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Avoid legal problems.
"Reasonable care" for product classification is the law. Don't find out the hard way....there are many published cases of those who have already done so. Enforcement activities take place everyday. Simply because you have not been examined by a government agency does not imply that you are immune.
For information regarding "reasonable care" for imports, refer to the following Informed Compliance Document published by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection on their website.
CBP "Reasonable Care" Compliance Checklist
To read about export enforcement cases by the Bureau of Industry and Security, visit their website at the following link.
BIS Publication "Don't Let This Happen to You!"
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Save time and money.
If your product is not classified properly for importation, you may be paying a higher duty rate than necessary. On the other hand, you may be paying a duty rate which is lower than legally required. In the event of an audit by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you may be financially penalized and placed under additional scrutiny for past and future transactions. Your shipments may be delayed, possibly incurring storage fees while the discrepanices are resolved.
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Provide timely and knowledgeable responses...
....to inquiries from licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies, customers, and suppliers.
Supplying proper classification information streamlines the importing and exporting documentation processes not only for you, but also for your business partners who may be importing or exporting your product.
Consider implementing a great time-saving option....upload your products' classifications to your website!
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Reduce freight costs.
An often unexpected benefit of a robust trade compliance program is a reduction in freight expenses.
Why is this?
Quite simply...because companies that pay more attention to the overall process are able to predict their costs and to make well-informed transactional decisions in a more methodical manner. You will know your import duties before you quote a product. You will know if you need an export license and can plan accordingly before you schedule shipment of your product. You can avoid unnecessary expenses for expedited shipping.
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Peace of mind
You can be confident that your organization has taken the reasonable care necessary to legally transact its business around the globe and can focus your energy on growing your business.