Trade Compliance: Policy & Procedure Documentation

Trade Compliance: Policy & Procedure Documentation

Trade compliance policies & procedures should be documented, trained, implemented and audited.

Start with a high level policy that describes:

• Introduction and Company Background
  Background
  • Company Information
  • Company Organization
  • Company Trade Compliance Policy
  • Purpose of Trade Compliance Manual
• Compliance expectations
• Roles & responsibilities tied to business processes
• Where to go for help

Then operating procedures for all compliance processes:

For Imports-

• Import Processes  – Ocean Cargo / Air Cargo
  • Customs Entry Process Flow
  • ISF Process Flow
  • Entry File Creation (Forwarder/Broker)
• Recordkeeping
• Classification including responsibility & resources
  • Classification Process
  • General Rules of Interpretation
  • Classification Documentation
• Valuation – Appraisement of Imported Merchandise
  • Value Reconciliation
• COO (Country of Origin) marking
• Post Entry Audits
• Training

The above are just some of the basic procedures and processes — others likely needed. Comprehensive processes could you make you eligible for the Importer Self Assessment Program.Check out an example from the Focused Assessment Program

For Exports-

• Export Processes  – Ocean Cargo / Air Cargo
• Classification – Schedule B or HTSUS
  • Classification Process
  • Classification Documentation
• Export Classification
  • Export  Classification Process – ECCN
    • Is a License required?
    • Is Destination a Embargoed or Sanctioned country?
    • CCL, OFAC, ITAR?
  • Classification Documentation
• Export Screening
  • Destination
  • End-use
  • End-user
  • Export Screening documentation
• Recordkeeping
• Post Export Declaration Review & Audits
• Training

Again, the above are just some of the basic procedures and processes — others likely needed.

Please feel free to contact us here at Superior Freight Services, Inc. if you have any questions: superior@supfrt.com or call us 866.548.7850