Consulting Services

• Tariff Classification
• Valuation
• Country of Origin
• Binding Ruling Requests
• Compliance Reviews and Audits
• NAFTA Verification and Compliance
• Specific Product Requirements

Tariff Classification

What is it? Proper tariff classification is required under the Customs Modernization Act as a part of the importer’s obligation to exercise reasonable care.  The classification also determines the duty rate of a product, which affects your bottom line.

Determining the correct tariff classification is complicated and requires thorough knowledge and understanding of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Explanatory Notes, General Rules of Interpretation and various Chapter and Section Notes.   

We can assist you in determining the proper tariff classifications and duty rates of your products, advise of any quotas to which your merchandise may be subject, and keep you informed of changes in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule that may affect your products.
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Valuation

What is it worth? Valuation is governed by Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 152, “Classification and Appraisement of Merchandise.” The proper valuation of your merchandise is required under the Customs Modernization Act as a part of the importer’s obligation to exercise reasonable care.

Determining the correct value for U.S. Customs’ purposes can be difficult.  Proper valuation can be affected by commissions, royalties, assists and proceeds from subsequent re-sale.  Various methods of appraisement include:

• Transaction value
• Transaction value of identical merchandise and similar merchandise
• Deductive value
• Computed value

We can assist you in determining the correct value for Customs’ purposes to help ensure your company is in compliance with U.S. Customs regulations.
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Country of Origin

Where is it from? The proper country of origin of your merchandise affects how your product is marked and whether it may be eligible for preferential tariff treatment under various trade agreements established for goods of certain countries.  

We can assist you in determining the correct country of origin of your products, answer questions about proper marking or help determine product eligibility for multiple trade agreements such as NAFTA. 
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Binding Ruling Requests

A binding ruling is an official written decision advising the importer of the classification of a specific item and is issued by U.S. Customs Office of Regulations and Rulings upon request.    

We can assist you in drafting binding ruling requests, obtaining rulings or appealing unfavorable initial classifications.
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Compliance Reviews and Audits

We offer complete and thorough reviews of your Customs documentation and shipping procedures.

Our compliance experts focus on tariff classification, valuation methods, country of origin determinations and NAFTA eligibility. After learning more about your company and your products, we can make recommendations to streamline the preparation of your import documentation or to improve your shipping practices. 

We can assist in establishing and maintaining a full Customs compliance program for your company, and we offer assistance to importers who are interested in applying for C-TPAT, Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

We are even available to visit your site to conduct a comprehensive audit or review or simply answer questions you may have about U.S. Customs.
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NAFTA Verification and Compliance

Canada is our largest trading partner with over $1.5 billion in goods crossing the border each day. Many Canadian-made goods qualify for duty free treatment under NAFTA. 

We can help you determine if your products qualify as “originating goods,” discuss specific rules of origin that apply to your products and advise how to take advantage of duty free treatment under NAFTA.  Click Here for a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.
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Specific Product Requirements

Your products are not only subject to U.S. Customs regulations, but often fall under the jurisdiction of other U.S. government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission.

We can assist you in determining admissibility requirements for your products that may be subject to these agencies.
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