhentheclearanceisinthatcompany’sname.TheImporterofRecord’sEINorIRSisprovidedduringtheexecutionofthePowerofAttorney(POA),whichisarequirementbyU.S.Customs&BorderProtection(CBP).

WhentheIORdoesnothaveanEINorIRSnumber,aCustomsAssignedNumbercanbeobtained.Typically,thesecustomsassignednumbersareforforeignimportersofRecordandDHLcanassistcustomerswiththisprocess.

SinceCBPrequiresanaccurateEINorIRSnumber;DHLrequestscertaindocumentationtovalidatethosenumbers.ValidationnotonlyprotectsCBPandDHL,butmoreimportantly,itprotectsourcustomer’sidentity.AsthisvalidationisfundamentaltothePOAexecutionprocess,thefollowingtypesofproofshouldbeprovidedsimultaneouslywiththePOAinordertoavoidanycustomsclearancedelay.

NotethatCBPvalidatesimporter’sEINandSocialSecurityNumber(SSN)whenimportersobtainorrenewcontinuousCustomsbonds.Assuch,DHLExpressUSAnormallywillnotrequireproofofEINwhenanimporterhasaCustomsbondonfile.


Acceptable Proof (Companies)

Copies of IRS forms

Letter from IRS

Acceptable Proof (Individuals)

Copy of front and back of Social Security Card

Front page of IRS 1040 Form


CUSTOMS BONDS

ACustomsbondisacontractusedtoensurethatapersonorcompanywillperformobligationsrelatedtothe entry of merchandise arriving from a foreign originintotheUnitedStates.ThebondisarequirementforallentriesandmustbepurchasedfromaCBPapprovedinsurance(surety)company. ThebondisusedinlieuofpostingacashdepositwiththeU.S.GovernmentandDHLisreadytoassistwiththis process.

IftheentryismadewithDHLastheImporterofRecord,thenDHL’sCustomsBondwillsatisfytherequirementsandthereisnoneedforthecustomertoposttheirownbond.However,ifthecustomeristheImporterofRecord,thentheIORisrequiredtohave aCustomsBond.

There are two available bond types for Customs entries

SingleTransactionBond (STB) also known as Single Entry Bond (SEB)

Can only be used for one Customs transaction or entry. DHL is able to produce an STB on your behalf

Continuous Transaction Bond (CTB)

Is used to cover all Customs transactions or shipments within a year. DHL Express is able to assist you in procuring a CTB

Should be obtained prior to shipments to help avoid delays in transit



TYPES OF CLEARANCE

TherearegenerallythreetypesofCustomsclearancesintheUnitedStates.

Entry Type Clearance Parameters Customs Clearance Process Importer Requirement

De Minimis $0 to $200 USD General Commodities

Restrictions may apply: • Other Government Agency • Licensed Goods • Textiles• Alcohol & Tobacco

Consolidated Manifest Clearance as Section 1321

DUTY FREE clearance

Informal $201 to $2,000 USD American Goods Returned General Commodities

Restrictions may apply: • Other Government Agency • Licensed Goods• Apparel & Footwear • Alcohol & Tobacco

Customs Clearance as Express Consignment “Informal” manifest clearance under DHL’s bond

DUTY payment required

Formal $2,001 to $100,000 USD • Formal entry process

• Shipments are held for separate Automated Broker Interface (ABI) entry. Duty and Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) payment required.

• Proof of Tax ID Number (EIN)

Over $100,000 and restricted commodities:

• Other Government. Agency• Licensed Goods• Textiles • Alcohol & Tobacco • Civil Aircraft Parts• American Goods Returned• Free Trade Agreements

• Formal entry process

• Shipments are held for separate Automated Broker Interface (ABI) entry. Duty and Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

• Power of Attorney (POA) and Customs Bond

• Continuous Bond• Single Transaction Bond



PACkAGING REQUIREMENTS

TheU.S.,likemanynations,strictlymonitorspackaging materials coming into the country. This is done to protect agriculture industries from insects and pests.

Wooden Packaging and Pallets

•Allrawwoodusedinpackaging,includingpallets,mustcomplytotheISPM15standard(InternationalStandardsforPhytosanitaryMeasures#15)

•Todemonstratecompliance,allrawmaterialsneedtoshowthe‘debug’symbol,2lettercountrycodeanduniquenumberofthemanufacturer:

Example:DB-HTGB-FC0000

•Thesestandardsdonotapplytoplywood,particleboardorplastic

Failuretocomplywillresultinshipmentdelays.

For further details please refer to:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/wood_packaging_materials.shtml

Further information



REQUIRED PAPERWORk

The Air Waybill (AWB)

TheAirWaybillaccompaniestheshipmentandformspartofthepaperworkset.Itmayalsoincludevaluableinformation not mentioned on the invoice.

Bad description OK description Good description Best description

Spare Parts Auto Spare Parts Auto Parts – Pump Auto Spare Pump, from plastic

Sample Sample Computer Sample lap top, HP123

Part Number xL456 Printing press part Assay for Printing Press Part for Printing Press – metal

The most common errors when completing paperwork

Content description is vague

(See description table below)

The description must be detailed and accurate. For example, ‘computer parts’ would require the words ‘computer parts’ AND brand name, model, serial number of thecomputer, list of all parts and serial numbers, easily understood descriptions (no technical terms)

Shipment documentation is incomplete Sometimes not all the pages of an invoice are received – values or quantities are missing

Incorrect product code Incorrect product code on the Air Waybill

Not in English Invoice or description is not in English

Improper value or quantity Goods are deliberately under-valued to avoid duties or taxes

Textile samples not prepared properly Textile sample shipments are not properly prepared (mutilated or marked)

80% of delayed shipments can be linked directly to missing Consignee information, poor descriptions or incomplete information.



REQUIRED PAPERWORk

The Invoice

A“CommercialInvoice”isrequiredformostimportsintotheUnitedStates.A“ProFormaInvoice”maybeusedforcertaintransactionssuchasgoodsnotintendedforfurthersale,returnedmerchandise and goods intended only for temporary import among other purposes.

The Pro Forma Invoice

A Commercial or Pro Forma invoice must contain:

Complete name and address of the: – Consignee– Seller or Manufacturer– Importer, if different from Consignee

Detailed description of the merchandise

Number of pieces (quantities)

Value per Item

Total Value

Country of Origin

Reason for Export (e.g. resale or inter company transfer)

Most shipments travel with a label.



REQUIRED PAPERWORk

The Invoice

Listing all parties involved in the transaction

Description of: • Contents • Items in the shipment

The ‘Commercial Value’ and currency

Transport costs

The terms of trade

Manufacturer of goods

Declaration and signature



BINDING RULINGS

OfferedthroughU.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP),thebindingrulingprogramenablesimportersandotherinterestedpartiestoobtainclassificationdecisionspriortoimportingaproduct.Additionally,thisserviceprovidesbindingguidanceaboutotherCBPregulationssuchascountryoforiginmarkingandvaluationquestions.

BindingclassificationadvicecanonlybegivenbytheOfficeofRegulationsandRulings.TheimportersubmitsaletterdescribingtheproductindetailandprovidesasampletotheCBPInformationExchange,NationalCommoditySpecialistforaruling.Theimportergenerallyreceivesaresponsewithin30days.

Whiletariffclassificationsarebinding,dutyratesarenot.Theobjectistopromoteimportcompliance,uniformity and accuracy in classification of products. The importer should keep in mind that theBindingRulingProgramisjustthat-binding.OnceCBPissuestheirdecision,itislegallybindingandenforceablebylaw.Whiletheinitialrulingmaybeprotested,onceadecisionisfinalizeditmustbeincorporatedintotheimportingprocess.

Whensubmittingarulingrequest,includethenames, address and other identifying information of all interested parties including the manufacturer. Identifytheportsinwhichthemerchandisewillbeenteredandprovideadetaileddescriptionofthetransaction.Italwayshelpstosubmitasampleoftheproductwhenpractical.

Beforesubmittingtherequest,becertainthatthere are no issues on the commodity pending beforeeitherCBPoranycourt,andchecktoseewhetherclassificationadvicehadpreviouslybeensoughtfromaCustomsofficer.

RulingrequestsforTariffClassificationrulingsshouldbeaddressedto:

Director,NationalCommoditySpecialistDivision U.S.CustomsandBorderProtection Attn:CIE/RulingRequest OnePennPlaza10thfloor NewYork,NY10119

For additional ruling information please see the below link:

http://rulings.cbp.gov/

Further information



INCOTERMS 2010 CLASSIFICATION

Incotermsarethree-lettertradetermsthathelpfacilitate a common language in international and domesticbuyingandselling.Considerincotermsas anintegralpartofthebuyingandsellingtransaction,butnotacompletecontractofsale.Thinkofincoterms asa“bestpractice”application.Byclearlydefiningobligations,Incotermshelptoenhancetrade.Incotermsarecategorizedbothbytermsapplicabletoany modeoftransport,andbytermsonlytobeusedbyoceanfreight:

Thechartbelowprovidesamoredetailedexplanationof each term.

Insummary,forproperuseofIncoterms: 1)ChoosetheappropriateIncotermsrule.The

termsmustclearlyreflectthefollowing: •Shouldbeappropriateforthegoods •Shouldbeconsistentwiththemodeoftransport •Shouldbereflectiveoftheagreedbuyer/

sellerobligations

2)BeSpecific: Referencestonamedports,terminals,places,etc.

shouldbespecificandusedinconjunctionwith the term.

Ex:“DAP123MainSt.,Montclair,NJ07042,Incoterms2010”

DHLExpressstandardrecognizedtermsareDDPandDTP.

Incoterms

EXW Exworks(named place)- seller delivers when it places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller’s premises or at another named place. The seller does not need to load the goods on the collecting vehicle, nor does it need to clear the goods for export

FCA Free Carrier(named place of delivery)- seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by the buyer at the seller’s premises or another named place

CPT Carriage Paid To(named place of destination)- seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by the seller at an agreed place and that the seller must contract for and pay the costs of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named place of destination

CIPCarriage and Insurance Paid to

(named place of destination)- seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by the seller at an agreed place and that the seller must contract for and pay the costs of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named place of destination. The seller also contracts for insurance cover against the buyer’s risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage.

DATDelivered at Terminal

(named terminal at port or place of destination)- seller delivers when the goods, once unloaded from the arriving means of transport, are placed at the disposal of the buyer at a named terminal at the named port or place of destination

DAPDelivered at Place

(named place of destination)- seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the named place of destination

DDP Delivered Duty Paid

(named place of destination)-seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the named place of destination. The seller bears cost for any duty for both export and import Customs formalities



MARkING REQUIREMENTS

MostimportedarticlesofforeignoriginarrivingintheUnitedStatesarerequiredtobemarkedidentifyingitscountryofmanufacture.ThemarksmustbeintheEnglishlanguage,aslegibly,indeliblyandpermanentlyasthenatureofthearticlewillpermitandmustbeofadequatesize.ThisrequirementinformstheultimatepurchaserofthearticleintheUnitedStateswherethearticlewasmanufactured,processedorgrown.

U.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP)allowsanumberofexceptionstothisrule.Whilenotcomprehensive,belowisalistofsomeofthemostcommonexceptions:

•Incapableofbeingmarked,suchasneedles,ormarkingtheitemwoulddamageitorcausetheimportationtobeeconomicallyprohibitive

•Itemsforwhichthemarkingofthecontainerswillreasonablyindicatetheoriginofthearticles

•Strictlyfortheuseoftheimporter,notintendedfor sale in their imported or any other form

•Importedfortheuseoffurthermanufacturingor incorporation into another article

•GoodsimportedunderNAFTA,with certain limitations

•Produced20yearspriortotheirimportation

•U.S.Goodsexportedandreturned

•Dutyexemptitemsvaluedatlessthan$200.00ora‘bonafide’giftvaluedatlessthan$100.00(Subjecttootherrestrictions)

Itshouldbenotedthatevenwithexceptions,thepackagingandcontainersstillmustbemarkedwiththecountry of origin.

Thefollowingisavarietyofapprovedmarkingmethods.Thetypeofmethodvarieswiththearticleorpackagingtobemarked.

•DieStamping,Etching,Engraving,EngravedMetalPlatespermanentlyaffixedtothearticle

•Cast-in-the-moldlettering •FabricLabels •HangTags(Plastic,metal) •Pressure-SensitiveLabelorpermanent,

reliableadhesivepapersticker

Whenarticlesarenotlegallymarked,CBPwillnotifytheimporterinwritingtoeitherproperlymark, export or destroy the merchandise.



INTERNET PURCHASES

ONLINE PURCHASES

TheInternethasmadeiteasytofindandpurchaseavarietyofitemsfromalmostanywhereintheworld.However,manypeopledonotrealizethatpurchasingforeignitemsthroughtheInternetmayrequiredeclaringandclearingtheitemthroughU.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP).

ManyInternetpurchasesareshippedbyexpresscarrierslikeDHLExpress.Mostshipmentsthathaveavalueoflessthan$200.00canbedeclaredandreleasedthroughCBPwithoutthepaymentofdutyandtaxesorthefilingofadditionalpaperwork.DHLExpresswillthendelivertheitemtoyou.Ifthevalueofthepurchaseisover$200.00orisanitemwhich,duetoitsnature,requiresaformalentrythenDHLExpresswillnotifyyouifyouarerequiredtomakearrangementsfortheentryrequirementsandwillholdtheitemuntil proper clearance arrangements are made.

Internetpurchasescanbeverycomplicatedandcostlyifyouaren’tawareoftheprocessandrestrictions.Specialrequirements,documentationand other government agency participation may berequiredinordertoimportitemslikethese:

•Food,plantanddairyproducts •Alcoholandtobaccoproducts •Birds,fish,animalsorproductsthereof •Goodsfromembargoedcountries •Firearmsandammunition •Copyrightedmaterials •PrescriptionDrugs

HerearesomequestionstokeepinmindifyouwanttopurchasefromaforeignsupplierviatheInternet:

•Canyouimportthisproductlegally?

•Arethereanyrestrictionsorspecialformsthatyouneedtoknowabout?

•Willothergovernmentagencies,liketheFDAorUSDAhavetobeinvolved?

•Willyouneeda“permit”toimportwhatyouarepurchasing?

•Areyoubuyingtheitemforyourpersonaluseortoputupforsaleinyourshop?

•Whatareyour“termsofpurchase”?Whoispaying for the costs such as international freight, Customsclearanceservices,duty,taxes,delivery?

•Whatchargesandfeesareincludedinthetotalpurchaseprice?

•DoyouKNOWwhoandwhereyouarebuyingfromtoavoidanypotentialtrademarkviolations?

•DoyouKNOWforsurewhatthecountryoforiginofthisitemisanddoesitbearcorrectcountryoforiginmarkings?

•IstheitembeingshippedfromaforeigncountryandwillCustomsclearanceberequired?


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

PROTECTION AGAINST COUNTERFEIT GOODS

Itisvitalthattheimportingcommunityunderstandtheimpactoftheexplosivegrowthinthesaleofcounterfeitgoods,alsoknownasIntellectualPropertyRights(IPR),directlytoconsumers.U.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP)takesanactiveroleintheprotectionofstolenbusinessprofits,threatstonationalsecurity and the serious risk of injury these products pose to the consumer.

Intellectualpropertyreferstocreationsofthemind:Inventions,literaryandartisticworks,andsymbols,names, images, and designs used in commerce. UnderU.S.law,atrademarkisdefinedasanyword,name,symbol,device,colororcombinationthereofused to identify and distinguish goods from those manufacturedorsoldbyothersandtoindicatetheorigin and source of goods.

Acopyrightisaformofintellectualpropertythatprotects“originalworksofauthorship,”whichincludeliterary, dramatic, musical, artistic, pictorial, graphic andsculpturalworks,motionpicturesandotheraudiovisualworks,soundrecordings,andarchitecturalworks.CopyrightprotectionforU.S.workscommencesthemomenttheworkisfixedinanytangiblemediumof expression, and extends only to the expression of ideas-words,pictures,andsounds-butnottotheideas themselves.

StoppingtheflowofgoodsthatuponinfringeU.S.intellectualpropertyrights(IPR)isapriorityfortheU.S.Government.CBPistakingacomprehensiveapproachtotheenforcementofIPRthatincludesseizingvolatilegoods.CBPalsopartnerswithindustryandothergovernment agencies to enhance these efforts.

AccordingtoCBP,thetop10categoriesofIPR-infringingproductsarepharmaceuticals,health/personalcare,eyewear/parts,criticaltechnologycomponents,electronicarticles,cigarettes,perfumes/colognes,batteries,exerciseequipmentandtransportation/parts.

DHL understands the importance of keeping our customersinformedofIPRandthepotentialconsequences.WhileDHLandotherexpresscarriersdo not have either the authority or the means to enforceIPR,DHLworksproactivelywithCustomsauthoritiesandlawenforcementagenciestoaddressIPRviolations.


TOxIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT

18

WHAT IS TSCA?

CongressenactedtheToxicSubstancesControlAct(TSCA;theAct)in1976,givingtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)broadauthoritytoissueregulationsdesignedtogatherhealth/safetyandexposureinformationonchemicalsubstances,chemicalmixtures,andarticles.Ifyouimportanyoftheseitems,youaresubjecttoTSCAandgenerallymustmeetthesamerequirementsunderTSCAasachemicalmanufacturerintheUnitedStates.

CommontypesofindustriesandsectorscoveredunderTSCAinclude:companiesthatareengagedinchemical production and importation, petroleum refining,paperproductionandmicro-electronicsmanufacturing.Sectorsinclude:organics,inorganics,plasticsandchemicalpreparations.It’simportanttounderstandthatonlythoseinvolvedinthebuyingandsellingofpotentialTSCA-applicableproductsmaydeterminewhetherornotTSCAapplies.CertificationofTSCAcompliance,mustbepresentedtotheEPAundertheauthorityofUSCustomsandBorderProtectioninwritingatthetimeofimportation.

EPAexpectsthatthiscertificationwillbebaseduponactualknowledgeoftheimporterinmostcases.However,EPArealizesthatsometimesimportersmaynothaveactualknowledgeofthechemicalcompositionofimportedmixtures.Inthesecases,the importer should attempt to discover the chemical constituentsoftheshipmentbycontactinganotherparty to the transaction.

IfpartiestothetransactionareunabletodetermineTSCAapplicability,assistancecanbeobtainedfromtheEPAbycontacting:

Director,EnvironmentalAssistanceDivision(7408)OfficeofPollutionPreventionandToxicsU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyRoomE-543B1200PennsylvaniaAve.,NWWashington,DC20460Telephone:(202)554-1404TDD:(202)544-0551


TExTILES

IMPORTING TExTILES

Textiles,wearingapparelandflatgoodsareconsidered“tradesensitive”commoditiesbytheU.S.Governmentandrequirespecialdocumentationandprocessing.

• SpecificdocumentsanddetailsarerequiredtoensurepromptU.S.Customsrelease

• Thetextilemanufacturer’scompletenameandaddressmustbeincludedonthecommercialinvoice

Additionaldocumentationmayberequired(dependingontypeofgoods):

• FabricDetailsSheets Pleasenotetherearenosampleinvoices

SHIPMENT DESCRIPTION

Textile Type Use of Textile Dutiable Value Guideline

Normal Import Item is sellable or usable Yes None

Mutilated Sample Soliciting orders No None

Marked Sample Photo or Modeling; unsuitable for use

Yes Under $800.00*

Marked Sample - Incapable of being Marked

Photo or Modeling; unsuitable for use

Yes None

DOCUMENTATION CHECk LIST

Documents Mutilated Samples Marked Samples Non-Quota Shipments

DHL Air Waybill • • •

Commercial Invoice • • •Except for mutilated samples of $2,000 or less; *For some non-WTO countries if value is over $800 and marked ‘sample’


TExTILES

COMMODITY DETAILS

Thefollowingdetailsarerequiredforshipmentsofthegoodslistedbelow:

HATS & HEADGEAR• Type

• Trimmingandlinings

• Materialtypeanddetails

• Gender

• Ifsafetyheadgear,providedetails

GLOVES, MITTENS AND MITTS• Knittedorwovendesignation

• Fabric,leather,plasticorrubber

• Typeofleather

• Typeofplastic

• Typeoffabric

• Typeofrubber

• Seamless,disposable,surgical, medical or lined

• Genderdesignation

FLAT GOODS• Typeofflatgood

• Outersurfacetype

– leather or plastic

• Ifleather,doesitcontainreptile origins

• Ifplastic,isitstructuredorridged

• Beadedorotherwise

• Iftextile–includespecificdetails

• Value

• Lining

• Ifitiscasingusedtotransportcompactdiscs(CD)orCDplayers

CARPETS• Nameandaddressofmanufacturer

• Indicateif:

– knotted

–woven

– tufted or flocked

– of pile construction

–hand-knotted,hookedorwoven

• Size

• Netweight

• Fibercontentbyweight


TExTILES

COMMODITY DETAILS

Apparel

Thefollowingdetailsarerequiredforshipmentsoftextileclothing(alsoknownasClothing/Garment):•Men’s/women’sorboy’s/girl’sdesignation•Knitorwovendesignation•Fibercontentbyweight•Ifunitsorensembles,valuesforeachpiecemustbe

provided•Corduroyanddenimconstructionmustbeidentified•Wovenshirtsmustidentifyiftwoormorecolorsinwarpand/orfilling(weft)•Glovesmustidentifywithorwithoutfourchettes•Knitglovesmustidentifyterry,jerseyorlisle

construction•Theadditionoflaceonanygarmentmustbenoted•Hatsplaitedorassembledfromstrips

Textiles Fabrics

Notallthefollowingdetailsapplytoeverytypeoffabric:•Knitorwovendesignation•Typeofweavesuchasplain(specifypoplin,broadcloth,sheetingcheesecloth,printcloth),jacquard,hand-woven,satin,twill,oxford,duck•Lengthandwidth•Bleached,unbleached,dyed,yarndyed,yarnsof

different colors, printed•Endusesuchastapestry,upholsteryorneckties•Weight(g/m2)•Yarndiameter(microns)•Denim•Numberofyarnsinthewarpandfilling(weft)(threadcount)•Impregnated,coated,coveredorlaminated


TExTILES

COMMODITY DETAILS

Marked Samples

1. Whensamplesaretobeusedforphotosormodeling,theycanbemarkedinsteadofmutilatedtokeepthegarmentsuitableforuse

2. MarkingmustbedonepriortoarrivalintheU.S.

3. Cutortearmustbeatleast2-inchlengthonoutsidebodyofgarmentandclearlyvisible,notona seam or hem

4. Invoicemustdeclare‘markedsample–not forsale’

5. Merchandisemustbeclassifiedaccordinglyforapplicableduty

Mutilated Samples

1. Mustbeusedonlyforsolicitingorders

2. MutilationmustbedonepriortoarrivalintheU.S.

3. Invoicemustdeclare‘mutilatedsamples’

4. Fabricover2yards(1m)inlengthdoesnotqualifyasasample,evenifmarkedormutilated

5. Merchandiseisduty-free

Two distinct categories:

1. Marked Samples

Printword“SAMPLE”atleast1-inch (25mmhighinindelibleinkoninside)

2. Mutilated Samples

Chooseoneofthethreemethodsshowntomutilate

SAMPLE

5 inches

1 inch

Punch

Cut

1 inch

2 inches

Punch a hole of 2-inch / 51mm diameter every 457 mm/18 inches along the longest side and diagonally across the sample

Not more than 18 inches

72 inches

Stamp ‘SAMPLE’ in uppercase, at least 1 inch high and 5 inches long in contrasting color every 6 inches diagonally across sample


KEY INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR INVOICES

Marked Samples

• Typeofapparel(dress,top,jacket,skirt)

• Fibercontentbypercentage(100%cotton)

• Construction(wovenorknitted)

• Gender(men’s,women’s,girl’s,boy’s)

• Numberofpieces(quantity)

• Marketvaluebyunitpriceandtotal

• HarmonizedSystemCode

• CountryofOrigin(ManufactureInformation)

Threecopiesoftheinvoicemustbeattachedto

the shipment.

Mutilated Samples

• Typeofapparel(jackets)

• Fibercontentbypercentage(100%cotton/100%

polyester)

• Construction(woven/knitted)

• Gender(men’s)

• Numberofpieces

• Marketvaluebyunitpriceandtotal

• HarmonizedSystemCode(H.S.Code9811.00.60)

• CountryofOrigin(MadeinSriLanka)

Threecopiesoftheinvoicemustbeattachedto

the shipment.

TExTILES


FOOTWEAR DETAIL SHEETS

Footwear Detail Sheet

Thefollowingdetailsarerequiredforshippersexportingfootwear:

Footwear Detail Sheet Instructions

TExTILES


CONSUMER GOODS

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT (CPSIA)

TheU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommissionImprovementAct(CPSIA)expandedandintroducednewcertificationrequirementsforconsumergoodsimportedintotheUnitedStatesforconsumption,warehousingorfordistributionincommerce.Thesecertificatesarerequiredtoaccompanyallimports.However,itistheresponsibilityoftheshippertocomplywiththerequirements.

Commodities CoveredAllconsumerproductsmanufacturedonorafterNovember12,2008,whicharesubjecttoaConsumerProductSafetyCommission(CPSC)-administeredmandatorysafetystandard,rule,ban,orregulationaresubjecttotherequirement.ConsumergoodsregulatedbytheCPSCincludebutarenotlimitedto:

•Arts&craftssupplies •Bicycles •Children’scribs&otherchildren’sfurniture •Children’sclothing •Electricalitems •Firesafetyequipment •Holidaydecorations •Homeheatingequipment •Householdproducts •Indoorairpurifiers •Outdoorpowerequipment •Playgroundequipment •Pool&spaequipment •Recreational&sportsequipment •Toys

Types of Certificates Required Under this Act

1.ThirdPartyTestCertificatesforchildren’sproducts: Children’sproductsaregenerallydefinedasaconsumer product designed or intended primarily forchildren12yearsofageoryounger.ImportersofsuchproductswillberequiredtohaveaproducttestedbyaCPSCaccreditedindependentorthird-partytestfacility.Basedonsuchtesting,acertificatewillbeissuedevidencingcompliance.

2.GeneralConformityCertificatesforallotherproducts:Thegeneralconformitycertificatemustcertify,basedonatestorareasonabletestingprogram,thataproductcomplieswithallstandardsorregulationsapplicabletotheproduct.

The certificates must accompany the shipment of such products.Thecertificateisnotrequiredtobefiledwiththeentry,butmustbefurnisheduponrequesttotheCPSCandCBP.

CPSIAhasidentifiednewstandardsforcertificationofconsumerproducts.Thesestandardsfollowdifferentrequirementsandtimelinesthatshouldbeconsideredinthecertification:

•LeadStandardsthatbeganFebruary2009including paint and other surface coatings

•PhthalatesStandardsthatbeganFebruary2009(primarilychildren’stoysorchildcarearticles)

Additional information can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia

Further information


WHAT IS LIFE SCIENCES?

• Biologicalproducts• Cosmeticproductsandskincare• Pharmaceuticals• MedicalDevices• Chemicals

TheU.S.closelyregulatestheimportofalllifesciencescommodities.SuchcommoditiesareregulatedeitherbytheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)orbytheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA).Generally,thecommoditiescoveredunder such regulations are items that are either ingestedorappliedtothehumanbodyorinsomewaymodifyormayhaveill-effectsonthebody.

Thefollowinginstructionsareaguidetowhattheshipperisrequiredtodoforshipmentsofthesecommodities.Insomeinstancesthisisrelatedtoregistrationthatmustbecarriedoutpriortoshipping,inadditiontowhatisrequiredtobedeclaredonairwaybillsandcommercialinvoices.

TheUSDAregulatesagriculturalproductsandproductswithpotentialimpactonU.S.agricultureandlivestock.USDAincludesAPHIS(AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService)andVS(VeterinaryServices)agencies.

USDAinspectionsmayberequiredandmaydelayclearanceiftheimporterhasnotobtainedalicenseorpermitpriortoshipment.Forvarioustypesofcontent,thereareUSDAguidelinesthatwillassistyouincompletingtherequireddeclaration.

BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS

The information must be supplied as ORIGINAL statements on the producer/shipper’sletterhead in a clear and concise manner, and be available for review by the USDA inspectors at the port of arrival.

Biological Products

Regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculturewww.usda.gov

The USDA reviews plant and animal productsand biological materials such as cell culturesand serum. USDA inspections may be required and clearance may be delayed if the importer does not obtain a license or permit prior to shipment.

Information regarding the regulations forparticular commodities are available at:www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome

LIFE SCIENCES


COSMETIC PRODUCTS & SkIN CARE

Allskincareandcosmeticproductsaresubjectto import inspection and approval from the FDA.SpecificinformationincludingafulllistofingredientsofeachproductshouldbeincludedwiththeCustomspaperwork.Cosmeticsmustbeproducedundersanitaryconditions,besafeandbemadefromapprovedingredients.

The FDA product code is available from:www.acceddata.fda.gov/scripts/ora/pcb/pcb.cfm

Regulated by the Food and Drug Administrationwww.fda.gov

Cosmetics must be produced under sanitaryconditions, be safe and made from approvedingredients.

The following information on EACH productshould be indicated on the invoice:• Type of product (skin lotion, pancake makeup …)• Number and type of container (plastic/glass, tube/bottle)• Country of Manufacture (separate line for each manufacturer)• Itemized value• Full list of ingredients• FDA product code

Cosmetic and Skincare Products

LIFE SCIENCES


PHARMACEUTICALS

TheU.S.FederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticActprohibitstheinterstateshipment(whichincludesimportation)ofunapprovednewdrugs.Thus,theimportationofdrugsthatlackFDAapproval,whetherforpersonaluseorotherwise,isaviolationoftheabovelaw.Unapprovednewdrugsareanydrugs,includingforeign-madeversionsofU.S.approveddrugs,thathavenotbeenmanufacturedinaccordancewithorpursuanttoanFDAapproval.UndertheAct,FDAmayrefuseimportationofanydrugthat‘appears’tobeunapproved,placingtheburdenontheimportertoprovethatthedrugsoughttobeimportedis,infact,approvedbytheFDA.

Any drug imported must have FDA approval. It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure that the drug being imported is approved.

Raw drugs and raw pharmaceuticals must beaccompanied by a Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA) statement which must be completed and treated as an additional page to the Commercial Invoice.

Commercial Use

Non Citizen/Permanent Resident U.S. CitizensThe following information is required on the Commercial Invoice for drugs:• Correct country of origin/production• Correct manufacturer site• Product code• Precise description of product including packing, form, dosage, generic name, chemical consumption and derivation• Intended use (for use on humans?)• Accurate statement of quantity (must be applicable to product)• Confirmation as to whether the drugs contain any animal derivatives (if USDA regulation applies)• Affirmation of Compliance Codes: – REG: Drug establishment registration number for manufacture – DLS/NDC: Drug Listing Number – NDA: New Drug Application Number – IND: Exemption for Investigational New Drug Number for investigational or clinical trial use (need name of drug, Study Number is not sufficient).

The following information is required on the Commercial Invoice:• Passport Number• Description• Use (what condition is it used to treat? e.g. high blood pressure)• Value Breakdown• Proof of foreign citizenship (copy of valid passport or birth certificate)• Copy of prescription• Quantity• Dosage• Packing details• Chemical name

Pharmaceuticals

Personal MedicationWhy is the drug being imported?

Domestically available medicines are generally ineligible for importation by U.S. citizens. Medicines not domestically available may be imported by U.S. citizens who are participants in FDA approved clinical trials. Both the doctor and patient must have documentation verifying their participation in the trial.

LIFE SCIENCES


MEDICAL DEVICES

Foreignfirmsthatmanufacturemedicaldevicesand/orproductsthatemitradiationmustcomplywithapplicableU.S.regulationsbefore,duringandafterimportingintotheUnitedStates.Inordertoimportmedicaldevicesand/orproductsthatemitradiationintotheU.S.,theproductmustmeetFDAregulatoryrequirements.FDAdoesnotrecognizeregulatoryapprovalsfromothercountries.

FDA Product Code FDA Product Code

All FDA guidelines and advice on product and listing codes can be viewed at the FDA website http://www.fda.gov

Statement of Use

FDA Product Code

PMN (510K) Code (Not required for all goods)

LST Code (Medical Device Listing Number)

DEV Code (FDA Establishment Registration

Number of Distributor)

Regulated by the Food and Drug Administrationwww.fda.gov

Any device that comes into contact with, or in some way modifies the human body

Medical Devices

Requirements for details onCommercial Invoice

Commercial TransactionSample

PMA Code(for goods being sent to get approval

for commercial use in the US)

Part Finished goods for completion

LIFE SCIENCES


CHEMICAL MATERIALS

U.S.governmentagenciesrequestthatcustomersattachtheinvoicedeclarationwithspecificdetailsof the chemical materials in the shipments.

The following information is required on theCommercial Invoice:• What is it derived from?• How was it synthesized?(chemically or recombinant)• Must state “Contains no animal derivatives”• Proper chemical name, form, use• Must state “Non infectious/Non contagious” (if applicable)• Reason for importation• Ingredients (if applicable), trade name, generic name

Chemicals

Regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculturewww.usda.gov

This information must be supplied as ORIGINAL statements on letterhead from the producer/shipper in a clear and concise manner, and be available for review by the agriculture inspectors at the port of arrival.

To avoid potential delays please include the below statement on the invoice and description field of the air waybill.“Not Restricted per IATA DGR”It is also recommended that the commercial invoice is accompanied by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

In addition, a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) statement must be completed andtreated as an additional page to the Commercial Invoice.

Additional details can be found at

www.usda.gov

Further information

LIFE SCIENCES


FOOD AND DRINk

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration

www.fda.gov

Food and DrinkFDA Technical Support1 800 216 7331

Customers outside the U.S. need to set up an Account for Prior Notices before shipping:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnoview.html

Sending hampers? These need to be described as

“Gift Hamper.” Hampers sent from a retail establishment require Prior Notice

when food or drink are included.

EXCEPTIONSPersonal Food Shipments Exemption

• The Prior Notice Number is required on ALL shipments going to the U.S. containing food and drink• The number should be visible in the description box of the Air waybill• The description should read “Food/Beverage Product”• A printed copy of the Prior Notice should also be attached to the Commercial Invoice to which a complete list of all commodities are broken down. This takes away the requirement on the Commercial Invoice

• Consignee in the U.S. needs to hold a Federal Alcohol Permit for alcohol to be shipped to them• The importer must also obtain a Certificate of Label Approval TTB Form S100.31, prior to importation• The Importer Permit Number needs to be clearly shown on the Invoice• Prior Notice Number is required• Power of Attorney is required by the Importer

These are shipments being sent fromperson to person for non-commercialpurposes, such as gifts purchased and sent by the person outside the U.S.

ALCOHOL

PRIOR NOTICEis required for all shipments

containing food shippedfrom a commercial establishment.


FDA REGULATED “FOOD” IMPORTS

ThePublicHealthSecurityandBioTerrorismPreparednessandResponseActof2002(BioterrorismActof2002[BTA])consistofprovisionsdesignedtoprotecttheUnitedStatesagainstbio-terroristthreatstotheU.S.foodsupply,withmajoremphasisonfoodfromforeignsources.TheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)releasedregulationsinresponsetotheBioterrorismActof2002(BTA)outliningspecificrequirementsonthe importation of food and food products.

Thisregulationhastwomajorrequirements: 1.RegistrationofFacilities 2.PriorNoticeofImportationofFood

Registration Of Facilities

TheFDArequiresthatdomesticandforeignfacilitiesthat manufacture, process, pack, or hold food forhumanoranimalconsumptionintheUnitedStatesregisterwiththeFDA.Farms,retailfacilities,restaurantsandnon-profitfoodfacilitiesinwhichfood is prepared for or served directly to the consumer areexemptfromtheserequirements.Note:Facilityregistrationisnotrequiredforprivatepersons sending or receiving items for personal use (e.g.Christmasgifts).

Prior Notice (PN) of Imported Food

TheFDArequiresthatU.S.purchasersorU.S.importersortheiragentssubmittotheFDApriornotice on the importation of food. This information willbeusedtoreview,evaluateandassesswhethertoinspect the imported food.

•Priornoticemustbesubmittednolessthanfourhoursbeforeflightarrival,butmaynotbesubmittedmore than five days prior to shipment arrival

•PriornoticeisrequiredatthefirstportofarrivalintheU.S.

PriorNoticeappliestofoodforhumansand/oranimals that is imported or offered for import into the U.S.Foodisdefinedasarticlesusedforfoodordrinkformanoranimals,suchaschewinggum,andarticlesused for components of any such articles

Examplesof“food”include:

•Dietarysupplementsanddietaryingredients •Infantformula •Beverages(includingalcoholicbeveragesand

bottledwater) •Fruitsandvegetables •Fishandseafood •Dairyproductsandshelleggs •Rawagriculturalcommoditiesforuseasfoodor

components of food •Cannedandfrozenfoods •Bakerygoods,snackfood,andcandy(including

chewinggum) •Livefoodanimals •Animalfeedsandpetfood

PriorNoticerequirementsapplyregardlessof:

•Quantityimported-appliestosamples,full orders etc.

•Purposeofimportation-appliestogoodsimported for testing, consumption etc.

•Typeoftransaction-appliestocommercialsales,samples, gifts, etc.

ThefollowingareexemptfromPriorNoticerequirements:

•Allpersonalfoodshipments:thesearefooditemssentpersontopersonfornon-commercialpurposes

•Foodinhouseholdgoods,includingmilitary,civilian, governmental agency and diplomatic transfers

Continued on next page

FOOD AND DRINk


•Foodpurchasedbyatravelerandmailedorshippedtothetraveler’sU.S.addressby the traveler

•Giftspurchasedatacommercialestablishmentandshippedbythepurchaser,notthe commercialestablishment

•Foodcontainedindiplomaticpouches Note: This does not include shipments (such as

Gift Baskets) sent from a retailer or distributor to an individual. Such shipments do require a Prior Notice.

Meatfoodproducts,poultryproductsandeggproductsthataresubjecttotheexclusivejurisdictionoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)andcomplywiththeUSDArulesandregulations.

FDA Prior Notice

1. FDAPriorNotice(PN)filedbytheshipper:DHLExpresswillrequireacopyofthePNconfirmationfor each food item. The shippers may include a copyofthePNConfirmation‘DetailSheet’(thissheetincludesdescription,productcode,etc.)Theconfirmationnumber(s)mustalsobeclearlyidentifiedontheshippinginvoice.Theairwaybilldescription of content must clearly identify FoodorFoodProduct.(RefertoFDAPriorNotice2004Update).

2. DHLExpressU.S.filesPNonbehalfofthe customer:DHLExpresswillrequirethefollowingelementsontheshippinginvoice.(RefertoDHLExpressFDARequiredInformationforPrior NoticeSubmission)

Separateidentificationofeachfoodarticleisrequired,including: •Thecommon,usualnameormarketname •Thequantitydescribedfromthesmallestpackage

sizetothelargestcontainer(includingthetypeofpackagingusedtopackagethefooditem)

•Thelotorcodenumbersorotheridentifiers •Completenameandaddressofthemanufacturer

orsupplierandtheirFDAregistrationnumber (ifavailable)

•Countryoforigin •Completenameandaddressofshipperandtheir

FDAregistrationnumber(ifavailable) •Completenameandaddressoftheimporter,

purchaserorultimateConsigneeandtheirFDAregistrationnumber(ifavailable)

•ClearfoodorfoodproductidentificationmarkedontheExpressWorldwideprealertairwaybilldescription and invoice description

Note:DHLExpresswillonlyprovidePriorNoticeservicewhenDHLExpressisservingastheCustomsbrokerfortheshipper.

CVG/ILN [email protected]

JFk [email protected]

LAX/RIV [email protected]

MIA [email protected]

SFO [email protected]

FDA PN contact information at relevant gateway

FOOD AND DRINk


OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

FISH AND WILDLIFE

TheU.S.FishandWildlifeService(FWS)regulatesimportsandexportsof:

• Non-domesticatedanimals

Wildlifeisanylivingordeadwildanimal,itsparts,and products made from it. Wildlife not only includes mammals,birds,reptiles,amphibians,andfish,butalsoinvertebratessuchasinsects,crustaceans,arthropods, mollusks, coelenterates.

• AnanimaldefinedbyFWStobeendangeredorthreatened species and products thereof.

Threatened&EndangeredSpeciesDatabaseSystem:http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/

• EnforcestheConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesofWildFaunaandFlora(CITES).

Basedonthetypeofcommodity,specificpermitsorcertificatesarerequiredinordertocomplywithFWSrequirements.CustomersimportingcommoditiesregulatedbyFWSshouldbeawareoftheadditionalregulatoryrequirements. WhenimportingaproductregulatedunderCITESyoumusthaveavalidCITESdocument(certificateorpermit),includingaCITESexemptiondocument,toengageinthetradeofanyCITESspecimen.

VARIOUS AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

Lacey ActTheLaceyAct,firstenactedin1900andsignificantlyamendedin1981,istheUnitedStates’oldestwildlifeprotectionstatute.TheLaceyActcombatstraffickingin“illegal”wildlife,fishandplants. TheFood,Conservation,andEnergyActof2008amendedtheLaceyActtorequire,amongotherthings,thatimporterssubmitadeclarationatthetimeofimportation for certain plants and plant products. TheFederalAgenciesinvolvedwithenforcementoftheLaceyActare:

• UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)• CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP)• AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionServices(APHIS)

• UnitedStatesTradeRepresentative(USTR)• DepartmentofJustice• DepartmentofState• UnitedStatesFishandWildlifeServices(FWS)

For more information about the Lacey Act: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lacey_act/

Further information

For more information about Wildlife requirements: www.fws.gov

Further information


PREFERENTIAL TRADE PROGRAMS

TheUnitedStatesisasignatorytomanyfreetradeagreementswithothercountriesorregionsaswellas unilateral preference programs that provide preferentialdutyratesforgoodsqualifyingunderthoseagreementsorprograms.Inadditiontoreducingor eliminating duties, some of these trade agreements orprogramsalsoeliminatetheMerchandiseProcessingFee(MPF)thatisdueonimportshipments.

Thefollowingareguidelinesforthecurrentfreetradeagreementsandpreferenceprograms:AfricanGrowthandOpportunityAct(AGOA),AndeanTradePreferenceAct(ATPA),AndeanTradePromotionandDrugEradicationAct(ATPDEA),CaribbeanBasinTradePartnershipAct(CBTPA),CaribbeanBasinEconomicRecoveryAct(CBERA)andGeneralizedSystemsofPreferences(GSP).

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Union of the Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabonese Republic, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Republic of South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia

Tariff Preference Level (TPL) None

FeesMerchandise Processing Fee (MPF) payable

Documentation RequiredUpon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility. Note: Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 years. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS


Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) & Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Ecuador (EC) and Colombia (CO)


Fees Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) payable

Documentation Required The Certificate of Origin (CF 449) must be in the possession of the importer at the time of entry. Note: The Certificate of Origin is not required for informal entries. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Barbados (BB), Belize (BZ), Guyana (GY), Haiti (HT), Jamaica (JM), Panama (PA), Saint Lucia (LC), Trinidad and Tobago (TT)


Fees None - MPF does not apply

Documentation Required 1. Certificate of origin (CF 450) must be in possession of the importer at the time of entry. Note: Certificate not required for shipments valued below $2,500

2. Certificate may cover a single shipment or multiple shipment of similar goods for a 12-month period 3. Certificate may be in English or Spanish

POA Requirements 1. If Certificate of Origin (CF 450) is available at time of entry, POA required over $10,000 2. If Certificate of Origin (CF 450) is not available, POA required for all entries over $2,500 3. POA required for all textile entries

Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands



Documentation Required Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility. Note: The declaration is not required for informal entries. Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 years. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)



Generalized System of Preferences - (GSP)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Independent Countries: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Fiji, Gabon; Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, kazakhstan, kenya, kosovo, kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, St. kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Non-Independent Countries and Territories: Anguilla, British Indian Ocean Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Montserrat, Niue, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands , British Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza Strip, Western Sahara

GSP Least Developed Beneficiary Countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Kinshasa), Djibouti, East Timor, Equatorial,Guinea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, The Solomon Islands, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Republic of Yemen, Zambia


Fees MPF does not apply to Least-Developed Beneficiary Countries but is applicable for other GSP qualifying countries

Documentation Required Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility Note: A declaration is not required for Informal entries. Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 yrs A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)



U.S. - Australia Free Trade Agreement - (AFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Australia (AU)



Documentation Required Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility Note: Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 years. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

U.S. - Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (BFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Bahrain (BH)



Documentation Required Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility Note: Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 years. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

Thefollowingareguidelinesforsomeofthecurrentinternationalfreetradeagreements:Australia(AFTA),Chile(CFTA),DRCentralAmerica(CAFTA),Israel(ILFTA),NorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement(NAFTA),PeruFreeTradeAgreement(PFTA),andSingapore(SFTA).

U.S. - Chile Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Chile (CL)

Tariff Preference Level (TPL) Yes


Documentation Required 1. Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement (declaration) attesting to the item (s) eligibility. Note: Declaration not required for shipments value below $2500 2. Declaration may cover a single shipment or multiple shipment of similar goods for a 12 month period. 3. Declaration may be in English or Spanish4. Certificate of Eligibility is required at the time of entry for applicable TPLs (not required at time of release)5. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)



Dominican Republic - Central America - U.S. Free Trade Agreement and Implementation Act - (DR-CAFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Dominican Republic (DO), Costa Rica (CR), El Salvador (SV), Guatemala (GT), Honduras (HN), Nicaragua (NI)



Documentation Required 1. Declaration of origin must be in possession of the importer at the time of entry. Note: Declaration not required for shipments valued below $2500

2. Declaration may cover a single shipment or multiple shipment of similar goods for a 12 month period3. Declaration may be in English or Spanish4. Certificate of eligibility is required at the time of entry for applicable TPLs (not required at time of release)5. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

U.S. Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act (ILFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Israel (IL)

Tariff Preference Level (TPL) No

Fees MPF does not apply to ILMPF applies to QIZ

Documentation Required 1. Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item (s) eligibility Note: Records supporting the claim must be retained for 5 years2. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Canada (CA), Mexico (Mx)



Documentation Required 1. Certificate of origin (CF 434) must be in possession of the importer at the time of entry 2. Certificate may cover a single shipment or multiple shipment of similar goods for a 12 month period 3. Certificate may be in English or Spanish 4. Certificate not required for non-commercial imports or line item with value below $2500 (Invoice or air

waybill must declare eligibility)5. Original Certificate of Eligibility for TPL’s is required for entry summary (not needed at time of release)

POA Requirements 1. If the Certificate of Origin (CF 434) is available at the time of entry, a POA is required if shipment value is over $10,000

2. If the Certificate of Origin (CF 434) is not available, a POA is required for all entries over $2500 3. POA required for all textile entries 4. POA required for all applicable TPL entries



U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement - (PTPA or PFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Peru (PE)


Fees None - MPF does not apply.

Documentation Required 1. Declaration of origin must be in possession of the importer at the time of entry. Note: Declaration not required for shipments with an F.O.B value below $2,500

2. Declaration may cover a single shipment or multiple shipments of similar goods for a 12-month period 3. Declaration may be in English or Spanish4. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

U.S. - Singapore Free Trade Agreement - (SGFTA)

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: Singapore (SG)



Documentation Required 1. Upon request from CBP, the importer must provide a statement attesting to the item(s) eligibility 2. Certificate of Eligibility is required at the time of entry for TPL (needed at time of release)3. Records supporting claims must be retained for 5 yrs4. A POA may be required (See POA guidelines)

U.S. - Korean Free Trade Agreement

Eligible Beneficiary Countries: South korea (SPI Indicator: kR)


Fees None - MPF does not apply.

Documentation Required 1. Certification/ Declaration of eligibility must be in possession of the importer at the time of entry Note: Declaration not required for shipments valued below $2,5002. Declaration may cover a single shipment or multiple shipments of identical goods for a 12 month period 3. Declaration may be in English or korean. If submitted in korean, CBP may request an English translation

POA Requirements 1. If the declaration is available at the time of entry, a POA is required if shipment value is over $10,000 2. If the declaration is not available, a POA is required for all entries over $2500 3. POA required for all textile entries



ANTI-DUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES

These types of duties are in addition to the normal dutyassignedtoacommodity.TheUnitedStatesAnti-Dumpinglawisdesignedtocounterinternationalpricediscrimination,commonlyreferredtoas“dumping.”DumpingoccurswhenaforeignfirmsellsmerchandiseintheU.S.marketatapricelowerthanthe“normalvalue”(NV)ofthemerchandise;generally,thisisthepricetheforeignfirmchargesforacomparableproductsoldinitshomemarket.Undercertaincircumstances,dumpingmayalsobeidentifiedbycomparingtheforeignfirm’sU.S.salespricetothepricetheforeignfirm charges in other export markets.

Withsimilareffect,butstemmingfromdifferentcauses,isCountervailing.HereforeigngovernmentsareunfairlysubsidizingtheirindustriesthatexporttotheUnitedStates.Examplesofunfairsubsidiesaretaxbenefitsrelatedtoexportingorgovernment/low-costloansforspecificcompaniesorindustries.Generally,thebenefitmustbelimitedtoaspecificgroupoffirmsorindustriesortoafirm’sexportactivitiesinordertobecoveredunderthislaw.

TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofCommerce(USDOC)investigatesbothAnti-dumpingandCountervailingcases.TheseinvestigationsarealmostalwaysinitiatedinresponsetopetitionsfiledbyanaffectedU.S.industry.TheaffectedU.S.Domesticindustryorcompanymustfile a petition, including details of the complaint for theUSDOCtoinvestigate.IfitisdeterminedthataU.S.industryhasbeeninjured,additionaldutieswillbeassignedtoelevatetheenteredvalueofthemerchandisetolevelsconsummatewithnormalvalue.

Tounderstandwhatdumpingis,itisalsoimportanttounderstandwhatdumpingisnot.Forexample,dumping is not the sale of foreign merchandise in the UnitedStatesatapricelessthanthepricechargedbyU.S.producersofthesamemerchandise.Inadumpingcase, the fact that foreign producers sell their products

atlowerpricesintheU.S.marketthanU.S.producersbecomesrelevantonlyinthecontextofdeterminingwhetherdumpedimportshavemateriallyinjuredaspecificU.S.industry.

Therefore,itisofparticularimportanceforU.S.companiestounderstandtheirremedies.Moreover,theimportingcommunityshouldbeawareofanysafeguardsthatmaybeinplacepriortopurchasingfor import, to prevent higher than anticipated import costs.DHL’sbrokerageprofessionalscanassistindetermining if these additional duties may apply.

PUNITIVE DUTY RATES


WHAT IS A CARNET?

AnATACarnet(AdmissionTemporaraire/TemporaryAdmissionor“MerchandisePassport”)isaninternationalCustomsdocumentthatsimplifiesCustomsproceduresbyitsuseastheentrydocumentinplaceofCustomsdocumentsthatarerequiredfortemporary importations

CarnetsfacilitateinternationalbusinessbyavoidingextensiveCustomsprocedures,eliminatingpaymentofCustomsdutiesandexcisetaxesandeliminatingthepurchaseoftemporaryimportbonds.

1.MerchandisecoveredbyATACarnetsincludes: •Commercialsamples,professionalequipment,and

goodsfortradeshowsandexhibitions

•Itemssuchascomputers,tools,camerasandvideoequipment,industrialmachinery,automobiles,gemsandjewelry,andapparel

•Extraordinaryitemssuchasartwork,bandinstruments, etc.

2.ATACarnetsdonotcoverconsumablegoods (foodandagricultureproducts),disposableitems, or postal traffic.

3. Carnetsaregenerallyvalidforlessthan12monthsfrom the date of issue. The period of validity for aCarnetisnotextendable,norcananewCarnetcoveringthesamearticlesbesubstitutedtogainanextension.TheCarnetsimultaneouslyservesasabondandtheentrydocumentforarticlesundervariousCustomsprocedures,suchastemporaryimportationandtransportationin-bond.

CARNETS


CUSTOMS-TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM (C-TPAT) OVERVIEW

C-TPATisavoluntarygovernment-businessinitiativetobuildcooperativerelationshipsthatstrengthenandimproveoverallinternationalsupplychainandU.S.bordersecurity.U.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP)recognizesthatthehighestlevelofcargosecuritycanbeobtainedonlythroughclosecooperationwiththeultimateownersoftheinternationalsupplychainsuch as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed Customsbrokers,andmanufacturers.

Sharingthisconcernforsecurity,DHLExpressU.S.volunteeredtoparticipateinC-TPATin2003.Throughthiseffort,wehavebeenabletoassistinachievingCBP’sultimategoalofenhancingsecuritythroughupgrades and improvements of various elements of the supplychain.Currently,DHLExpressU.S.isaC-TPATmemberingoodstanding,havingbeencertifiedandcurrentlyvalidatedbyCBPthroughtri-annualinspections.

CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS OVERVIEW

TodaymostofourmajorcustomersandbusinesspartnersrequireC-TPATcertificationinordertotransport their shipments. To provide information to customersandbusinesspartnersregardingourC-TPATcertification,wemustprovideaStatusVerificationIndicator(SVI)token.TheissuanceofthistokenisconsummatedthroughtheCustomsandBorderProtection’s(CBP)C-TPATportal.TheDHLExpressU.S.ITACgroupcanissuetheSVItokentocustomers.

ForStatusVerificationrequests,pleasesendanemailtoITACat:[email protected]’sname,address,emailandtelephonenumberwith“C-TPATSVIRequest”inthesubjectline.

SECURITY CERTIFICATION


USEFUL LINkS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

World Customs Organization http://www.wcoomd.org

U.S. Department of Commerce

http://www.doc.gov

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

http://www.fda.gov/

U.S. International Trade Commission

http://www.usitc.gov/

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

http://www.cbp.gov/

U.S. Department of Agriculture

http://www.usda.gov/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

http://www.fws.gov/permits/ImportExport/Import/Export.shtml

U.S. Consumer Safety

http://www.cpsc.gov/

Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives

http://www.atf.gov/

U.S. Trade Representative

http://www.ustr.gov

Information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. DHL Express assumes no responsibility for any clerical errors or for regulatory information contained herein. Customers should seek their own counsel on matters that may affect their regulatory or financial responsibilities from engaging in international trade.

DHL Express1 800-CALL DHL1 800-225 5345www.dhl-usa.comAll services may not be available in all areas and are subject to DHL Terms and Conditions as published at www.dhl-usa.com. Aircraft not operated by DHL. © 2012 DHL Express (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. 07/12 PT04122

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