On: October 22, 2025 By: John Goodrich
Want to Be a U.S. Customs Broker? Here’s What It Takes
Thinking about becoming a U.S. Customs Broker? Learn about the exam, eligibility and what to expect from someone who's been through it.
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On: August 16, 2023 By: John Goodrich
Import Record-Keeping Compliance: A Checklist Approach
As an importer, you are required to retain records relative to your importing for five years from the date of entry. Use this checklist to teach staff how to audit an import file, and keep it to demonstrate that you have done your audit work and are in compliance.
On: October 12, 2022 By: John Goodrich
Importing Basics: Country of Origin
It's important to know the correct country of origin for your imports into the United States, because U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses that information to determine the proper duty rates to assess and whether preferential trade agreements, trade sanctions or import quotas may apply.
On: November 23, 2020 By: John Goodrich
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule: Beyond the General Rules of Interpretation
Before you can identify the proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for your products for importing and exporting, you need to understand the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). In addition, there are some practical steps you need to follow to improve the classification process.
On: October 26, 2020 By: John Goodrich
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule: General Rules of Interpretation Never Written (But Used Daily)
When determining the proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for your products, it's important to refer to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) for guidance. Unfortunately, some people rely on one or more of these six additional GRIs that aren't part of the official rules.
On: December 16, 2019 By: John Goodrich
The Compliant Organization: Where Does International Trade Compliance Belong?
If your company is serious about international trade compliance, it will want to create a compliance office to oversee and control your organization's import and export activities. But where should that office reside—sales, accounting, shipping, legal, purchasing or supply chain?
On: March 18, 2019 By: John Goodrich
The Three R’s of Export Compliance: FTR, EAR and ITAR
U.S. exports are controlled by more than one set of regulations and more than one agency. It's no wonder exporters can get confused. Just as students must go to school to learn the three academic R’s, exporters also need to be schooled in the three R’s of export compliance: FTR, EAR and ITAR.
On: September 10, 2018 By: John Goodrich
When Classifying Parts Using HTS Codes, Read the Notes!
We all know what a part is, so it comes as a surprise to some that the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) uses the word 'part' with a narrower and precise definition. What we call a part in industry is rarely what the HTS code refers to as a 'part' or 'parts thereof.' You need to know the difference.
On: August 13, 2018 By: John Goodrich
Classifying Your Goods for Import and Export Requires Expertise
Classifying your products for importing and exporting requires expertise in the properties of your products and the government rules of interpretation. Properly classifying your products can save your company a significant amount of money while helping prevent trade compliance violations.
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