Kaisen Logistics, Inc. CHB - Customs Service

Kaisen Logistics is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker that is committed to delivering unparalleled service, innovation, outstanding quality, honesty, and integrity to its customers, providing them with the best value possible.

Below are a few common vocabularies used during customs filing:

Import Duty

Import duty refers to the tax an importer must pay to the US Government in order to bring foreign products into the commerce of the United States. Import duty differs from product to product and is dependent on the commodity being imported, its declared value, its country of origin, and other factors like anti-dumping legislation and quota controls. Import duty values can be as low as zero or as high as 100% (or more) of the product’s declared value.

Importer Security Filing (ISF, 10+2)

If you’re importing by ocean freight, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has made it mandatory to submit an Importer Security Filing. The ISF commonly known as the “10+2” initiative or “10 plus 2 customs”, is a rule that says importers have to give Customs extra information before a shipment can arrive in the United States. It’s the importer’s responsibility to file the ISF unless the shipment is passing through the United States to another country. In that case, it’s whoever caused the freight’s arrival in the U.S. port is responsible for filing the ISF.

The ISF rule went into effect on January 26, 2009 and applies to vessel imported cargo arriving in the States. Those who don’t follow the rule could be hit with fines, more inspections and delay of cargo. ISF Information helps officials and their corresponding offices spot high-risk shipments more easily, preventing smuggling and insuring cargo’s safety and security.

CUSTOMS BONDS

When importing into the US, Goods valued at over $2500 ($250 for textiles) and commodities subject to government agency requirements (including firearms and food) require a customs bond to be taken out so that the US treasury receives all due monies related to import duty, customs fees, excise and tax. To avoid the complicated administration of customs clearance, using a customs broker to provide the customs bond is the best solution.

FDA Prior Notice

The events of September 11, 2001, reinforced the need to enhance the security of the United States, and Congress responded by passing the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) that President Bush signed into law June 12, 2002.

Under this law prior notice of all imported foods and beverages, whether or not intended for human consumption, must be received and confirmed electronically by FDA no more than five days before its arrival and no fewer than:

1. Two hours before arrival by land via road
2. Four hours before arrival by air or by land via rail
3. Eight hours before arrival by water

What is Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)?

The fee is intended to require those who benefit from maintenance of U.S. ports and harbors to share the cost of the maintenance. The fee is currently 0.125% of the value of the commercial cargo shipped through identified ports. You can obtain a list of ports subject to HMF on the CBP web site.

Trademarks and Trade Names

Articles bearing counterfeit trademarks are subject to seizure and forfeiture. A counterfeit trademark is defined as a spurious trademark that is identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, a registered trademark. Articles with marks that copy or simulate a registered trademark that has been recorded with CBP are subject to detention and possible seizure and forfeiture.
CBP may asses a civil penalty when merchandise is seized and forfeited under 19 U.S.C.§ 1526(e). (See 19 U.S.C. § 1526(f)) A personal exemption for merchandise bearing an infringing mark is permitted for articles that accompany any person arriving in the United States when such articles are for his or her personal use and not for sale. Only one infringing item of each type bearing a registered trademark is permitted. An individual may take advantage of this exemption only once within a 30-day period.

Copyrights

Articles imported into the United States that are pirated (bootleg, counterfeit) copies of any registered copyright are subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Air Waybill

A bill of lading which covers domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination. Technically it is a non-negotiable instrument of air transport which serves as a receipt for the shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the goods listing therein and obligates itself to carry the consignment to the airport of destination according to specified conditions.

Bill of Lading

A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Usually prepared by the forwarder on forms issued by the carrier, it serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

Certificate of Origin

A document, required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, certifying as to the country of origin of specified goods.