The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, aka the HTSUS or HTS, is an important manual used in just about every import or export transaction that occurs. Sometimes known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSA), this government-issued document is created by the Office of Trade Affairs and Trade Agreements of the USITC and is regulated by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency.
Behind all international import/export transactions are important documents that detail all the information relevant to the parties involved, including the terms of the transport for cargo. One important group of these documents is known as the transport documents. The company organizing the transport, such as a shipping line, air cargo carrier, trucking company, or freight forwarder, typically issues this paperwork.
If you are regularly importing goods into the United States, you might be familiar with the CBP – officially known as the US Customs and Border Protection agency. They are a United States Government law enforcement agency, whose main goal is to protect and maintain the integrity of our national borders.
In order to successfully import goods to this country, there are a number of rules and regulations that must be met. There are different organizations assigned to oversee various aspects of the import/export industry, such as the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. Other agencies that assist with regulating foreign imports are the International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Department of Commerce (DOC).
The trade industry is responsible for providing us with an incredibly valuable service: shipping and delivery. All over the world, import and export services allow for international trade and distribution of merchandise and goods ranging everywhere from high-end luxuries to everyday necessities.
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The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary program run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The name may be a mouthful, but the program works to make the shipping industry a safer place for everyone involved. Together with some of the major players in the shipping industry, such as importers, carriers, manufacturers, licensed Customs Brokers, and logistics agencies, the CBP works to combat terrorism internationally.
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Have you ever wondered how the everyday shipping process used today came to be? 62 years ago, the modern shipping container was introduced, revolutionizing the freight industry and forever changing the way goods were shipped.
The idea of using some sort of box to hold items throughout their journey wasn’t exactly new; the idea started to arise around World War II when pallets were used to transport military resources. However, it was not until the 1950s when American trucking entrepreneur Malcom P. McLean introduced containerization, a method that changed the shipping industry forever.
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If you have ever engaged in any sort of international commerce dealings, you are likely familiar with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The aptly named Incoterms are a regularly updated guide to the International Commerce terms that are used all over the world. The goal of the Incoterms is to avoid communication issues due to language barriers.
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Are you a business owner located outside of the United States but are looking to import your goods into the country? You are not alone. Many international companies aim to have a presence in the US to help expand their business and increase revenue. To do so, you will need to take the time to file the necessary paperwork with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency.
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If you are in the import/export business, it is likely that you will need to obtain a number of different customs bonds throughout your operation. It is highly recommended to get assistance to help you work through all the necessary paperwork and understand what type of bonds you will need for certain shipments.
