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Customs Coming Back Around on Compliance Audits

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Customs Coming Back Around on Compliance Audits

STR Trade,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

The “gotcha” approach to US customs audits is staging a comeback, and importers need to be ready.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

US customs’ auditing practices have evolved over time. But these methods may now revert to the traditional “gotcha” style that prevailed before 1993’s attempts to streamline the process. Businesses need to prepare for this about-face. Audit consultant Daryl Moore provides concise instructions on dealing with this new environment. getAbstract recommends his practical introduction and advice to executives involved in foreign trade.

Summary

Before 1993, US customs used a “gotcha” approach to identify firms guilty of evading import tariffs: It relied on field officials and snitches to notify them of transgressors. However, the Customs Modernization Act of 1993 obligated customs and importers to share the burden of compliance; while customs agreed to teach importers about compliance, importers consented to “exercise reasonable care in conducting import transactions and to maintain adequate records to support their decisions.” Customs performed “compliance assessment audits” to detect any indiscretions and fined importers in breach of regulations. It also categorized importers...

About the Author

Daryl Moore is director of customs audits and compliance at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, the world’s largest customs and international trade services provider.


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