I Passed the Exam! What Happens Next?

Each Friday, the Wizard joins us to share an answer to one of the questions asked during the week.

Question
I received notice that I passed the exam. What happens next?

After passing the exam, an application (CBP 3124) must be filed at the port where you want to transact customs business. The application must be accompanied by a $200 application fee, plus a fingerprint check and processing fee. The application must be filed within 3 years after passing the exam.

In addition to the initial fees, brokers are required to pay a yearly fee for each permit and provide a status report every three years. The list of fees brokers are required to pay is found in 19 CFR §111.96.

Each broker license applicant must undergo a background investigation that includes a fingerprint analysis and a review of character references, credit reports, and any arrest record. A CBP officer will contact you to set up a time to discuss your application. Arrests or convictions do not necessarily preclude the issuance of a license. It is better to tell the truth when asked because lying does not demonstrate the integrity and character required to obtain a license. The length of time it takes to complete the license application process can vary depending on multiple factors. Some of the factors include but are not limited to the number of different locations where the applicant has lived , the workload of the agent conducting the background investigation and the national security threat level. Do not get too discouraged because an application can take from 8 to 12 months to process. Try to relax and be happy that you have passed the exam!

Do you have a question for the Wizard? Submit your question by clicking on the link in the space for “Ask the Wizard.” See you next Friday!

Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Outlines Export Priorities

The TPCC is an interagency task force that ensures the coordination and development of a government-wide export promotion plan and is made up of 20 government agencies. According to a press release from the Department of Commerce and information on the International Trade Administration’s web site, the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee “TPCC” convened on October 23 to focus on measures designed to create jobs for Americans and stimulate U.S. exports. The TPCC members agreed to launch the following six working groups to help accomplish these goals.

1. Analysis and Data
The group will develop a better understanding of the relationship of jobs and exports and of the export potential of U.S. industry.

2. Small Business
The focus of this group is increasing the participation of small and medium-size businesses in exporting.

3. Emerging Markets
This group will be focused on developing outreach, major projects and trade missions to China, India and Brazil.

4. Developing Markets
This group will identify and coordinate efforts in other developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America that could benefit from market development assistance.

5. Clean Energy
The focus of this group will be on clean energy technology and services to create opportunities for U.S. companies to become leaders in this field.

6. Advocacy
This group will address issues like foreign competitive practices and provide increased advocacy abroad for U.S. companies competing for major infrastructure projects.

How the Flu Affects Business

We have all heard the warnings to take extra precautions to avoid getting the flu this year. Wash your hands. Get the flu shot. Flu season is just getting underway and already we have record setting cases of the flu reported. Is this the year that the U.S. will see a serious influenza pandemic that has the potential of crippling the workforce? People have struggled through the economy trying to hold on to their homes and jobs and now the flu threatens to keep them off work for a week or more. Make no mistake; the flu can keep a person sidelined for a long miserable week. Even then, it may take a few more days for them to recover their strength and get back to normal.

What are the options if employers do not want sick employees to come to work and risk infection to others and why are we writing about it on an international trade blog?

To provide opportunities that are more flexible for employees to remain productive while protecting the actual workplace, more employers are offering telecommuting options to employees. For example, a mother caring for a young child with the flu could work from home. This solution works well for everyone. The employee/mother can stay at home to take care of the child and continue to be productive. The employer is able to operate efficiently without worries of more employees becoming infected. Sounds like a great plan, right? Yes, telecommuting is a solution that benefits all parties; however, we must also plan for things that could disrupt our perfect solution. In an article on Homeland Security Today, Anthony Kimery explains that the increased number of telecommuters could create congestion on the Internet, thus slowing communications. Internet providers are not equipped to handle the heavy traffic on residential lines, which could hinder the work performed by telecommuters. Kimery points out that the Department of Homeland Security has not developed a strategy to deal with the potential internet congestion that could delay essential communications. Hopefully, DHS, Internet providers, employers and the public will develop a plan that will make telecommuting a viable option without disrupting communication systems. In the meantime, the Wizard reminds you to drink orange juice, take your vitamins, get plenty of sleep, practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with sick people.

Trade Terms Tuesday

Welcome to Trade Terms Tuesday! Each Tuesday, we will share three trade-related terms. In order to reach out to our diverse readership, we will try to provide one for exports, one for imports and one for logistics/transportation. This week, we continue with the B’s.

Break bulk Cargo
Break bulk cargo consists of goods that are shipped and not containerized, such as vehicles and large machinery.

Binding Ruling
A binding ruling is a written decision by CBP in response to a written request for a ruling by an importer or other party pertaining to classification, valuation or marking of merchandise.

Back-To-Back Letter of Credit
A back-to-back credit is created when an exporter holding an irrevocable Letter of Credit persuades the buyer's bank (the advising bank) to open a second credit in favor of the merchandise supplier. The two credits finance the same shipment and are identical in all respects, except that the supplier becomes the Beneficiary of the back-to-back credit. Also, the amount of the second credit is less than the original export credit to make up for the import agent's commission. Banks are reluctant to issue these letters of credit because of the increased risk with multiple parties.

Section XII of the HTSUS

Thank you for joining us for our series on classification. Last Monday, we explored the textile articles contained in Section XI of the HTSUS. Today, we will study the various commodities covered in Section XII of the HTSUS. Having a good general knowledge of the products covered in each section and chapter will expedite the classification process and improve accuracy of your classifications.

Answer to Section XI Question

Classify a pair of infant’s 100% cotton woven ski mittens, which will be worn by a child whose body height is 68 cms.

Correct Answer: 6209.20.5050More Information: Chapter 61 Note 6(a) & (b)/ Chapter 62 Note 4(a) & (b)

Section XII covers Chapters 64 - 67 containing footwear, headgear, umbrellas and artificial flowers. There are no Section Notes; however, there are a few Informed Compliance Publications related to footwear and headgear.

Chapter 64 covers footwear such as ski boots, work boots, sandals, slippers, sports shoes and disposable footwear. Pay special attention to Chapter Note 2 that defines which parts are classified under the parts provision. Parts do not include pegs, protectors, eyelets, hooks, buckles, ornaments, braids or laces. Footwear products require the submission of the CBP 5523, Footwear Details Invoice. Subheading Note 1 defines sports footwear. Statistical Note 1 defines the requirements for work footwear.

Chapter 65 covers woven or knitted hats, helmets, headbands and visors. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the DOT and CPSC. Review the Chapter Notes for a list of items that are excluded from classification in this chapter. Bicycle helmets must comply with CPSC standards; however, motor vehicle helmets require the submission of the HS-7 form.

Chapter 66 includes sun, garden and rain umbrellas and walking sticks. There are no prohibitions on the importation of products from this chapter, and no special licenses or permits are needed.

Chapter 67 covers feathers, down and articles of the foregoing, artificial flowers, plastic fruit and wigs. Products of this chapter may be subject to the regulations of FWS, USDA, DOC and CPSC. Articles subject to FWS review will require special documentation and clearance at a specially designated FWS port. Feathers and skins from some birds are strictly prohibited.

Question
What is the classification of a woven hat, does not contain braid and is 55% nylon, 45% wool?

Join us next week for the answer to this week’s classification question and a discussion of Section XIII of the HTSUS. If there are any specific commodities or sections of the HTSUS that you would like to see discussed in this series, please feel free to post a comment or send your suggestions to wizard@boskage.com

Ask the Wizard: MSDS Documentation Requirements

Each Friday, the Wizard joins us to share an answer to one of the questions asked during the week.

Question:
Does U.S. Customs require you that you file the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) on shipments that require statement of use and TSCA?

This is an excellent question. While the CBP Regulations do not specifically mandate submission of the MSDS form by name, there are other avenues CBP can use to request it. One way is by the use of the CBP 28, Request for Information. The CBP 28 is used as an informal method for CBP to request and review import records.

Under OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors must provide material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals they are supplying to other distributors and employers. According to 29 CFR 1910.1200(c), an importer is defined as the first business with employees within the Customs Territory of the United States which receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries for the purpose of supplying them to distributors or employers within the United States

According to 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(6), chemical manufacturers or importers must:

· Ensure distributors and employers are provided with an MSDS with their initial shipment of a hazardous chemical, and with the first shipment after an MSDS is updated.

· Provide MSDSs with the shipped containers or send them to the distributor or employer prior to or at the time of the shipment.

· If the MSDS is not provided with a shipment that has been labeled as a hazardous chemical, the distributor or employer must obtain an MSDS from the chemical manufacturer or importer as soon as possible.

· Provide distributors or employers with an MSDS upon request.

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(7) requires that:

· Distributors ensure that MSDSs and updated information are provided to other distributors and employers with their initial shipment of a hazardous chemical and with the first shipment after an MSDS is updated.

· Distributors either provide MSDSs with the shipped containers or send the MSDSs to the other distributor or employer prior to the shipment.

· Retail distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers having a commercial account must provide an MSDS to such employers upon request and must post a sign or otherwise inform them that an MSDS is available. (Note: A commercial account is demonstrated by a retail distributor selling hazardous chemicals to an employer, generally in large quantities over time and/or at costs that are below the regular retail price.)

· Wholesale distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers over-the-counter provide MSDSs upon the request of the employer at the time of the over-the-counter purchase, and must post a sign or otherwise inform these employers that an MSDS is available upon request.

· If an employer without a commercial account purchases a hazardous chemical from a retail distributor not required to have MSDSs on file (i.e., the retail distributor does not have commercial accounts and does not use the materials), then the retail distributor must provide the employer, upon request, the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor from which an MSDS can be obtained.

· Wholesale distributors must also provide MSDSs to employers or other distributors upon request.

To bolster compliance in classification and ensure the form is readily available, it would be considered a good practice to request and maintain the MSDS information. While you do not need to physically maintain this information in your department, you should be able to access it easily. A good place to start would be with the purchase order and classification. When an order is placed for a product subject to the MSDS requirement, the import compliance group has an opportunity to obtain the information at that time and classify the goods accordingly. Even if your department does not maintain the MSDS sheets, you can notate the location of the form and other identifiers with the classification information maintained by your department. Additionally, having the document readily available for submission to CBP will help expedite the release of your shipment in the event CBP wants to review the documents.

We look forward to hearing about our reader’s experiences with this topic!

Environmental Resource Center

MSDS FAQ

OSHA


Do you have a question for the Wizard? Submit your question by clicking on the link in the space for “Ask the Wizard.” See you next Friday!

CBP Trade Symposium Webcast!

Great news for the trade community! This year CBP is offering participation in the annual trade symposium via live webcast. Participants will be able to view and interact online. Additionally, those who attend the live sessions or purchase the live webcast will receive a 30-day on-demand free access to view the general sessions and all eight breakout sessions. Only three breakout sessions will be shown during the live webcast. Now the really great news! The cost for the webcast is only $35. With travel and conference budgets slashed to almost nothing, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone to attend a fantastic information-packed event. Registration for participation via the Webcast is targeted to open in early November. The Wizard plans to attend by Webcast!

Trade Terms Tuesday

Welcome to Trade Terms Tuesday! Each Tuesday, we will share three trade-related terms. In order to reach out to our diverse readership, we will try to provide one for exports, one for imports and one for logistics/transportation. Since we completed the alphabet last week, we will start over with the A’s this week.

Arrival Notice
Issued by the carrier, NVOCC, or other agent, this notice advises the consignee to the projected arrival or actual arrival of cargo.

Antidumping Duty, Dumping
Dumping is the sale of a commodity in a foreign market at less-than-fair value. Dumping is generally recognized as an unfair practice because the practice can disrupt markets and injure producers of competitive products in an importing country. The WTO permits imposition of antidumping duties equal to the difference between the price in the importing country and the normal value of the product in the exporting country. A penalizing tariff is imposed to discourage sale of foreign goods at less than a fair market price, which would be detrimental to local manufacturers.

Antiboycott
The antiboycott laws were adopted to encourage, and in specified cases, require U.S. firms to refuse to participate in foreign boycotts that the United States does not sanction. They try to prevent U.S. firms from being used to implement foreign policies of other nations which do not agree with U.S. policy. The antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) apply to the activities of individuals, corporations and unincorporated associations resident in the United States and certain other entities.

Conduct that may be penalized under the TRA and/or prohibited under the EAR includes:

• Agreements to refuse or actual refusal to do business with or in Israel or with blacklisted companies.


• Agreements to discriminate or actual discrimination against other persons based on race, religion, sex, national origin or nationality.


• Agreements to furnish or actual furnishing of information about business relationships with or in Israel or with blacklisted companies.


• Agreements to furnish or actual furnishing of information about the race, religion, sex or national origin of another person.


• Implementing letters of credit containing prohibited boycott terms or conditions.

The TRA does not "prohibit" conduct but denies tax benefits ("penalizes") for certain types of boycott-related agreements.

Section XI of the HTSUS

Thank you for joining us for our series on classification. Last Monday, we explored the articles contained in Section X of the HTSUS. Today, we will study the various commodities covered in Section XI of the HTSUS. Having a good general knowledge of the products covered in each section and chapter will expedite the classification process and improve accuracy of your classifications.

Answer to Section X Question
4819.20.0040
NY F83287

Section XI covers Chapters 50 through 63 consisting of textiles in raw form to manufactured articles. The classification of textiles can be quite difficult. Importers working in the textile field and brokers processing entries for importers specializing in textiles should spend extra time working in this part. The Section Notes are very important as they provide a long list of what is not included in this section. The Statistical Notes provide definitions of "subject to cotton, wool and man-made fiber restraints." CBP also publishes several specialized Informed Compliance Publications related to textiles.

Chapter 50 covers silk such as raw silk, silk yarns and fabrics woven of silk. Products of this chapter and most of the other chapters in this section must comply with the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA) regulations.


Chapter 51 covers uncombed wool, wool or animal hair yarns and woven fabrics of wool or animal hair. Animal hair includes the hair of alpaca, llama, camel, yak, goat, rabbit, beaver, muskrat and horse. The Chapter Notes define "wool, fine animal hair and coarse animal hair."

Chapter 52 covers the importation of unprocessed cotton, cotton waste, cotton sewing thread and cotton fabrics. The Chapter Notes provide a definition of denim and the procedure for calculating "average yarn number." The Statistical Notes define the various types of cotton fabrics such as poplin, broadcloth, print cloth, oxford cloth and duck. Finishing operations include bleaching, shrinking, filling, napping, permanent stiffening, weighting, permanent embossing or moireing.

Chapter 53 pertains to raw flax, hemp, jute, sisal, coconut, ramie and other vegetable textile fiber yarns and fabrics. The Chapter Notes provide definitions of various types of fabrics and the formula for calculating "average yarn number."

Chapter 54 pertains to synthetic sewing threads such as nylon or polyester, synthetic and artificial filament yarns and woven fabrics. The Chapter Notes provide a detailed explanation about man-made fibers and the difference between artificial and synthetic fibers.

Chapter 55 covers synthetic and artificial staple fibers, whether or not processed, sewing thread, yarn and woven fabric. The Statistical Notes provide definitions of various types of fabric.

Chapter 56 covers felt, non-woven fabrics, textile covered rubber, twine, ropes, cables and netting. Wadding materials used for sanitary purposes, such as diapers, are subject to FDA regulation.

Chapter 57 covers hand-woven and machine-woven textile floor coverings. The textile materials must be exposed on the surface when the item is in use.

Chapter 58 covers terry cloth, net fabric, lace, needlework, tapestries, labels, tassels and other ornamental trimmings.

Chapter 59 covers impregnated, coated or laminated fabrics such as linoleum, wall coverings, transmission belts and other industrial type products. The Chapter Notes provide exclusions to various headings. The same labeling requirements found in the previous textile chapters also apply to articles in this chapter.

Chapter 60 covers knitted or crocheted fabrics. Care must be taken to distinguish knitted fabrics from woven fabrics. The same labeling requirements found in the previous textile chapters also apply to articles in this chapter.

Chapter 61 covers knitted articles of apparel. Care must be taken to distinguish knitted apparel from woven apparel. Pay close attention to the definition of "babies" clothing in Note 6. Chapters 61 and 62 contain articles that may be suits or ensembles; therefore, the notes provide information to help distinguish the difference between suits and ensembles.

Chapter 62 covers the importation of woven garments for adults and children such as coats, shirts, sweaters, hosiery, mittens and other articles of clothing. Chapter Note 4(a) provides a definition of babies clothing.

Chapter 63 consists of miscellaneous textile articles such as blankets, bed, table, bath and kitchen linen, curtains, blinds, tents, lifejackets and worn articles of clothing. The Chapter Notes provide the requirements for goods to be classified as "worn clothing and textiles."

Classify a pair of infant’s 100% cotton woven ski mittens that will be worn by a child whose body height is 68 cms.

Join us next week for the answer to this week’s classification question and a discussion of Section XII of the HTSUS. If there are any specific commodities or sections of the HTSUS that you would like to see discussed in this series, please feel free to post a comment or send your suggestions to wizard@boskage.com

DDTC Posts Important Updates

Starting October 19, 2009, the DDTC will allow all U.S. applicants to submit Technical Assistance and Manufacturing License Agreements electronically via the D-Trade 2 application. Before getting too excited, the DTC strongly encourages the trade to review the new Guidelines for Preparing Electronic Agreements prior to submitting and electronic agreement. The requirements are complex and a thorough understanding is important to reduce the chances of rejection. Both paper and electronic submissions of agreement proposals will continue to be accepted; however, DDTC anticipates making the submission of electronic agreement applications mandatory for all applicants by Fall 2010.

In addition to this news, the DDTC posted information related to Licensing of Foreign Persons Employed by a U.S. Person and changes to DSP Amendments. Effective immediately, the DDTC will no longer process DSP amendments for value or quantity changes and a replacement license must be obtained

Will The Informal Entry Amount Be Increased?

S.1631 - Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009 is packed full of interesting information such as the requirement for additional C-TPAT benefits, creation of a new Customs Facilitation Partnership Program and a variety of miscellaneous provisions. If not reading carefully, one might skip over the very last provision which proposes an increase in the de minimis value under 19 U.S.C 1321(a) as well as the informal entry fee. Sec 311 of the bill proposes an increase from $200 to $500 for goods imported by one person on one day under 19 U.S.C. 1321. Additionally, it permits CBP to allow informal entry for merchandise valued at $2,500 or less, with limited exceptions. This is a nice increase from the current $2,000 limit that has been in place since 1998. You may remember a similar article published on our blog on April 23, Is It Time To Increase Informal Entry Amount? At that time, the newly formed Express Association of America made a request to CBP to increase the current informal entry amount as well as the §321 (de minimis) amount for express couriers. It looks as if some of our elected officials have taken on this challenge and have proposed that these increases be enacted for all trade participants.

Stay tuned for updates on the Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement bill!

Trade Terms Tuesday

Welcome to Trade Terms Tuesday! Each Tuesday, we will share three trade-related terms. In order to reach out to our diverse readership, we will try to provide one for exports, one for imports and one for logistics/transportation. This week, we continue with X, Y and Z.

Zip Code
The zip code is a numerical code, established by the U.S. Postal Service, used for the purpose of routing mail and to identify delivery zones. Some foreign countries have a similar system. Carriers often apply this code in the same manner in the handling of freight and the determination of freight charges.


Zone Restricted Status
Zone-restricted status is for merchandise taken into a FTZ for the sole purpose of exporting it, destroying it, or storing it. If material is granted this status, it cannot be returned to the territory of the United States without FTZ Board approval (which is not frequently given). It is considered as exported material; and once given, the status cannot be abandoned. If merchandise is transferred from a bonded warehouse to a zone, it is given zone-restricted status.


Ok, we really had to dig for something on these last few letters of the alphabet, so if anyone has a good term related to exports for X, Y or Z, please feel free to share it with us. For now, we decided to use the term “you” which is defined in 15 CFR 772.1 - Definitions of terms as used in the Export Administration Regulations.

You

When used in the regulations, “you” is considered to include any person, including a natural person, including a citizen of the United States or any foreign country; any firm; any government, government agency, government department, or government commission; any labor union; any fraternal or social organization; and any other association or organization whether or not organized for profit.

Section X of the HTSUS

Thank you for joining us for our series on classification. Last Monday, we explored the articles contained in Section IX of the HTSUS. Today, we will study the various commodities covered in Section X of the HTSUS. Having a good general knowledge of the products covered in each section and chapter will expedite the classification process and improve the accuracy of your classifications.


Answer to Section IX Question
Correct Answer: 4415.20.8000

Section X covers Chapters 47 through 49 which consist of pulp, paper, articles of paper and printed materials. Most products in this section are not subject to any special requirements; however, there are a few that need additional information on the commercial invoice. See 19 CFR 141.89.

Chapter 47 covers wood pulps and paper scraps. This chapter is narrow in scope and may not be as frequently used as Chapters 48 and 49.

Chapter 48 covers newsprint, household paper articles, notebooks, wall coverings, packaging materials and paper labels. Pay special attention to Chapter Note 2 that lists certain exclusions for products that cannot be classified in Chapter 48. Additionally, the notes also provide definitions necessary to determine the proper classification of merchandise. Pay close attention to Chapter Note 4 - 6, 9 and Statistical Note 1.

Chapter 49 covers the books, brochures, newspapers, music, maps, drawings, greeting cards and other printed material. The Chapter Notes provide definitions useful in determining the classification of products. Products of this chapter must comply with copyright, trademark and counterfeit laws and regulations as well as restrictions on obscene and threatening subject matter. If any printed matter is found to violate copyright, trademark or counterfeit laws, it will be subject to seizure and possible destruction.


Question
Classify a decorative non-corrugated folding paper box used for packaging gifts such as shirts and other articles of clothing.


Join us next week for the answer to this week’s classification question and a discussion of Section XI of the HTSUS. If there are any specific commodities or sections of the HTSUS that you would like to see discussed in this series, please feel free to post a comment or send your suggestions to wizard@boskage.com

October 2009 Customs Broker Exam - ALL Answers

Click here for the complete preliminary answer sheet.

Note: If you were here yesterday and opened the incomplete answer sheet, that file may still be cached in your system. If you still see the incomplete answer sheet, be sure to click your refresh button.

As always, remember that these answers represent our opinion. The official answers will come from Customs and Border Protection in a few weeks and will be posted on their site. In other words, we're probably right but these answers do not guarantee whether or not you've passed; it merely is presented as a helpful tool for broker students who are (quite understandably) eager to have an idea of where they stand.

We invite you to post your answers, explanations and other comments; however, we ask that comments be professional. Remember, we do not have the official answers. You’ll have plenty of time to argue with CBP if you disagree with their answers.

Happy browsing!

October 2009 Customs Broker Exam - PARTIAL Answers

Making the blog answer sheet for the broker's exam is different in a few key ways from taking the test, but none is more key than the fact that we have more than four hours. That means that we can take the time to research as much as we need to in order to get the most accurate (though still unofficial) document possible to all of you. Our first attempt may have some mistakes, but they will be corrected as new updates are posted.

With that said, we're not finished yet -- BUT we do have most of them completed. We've discovered a couple of errors and will correct those tomorrow.

Q10 should be E.
Q 71 should be A.

So here they are.

We'll post the rest in the next 24 hours.

As always, remember that these answers represent our opinion. The official answers will come from Customs and Border Protection in a few weeks and will be posted on their site. In other words, we're probably right but these answers do not guarantee whether or not you've passed; it merely is presented as a helpful tool for broker students who are (quite understandably) eager to have any idea of where they stand.

We invite you to post your answers, explanations and other comments; however, we ask that comments be professional. Remember, we do not have the official answers. You’ll have plenty of time to argue with CBP if you disagree with their answers.

Happy browsing!

Exam Received!

We have a copy of the exam and the Wizard has started to work on it. We hope to have preliminary answers posted by Tuesday afternoon. The Wizard isn't young any more and probably won't be able to pull an "all-nigher" to finish it. Besides, we want the best answers from the Wizard's fresh brain, right?

Enjoy your evening and visit us tomorrow afternoon. We'll also put out a "tweet" when the answers are posted!

Broker Exam Congratulations!

Congratulations to all of you who took the Customs Broker Exam today! Hopefully, you no longer feel any stress are relieved to have the test behind you. Now you have some free time to relax and have some fun!

We hope someone will scan/email or fax a copy of the test as soon as possible this afternoon. As soon as a copy is received, we'll let you know. The Wizard has dedicated the evening to working on the exam and hopes to have preliminary answers posted by Tuesday afternoon. The sooner we get the test, the sooner the preliminary answers can be posted! Go have lunch and relax a little, consider sending us a copy of the exam. Give the exam to someone you know and have them send it to us if you don't have time. You deserve the time off!

Email would be best, but we’ll be happy with a fax too!

Email: wizard@boskage.com
Fax: 269-673-5901

Section IX of the HTSUS

Thank you for joining us for our series on classification. Last Monday, we explored the articles contained in Section VIII of the HTSUS. Today, we will study the various commodities covered in Section IX of the HTSUS. Having a good general knowledge of the products covered in each section and chapter will expedite the classification process and improve accuracy of your classifications.

Answer to Section VIII Question
Correct Answer: 4202.92.9026
See: NY G84507

Section IX covers Chapters 44 through 46 which contain articles of wood, cork, straw and basketwork. Articles covered by these chapters may require approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fish & Wildlife Service and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Chapter 44 includes various forms of wood such as rough, veneer, plywood, particleboard, tableware and miscellaneous wooden articles. Pay attention to the Chapter Notes that exclude products of certain other chapters. There are also notes that provide explanations of types of wood that may be important in properly classifying goods.

Logs, lumber and other unmanufactured wood articles imported into the United States pose a significant hazard of introducing plant pests detrimental to U.S. agriculture. Some wood packaging material is subject to the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) The wood packing material must be marked with the IPPC logo, ISO country code, unique treatment facility number and the method of treatment.

Chapter 45 includes natural raw cork, crushed or granulated cork, cork pieces, stoppers, disks, washers, wall coverings and other articles of cork. This chapter does not include footwear, headgear or toys.

Chapter 46 covers plaited articles, basketwork, wickerwork and articles such as bags and luggage. Plaited material includes straw, willow, bamboo, rushes, reeds, raffia and other vegetable matter. Articles of furniture and footwear are not classified in this chapter. CBP may not allow paper stickers for country of origin marking labels on wicker and baskets if they will not remain affixed to the merchandise. Importers should consult CBP for alternative methods of marking for this type of merchandise.

Question:
Classify a container of wooden pallets being shipped from Japan to the U.S. for use in packaging heavy equipment.

Join us next week for the answer to this week’s classification question and a discussion of Section X of the HTSUS. If there are any specific commodities or sections of the HTSUS that you would like to see discussed in this series, please feel free to post a comment or send your suggestions to wizard@boskage.com

Pack Your Bags: The Customs Broker Exam Checklist

With the exam just a few days away, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack for the exam. You will use most of your resource materials up until the day before the exam, so it’s impossible to pack them in advance of the actual test. However, you can use the practical checklist we’ve created to make sure that you have everything on the list packed in your heavy-duty tote bag, large cardboard box or other container the night before the exam. If you are like most test takers, you may be a little nervous prior to the exam, so you don’t want to run the risk of forgetting something important or being late because you couldn’t find your calculator, pens or other materials. Packing everything on your checklist the night before will help you reduce unnecessary stress so you can relax.

Click HERE to view and print your Customs Brokers License Exam Materials Checklist. You can customize this list to add specific items that you plan take to the exam. No matter what you plan to take, make sure to use the checklist to ensure you have each item packed and ready to go the night before the exam. Remember, electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones are prohibited.

Wanted: Customs Broker Exam Copy - October 5, 2009

Help!!!!!! In order for the Wizard to post “preliminary” answers for the exam, we need a copy of the exam as soon as possible on Monday afternoon. Most of you will be exhausted from the test and the first thing on your mind will be food, a nap or some other celebration. After you take care of those important needs, do we have any volunteers to scan and email the test or fax it Monday? Email would be best, but we’ll be happy with a fax too!

Email: wizard@boskage.com
Fax: 269-673-5901