Top 10 Reasons to Direct File Customs Entries
If you are like most small to medium sized importers today, you have probably wondered about the benefits and ease of filing your own entries directly with US Customs & Border Protection (CBP).
Here are the 'top ten' reasons why now may be the opportune time for you to consider filing your own import entries.
#10 - <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/690310']);" href="http://www.traderiskguaranty.com/TRG_TradeSpotlight_10Plus2_SecurityFilling.aspx"10+2 Importer Security Filing"</a>
Now that the 10+2 ISF has officially been passed, direct filing is the way to go. TRG Direct has a comprehensive parts database that keeps track of every item you import. This helps you manage and uniformly apply tariff classification, value, country of origin, quantity and Free Trade Agreements. As a result, TRG Direct gives your company the flexibility to adapt to new sourcing strategies such as 10+2.
#9 - Improved supply chain velocity
Using TRG Direct gives you the ability to pre-file your entries with CBP and actually obtain clearance information up to five (5) full days before the vessel arrives at its US port of destination. Assuming your consignment isn't targeted by CBP for examination, pre-filed and pre-cleared shipments can be moved as soon as the vessel completes discharging. In some cases you can actually take one or two full days out of your supply chain transit time resulting in greater efficiency and improved cash flow.
#8 - Because you're probably already doing most of the work
In many cases we've found that the majority of US importers are already providing the essential entry data (such as tariff classification, value and origin) to their appointed broker. If that's the case, the remaining data elements on the CBP entry document are elementary in nature (such as vessel name and import date).
#7 - Improved vendor/supplier interaction
Direct-filing not only gives you greater control, but it puts you in closer touch with your foreign vendors and suppliers. If a vendor's documentation falls short of expectations or is incorrect, the mistakes are generally caught faster and repaired sooner. Again, this leads to greater consistency and improved levels of compliance and helps you meet your obligation to exercise reasonable care.
#6 - No one has more product knowledge
No one knows more about your product line, or the material being imported, than your own employees. If questions arise during the classification or entry process employees typically have access to specification sheets, schematic drawings, the merchant or buyer and lots of other detailed information about the product being imported.
#5 - Enhanced visibility
Direct-filing affords your company much greater visibility into the entire supply chain and entry process and helps your company become more efficient along the way.
#4 - Savings
We believe most companies are more concerned about their level of compliance than they are about saving on entry fees. With that said, there could be a windfall of savings based on your volumes and what you are currently paying a broker today for processing your entries. These reduced expenses make your company more competitive by lowering your overall landed cost and adding to your bottom line.
#3 - More control
Direct-filing gives you and your company much greater control over the entire import process.
#2 - Higher levels of compliance
With little exception, one of the most compelling reasons to consider direct-filing is improving your compliance rate with CBP. No one will take greater care in the preparation and processing of an entry that your own employees.
And, the number one reason to consider direct-filinga
#1 - Because you can
All U.S. importers have the right to direct-file entries covering imported product or material for their company; without any requirement for licenses or CBP permits.
