STEP FIVE - SECURITY
Homeland Security is now an important aspect when importing
products. The ‘Customs Small Business Program’ is a great place to
access important security issues when importing in
www.cbp.gov
The US Customs Department has developed strict guidelines for
importing products into the US. The US Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) are now under the US Department of Homeland
Security (www.dhs.gov).
Increased domestic security has created new regulations for
importing into the
US. One of
the new regulations is the 24 hour rule of the Automated Manifest
System or AMS. This 24 Hour AMS rule requires presentation of the
cargo declaration 24 hours before lading of the vessel. You must
insist that foreign exporters adhere to US Department of Homeland
Security regulations or you can find yourself with delays and
troubles.
The Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is now implementing the C-TPAT
or Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. This partnership is
between customs and industry leaders regarding strengthening supply
chain security. Understanding US Customs regulations before you make
importing arrangements will help map out the most expedient method
for importing and distributing your merchandise once it arrives.
The following websites are specific, governmental agency websites.
They are informative for particular regulation and up to date
international trade law information. The Federal Maritime
Commission at-
www.fmc.gov and the International Trade Commission at the
www.itc.gov and The United States Trade Representative at
www.ustr.gov
For assessment of regulatory risks associated with agricultural
imports in particular, access the US Department of Agriculture at
www.usda.gov.
To learn more about regulations regarding importing Animal and
Plants, check out the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services at
www.aphis.usda.gov.
|