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Customer Support
General QuestionsImport Advisory QuestionsTo find a quick answer to one of the Frequently Asked Questions listed below, click on that question. Top Questions
General QuestionsGeneral QuestionsWhat is Customs valuation?In order to arrive at the appropriate Customs assessable value and Customs duty payable for imported goods, it is necessary to know the official Customs appraisal for those goods. The United States implemented the GATT Valuation Code for most imported goods on July 1, 1980. Most of the trading partners of the United States also use this method. As a general rule, Customs valuation presumes that the price paid by an unrelated buyer reflects market value. However, in related-party transactions, market value must be proven. The Customs valuation statute lists the following bases of appraisal:
What additional costs can be included in the price in order to arrive at the transaction value of imported merchandise?These costs can be included in the price:
What costs may be excludable from transaction value?These costs are excludable from transaction value:
How can FedEx Trade Networks help me with Customs valuation?We evaluate our client’s cost structure and declared Customs value so that the importer adopts and declares the correct, most optimal tax valuation method.What is Tariff Classification?All goods that enter the United States must be categorized according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The act of placing goods into the correct category is called classification. Classification determines the applicable Customs duty rate payable.Back to Top How can FedEx Trade Networks help me with Tariff Classification?Our advisors will do whatever it takes to determine the correct classification number and tariff description for the U.S. and Canada.* We will use current and previous U.S. tariff law, legislative history, administrative practice, and judicial precedents. If necessary, we will inspect products on-site, examine documentation, and communicate with your personnel and manufacturers.*Please note that only a licensed Customs broker is permitted to make a definitive classification determination. FedEx Trade Networks Trade Services, Inc. is not acting as a licensed Customs broker, but can utilize the services of its sister company, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc. When appropriate, we will assist you in applying for binding ruling requests to confirm alternative (lower) duty rates with the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. We can also map the Harmonized System (HS) number to the fully qualified level for other destination countries for export purposes and to assist in an accurate landed cost calculation. What are Preference Programs?Certain foreign manufactured products qualify for full or partial duty exemptions upon import into the United States, through various tariff preference programs offered by the United States. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is one example of a tariff preference program extended to goods imported into the United States from an eligible foreign country. Other U.S. preference programs include Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement, and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).How can FedEx Trade Networks help me with Preference Programs?Our advisors have extensive experience in evaluating the importer’s eligibility to use trade preference programs.What are Country of Origin and Marking Determinations?Almost every article of foreign origin entering the United States must be legibly marked with the name of the country of origin, written in English. The purpose of marking is to inform the "ultimate purchaser" in the United States of the country in which the imported article was manufactured.The marking must be legible and in a conspicuous place. It must be large enough and clear enough to be read easily by a person of normal vision. It need not be in the most conspicuous place, but it must be where it can be seen with a casual handling of the article. The article should be marked as indelibly and permanently as the nature of the product will permit. The best form of marking is one which becomes a part of the article itself, such as branding, stenciling, stamping, printing, molding, and similar methods. Are there any exceptions?Yes, certain categories of imports are exempt from the marking requirements. These include articles that are incapable of being marked, articles that cannot be marked without injury to the article, substances in crude form, and articles produced more than 20 years prior to their importation. Back to TopWhat happens if articles are not marked?Articles that are not marked with the English name of their country of origin at the time of their importation into the United States are subject to additional duties unless properly marked, exported, or destroyed under Customs supervision prior to liquidation of the entry.How can FedEx Trade Networks help my company with country of origin and marking determinations?Our advisors will evaluate your products and supply chain to determine the correct country of origin. We will help you ensure that all appropriate markings are present and quota applications are properly determined so that imported merchandise is not unduly detained, thereby avoiding delays in Customs clearance and subsequent fines.Can you summarize all of FedEx Trade Networks Import Advisory Services?FedEx Trade Networks Import Advisory Services will help in these areas:Structuring the transaction:We conduct a thorough evaluation of your import supply chain process, down to the entry or per-shipment level, and recommend a cost-efficient model. Customs valuation: We obtain an accurate Customs valuation by determining the necessary costs and identifying avoidable ones. Product classification and database: We will classify all products, store and maintain them in a database and help you apply for binding rulings with the CBP. Country of origin and marking determinations: We evaluate your imported products and overseas operations to determine the correct country of origin. We help ensure the appropriate markings are present to avoid delays in Customs clearance and subsequent fines. Administrative actions: We help you prepare binding ruling requests and protests against unfavorable tariff determinations. Back to Top |
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