Compliant, Experienced, Specialized, and Value Driven
International Custom Services, Inc. offers a wide range of services to improve your trade compliance operations. Global trade compliance is a multi-faceted component of business that is necessary in every company’s daily operations. Whether your company is larger and needs a sophisticated trade compliance management system or a scaled down version, we have you covered! Our work is based on your needs as they change and grow.
Below, find a list of our services and what we can do for you:
Supplier Solicitation and Data Management
What is it and why do you need it?
Supplier Solicitation is a major function in nearly all areas of trade compliance. It is time-consuming as well as frustrating chasing suppliers of our purchased goods. They are often unsure and slow in providing accurate information.
The information in a Solicitation is the basis for numerous trade activities, including FTA/COOs, Buy American Act, ECCN certificates and Manufacturer’s Affidavits of Origin. Solicitation information is the back-up for FTA claims.
We ensure smooth processing for your goods and documents through consistent monitoring.
Classification
What is it and why do you need it?
Expertise in HTS Classification is a knowledge-based skill acquired through years of experience and training. Incorrect HTS classification is a red flag to Customs and may delay clearance of goods resulting in potential short or long term storage fees.
Customs commonly issues CF 28s (requests for information) to verify HTS Classifications. Potential regulatory infractions, additional duties, taxes, and interest may result. Incorrect Schedule B export classification can result in fines, penalties, or legal actions that may affect your export privileges.
What do we do for you?
Brokers at International Customs Services, Inc. have earned the industry respected credentials of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Customs Broker Exam is a rigorous professional exam to assure importers and exporters excellence and reliability in their broker’s performance. Ongoing education keeps us current with changes in HTS/Schedule B classifications and regulations.
Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) and Certificates of Origin
What is it and why do you need it?
It’s a reality— most companies have difficulty applying FTA rules of origin and determining eligibility for their products. ICS has been evaluating and documenting FTA eligibility for over two decades, saving clients many thousands of dollars in potential duties and taxes.
A Certificate of Origin attests that the goods originate in Country X and that the producer/supplier can substantiate production and accounting documentation. Certificates must be made available to Customs authorities upon request.
Manufactured goods: ICS conducts analysis of the bill of materials for your finished goods.
Purchased goods: Automated ICS Solicitation Services streamline the process of acquiring accurate origin and FTA certification from your suppliers. ICS has the expertise to quickly identify your FTA qualified goods which can result in savings to your customers and help open up new markets.
Duty Drawback
What is it and why do you need it?
Drawback is the refund of certain duties, internal revenue taxes and fees collected upon importation to the U.S. It is only allowed when the goods are re-exported or destroyed under U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervision in a defined time frame. Read More
There are three categories of drawback: manufactured, unused merchandise, and rejected merchandise. Each varies in calculations and other factors, and each has important record-keeping requirements.
What do we do for you?
Verifying qualifying goods, calculating eligible drawback value, and seamless record-keeping is specialized knowledge and skill gained by experience. Let our experience work for you. We may save you hundreds or thousands of dollars through claiming applicable duty drawbacks. It takes time, focus, and know-how. We have that!
Classification: Is your item classified properly so you accurately calculate your duties and taxes?
Logistics: Do you have global trade management processes in place to understand the cost of changing suppliers or modes of transportation?
Incoterms: These trade terms are complex and confusing to many exporters/importers and may impact cost.
Filtering: A global trade management program will identify visible and less visible expenses to provide a clear picture of true landed cost.
What do we do for you?
Our Team works with your logistics team to accurately determine the final costs of any transportation move with consideration of the above.
Valuation
What is it and why do you need it?
Customs requires correct valuation as duties, taxes, and fees are calculated against your declared value (ad valorem- a percentage of the value). A dispute with Customs may slow the movement of your goods, risking customer/vendor relationships. Likewise, U. S. Exporters should take care to provide their foreign customers the correct information to allow correct valuation on the import side as well.
Our experience handling Customs questions and determining the correct valuation means your time is saved, and worry disappears.
We ask questions like:
What is the basis of the appraisement of your goods? Are you using the transaction, computed, deductive, or another method of valuation?
Are you considering the additions and deductions to the value of your goods that Customs requires when making importation into the United States? (Assists, transportation charges, royalties, commissions, etc.)
Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
What is it and why do you need it?
U.S.exports (and controlled U.S. goods exported from other countries) are subject to the EAR. Administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Regulations are available at www.bis.doc.gov Goods subject to the EAR will have either a specific ECCN or be designated EAR99. Read More
The EAR determines if and to which countries and customers your goods can be sold and shipped. Depending on several factors even an EAR99 item may require an export license. Inventory systems should have a field that lists the “prohibited” countries or “subject to license” and export documentation must show classifications and license numbers.
What do we do for you?
Knowledgeable using the EAR and experienced in a range of industries and products, ICS determines how your products are regulated by the EAR. ICS has years of experience working with the U. S. government on behalf of exporters and their products to get an export license. Our efficiency saves you time to do more business.
Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
What is it and why do you need it?
U.S. exports and controlled U.S. goods exported from other countries are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Exporters must refer to the EAR’s CCL (Commodity Control List) to determine the ECCN for each product and applicable licensing. Read More
There are several reasons exports may require an export license. Accurate ECCN classification is required to make these determinations. Products that are not listed in the EAR are classified under EAR99 and do not require an export license to most destinations.
What do we do for you?
We have many years of experience determining ECCNs and applying data and information into inventory management systems. Our technical skills interfacing databases and ERPs assure that everything you need for compliance documentation is correctly recorded and securely stored in your ERP. You know your products, we know the regulations. Working together, ICS saves our clients hours and hours of research, labor, and the inefficiency of recurring errors.
Buy American Act (BAA) & Buy America (BABA)
What is it and why do you need it?
Selling to the U.S. government is good business if you can grasp and efficiently follow all the rules and procedures. BAA and BABA may require the U.S. government to prefer U.S.- made products in its purchases. In certain government contracts this may be waived based on certain criteria. Many manufacturers would like to use the BAA and BABA but find it too cumbersome. Following the qualification rules and regulations and complying with supplier documentation is a complex project.
Solicitation of your suppliers, a critical step in many components of trade documentation, lays the groundwork for the BAA and BABA. Our Solicitation Service acquires and organizes the needed information in a timely and efficient manner that is properly documented and stored. The result is a new opportunity, using BAA and BABA, for revenue and growth.
Export-Import Bank (EXIM) – U.S. Content Documentation
What is it and why do you need it?
EXIM Bank provides specialized financing so that exporters can extend more competitive terms to foreign buyers and therefore have a better chance of competing against non-U.S. global suppliers, many of which are subsidized by their governments. The scope of EXIM support is based on several factors including the value of U.S. and non-U.S. content (goods and services). Numerous content statements and certifications must be completed and filed.
EXIM programs require an expert’s understanding of the policies and regulations which determine eligible U.S. content. We have extensive experience leading in-house teams from a company’s various departments that are involved in an EXIM qualification process. We manage the process while helping you manage the information, time and effort. With EXIM funding, exporters can maximize their market opportunities. It’s worth the effort with our help!
Our 20+ years of expertise is applied directly to a working partnership with you and your compliance operations. The result is a dynamic Trade Compliance Program you can use every day. With tiered pricing options, choose which partnership (manage, be managed) works best for you: monthly subscription; hourly fee; hybrid. The result is compliance work that is manageable and reliable. With this subscription we train you in all aspects of trade compliance listed above one on one.
ICS Cloud Storage – U.S. Based
What is it and why do you need it?
Our cloud storage means fast access 24/7, worry-free upkeep, instant access to all your part numbers (manufactured and purchased), and the capability to merge all stored data into your documentation. Reliable U.S. based cloud storage and maintenance by ICS assures your data integrity is secured using the highest level industry standards.
ERP Compatible
What is it and why do you need it?
At its core, ICSCompliance® is designed to function seamlessly with any ERP system, large or small, for one site or numerous plant locations.
With years of development, customization and client input, we have designed a trade compliance system we firmly believe will satisfy the full range of your compliance needs and functions- perhaps even exceed your expectations. The result will be confidence in your compliance program and elimination of stress for you and your staff. Let us earn your trust with our integrity and expertise as a partner in the complex world of global trade compliance.
