A rule has been declared by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently that Customs brokers are responsible for the classification of goods for others, like importers.
The ruling was issued based on a 2017 request responding to Hampton Products International Corporation’s habit of providing tariff subheadings to customers, a disclaimer, and a potential risk to Hampton customers. (Hampton is an importer and supplier of packaged consumer goods. They work with customers that include large retailers in home and hardware stores. They don’t, however, have a Customs broker’s license.)
Defining the customs business that can be carried out by a licensed Customs broker, was listed in the ruling as: “[T]hose activities involving transactions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection concerning the entry and admissibility of merchandise, its classification and valuation, the payment of duties, taxes, or other charges, assessed or collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon merchandise by reason of its importation, or the refund, rebate, or drawback thereof. It also includes the preparation of documents or forms in any format and the electronic transmission of documents, invoices, bills, or parts thereof, intended to be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in furtherance of such activities, whether or not signed or filed by the preparer, or activities relating to such preparation, but does not include the mere electronic transmission of data received for transmission to Customs.”
Because of this ruling, the classification of goods is now in the hands of Customs brokers, and that’s where Sobel comes in to help you with your business. Our team of licensed Customs brokers can make things easier for you and your company, classifying your goods with expertise that comes with years of experience. If you have any questions please contact your Sobel representative today and let us help you get on the right track.
