System Questions
Direct-Filing FAQ's
Terms and Definitions
What are the major benefits of an importer filing his own entries?
Direct-filing gives an importer greater control over the import process, his supply
chain (which can result in lower costs), more consistent compliance, less risk of
non-compliance and a lower cost per entry.
Formal entries (type “01”) and informal entries (type “02”) for both air and ocean
shipments, may be filed using the Remote Location Filing (RLF) / Automated Invoice
Interface (AII) program.
There are no long-term contracts to sign. There is a $1,000 non-refundable set-up
fee required. As long as you apply for a continuous bond when you sign up for TRGDirect,
you may transfer your continuous bond to Trade Risk Guaranty upon renewal so no
bond premium is forfeited.
TRG Direct is accessible to small and medium sized importers because it does not
require a large investment in software or hardware. TRG Direct is more than importer
direct-filing of customs entries. The TRG Direct program includes the support of
a nationally licensed customs broker, TBI Brokers, Inc. on an as-needed basis. The
direct-filer gets the benefit of lower entry costs without giving up access
to a licensed customs broker.
Typically, the entire process takes between 6-8 weeks.
- Assignment of a Filer Code from CBP.
- Submission of an ABI Letter of Intent.
- Assignment of an ABI Representative.
- Complete a simple “ABI Test” from CBP.
- Pay duties and taxes via “ACH”, or ACE “Periodic Monthly Statement” (PMS).
- Electronic transmission of commercial invoices to CBP.
- Approval by CBP to file entries via RLF.
CBP requires that all filers transmit certain test entry data (as specified by CBP)
in order to ensure that the ABI system can handle any special entry requirement.
In addition, the importer is required to transmit five electronic invoices in test
mode. Once these “tests” are completed, the filer is ABI approved.
No. In fact the TRG Direct direct-filing service is designed to serve as an “add
on” service. Direct-filing is intended to allow importers to reduce costs of routine
entries and provide improved compliance and greater control for importers.
Direct-filing is also a way for an importer to manage the less complicated import
transactions but use the professional knowledge and experience of a licensed CHB
when appropriate.
- Call us to schedule an on-line demo of the system.
- Register for a free membership in Trade Bridge International.
- Get a continuous bond with Trade Risk Guaranty.
- TRG Direct will assist you in submitting the required documentation to CBP to gain
approval for direct-filing.
- TRG Direct will conduct complete training on the ABI system.
The TRG Direct direct-filing program is a cooperative effort with Trade Bridge International,
a virtual online community of SME importers and exporters. TRG Direct develops mission-appropriate
services and products based on the needs of Trade Bridge International members.
See
www.TradeBridgeInternational.com
.
A continuous bond is a financial guarantee from a qualified US surety company with
CBP to ensure that all deferred duties or taxes are paid. All US importers must
maintain a continuous bond or deposit a single entry bond.
We assist you through the entire set-up and training process:
Evaluate whether direct-filing is appropriate for your needs.
Assist with submission of the required documentation to CBP.
Provide training on the ABI system.
Assist with answering CBP’s ABI test questions.
Yes, you will need to grant TBI Brokers (TBIB) a customs POA.
Direct-filers pay all CBP duties, taxes and fees, via ACH (Automated Clearing House)
or PMS (Periodic Monthly Statement).
No, although we highly recommend that each entry filed with CBP, whether “direct-filed”
or filed by your customs broker are reviewed for accuracy. This is consistent with
performing your importer responsibilities to undertake reasonable care in the preparation,
filing and processing of all CBP documents.
At any time, commercial documents can be turned over to a licensed customs broker
for clearance purposes. CBP does not require an importer to direct-file any or all
entries even after a filer code has been assigned. TRG Direct does not require that
a direct-filer process all their entries using the TRG Direct system nor that a
direct-filer use the system for a minimum length of time. There are no penalties
or costs to stop direct-filng however the $1,000 set-up fee is no-nrefundable.
It is CBP’s objective to include all entries in the future. However, at present,
those with an entry type other than 01 (formal - value over $2000) or 11 (informal
– value under $2000) may not be direct-filed. That means any entry involving quota,
anti-dumping (ADD), countervailing duty (CVD) or warehouse entries & withdrawls
are excluded. In addition, border entries at Mexico and Canada should not be direct-filed.
Am I able to direct-file Canada & Mexico border entries?
Technically, you can file formal (01) and informal (11) entries at either border.
However, we do discourage it because of the speed and timing of the transactions
as well as the relatively low price already charged by border brokers. Please
note that Canada is easier because Canadian trucks are allowed into the US, but
shipments from MX must have a MX broker on the other side and it typically involves
a lot of coordination with the MX broker and the transferring of the shipment to
a US truck.
FDA data can be entered into the ABI system as for CBP data. FDA data transmits
to CBP first, then is passed to the FDA system. Entries with items requiring FDA
clearance cannot be transmitted to CBP without FDA data included.
If you are filing your entry with CBP prior to the required time limits set by FDA
for Prior Notice, then the data required by FDA for clearance is also sent as the
data required for Prior Notice. If you are not able to file the CBP entry within
the Prior Notice time frame, then an entry can be created that only transmits the
Prior Notice data elements required. The entry can be transmitted to CBP and FDA
for clearance purposes at a later time.
TRG Direct is a service of TBI Brokers (TBIB), a licensed customs broker. TBIB can
either answer questions and assist you with the completion of your direct-filed
entry, or clear the entry as would any licensed CHB, on your behalf.
If the carrier or warehouse uses CBP’s Automated Manifest System (AMS), as most
do, they will be able to see the clearance and release information electronically.
In this case, only a delivery order will need to be prepared and delivered to the
trucker. If the carrier or warehouse is not AMS, a fax of the clearance and a delivery
order would be necessary.
You will be notified by either an ABI electronic message, or by phone or fax, depending
on the type of exam and the agency involved. Additional steps to be taken are outlined
in our manual.
It is the same as for all CBP records: 5 years from the date of entry. You must
retain them and be able to produce them in a reasonable time frame upon demand by
CBP. This is a requirement of all importers, regardless of whether or not they direct-file.
You must always be aware of Partnering Government Agency (PGA) requirements such
as FDA. At the time you classify your product for CBP purposes you should determine
if any PGA requirement apply, and if so, which agency.
TRG Direct clients log in to TRG Direct and access CBP's Automated Broker Interface
software from their existing computers via the Internet. A secured link to CBP's
Automated Broker Interface (ABI) is provided by TRG Direct. Verisign® technology
and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security are implemented to ensure secure transport
of information. VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology ensures secured transport
of information from TRG Direct to CBP. Importers can direct-file, without
investing in new hardware or software, from anywhere there is a computer and an
Internet connection.
Fault tolerant storage systems and clustered server arrangements are used to store
and back-up the data. This configuration assures a high level of data availability.
A secured data center and frequent tape back-up processes further enhance availability
and recovery capability. Database replication processes and encrypted off-site data
storage add an extra level of security, availability, and recovery capability.
Importers will be given a list of all possible ABI results by TRG Direct including
the meaning of the electronic result, as well as “Next Action Steps” for the importer,
depending upon the result.
TRG Direct stores a copy of the 7501 information for your use and review. Upon log
in, you can print the information for your records. While the electronic information
is available for your use, Customs requires that each importer maintain a local
copy of their entry information. Requests for historical records of imports from
TRG Direct can be accomodated with adequate advance notice.
TRG Direct has a parts table which is used to add, update and maintain detailed
information about the part, such as the country of origin, manufacturer, tariff
number and description. The table allows part data to be easily pulled into each
entry. The importer’s part information can be uploaded from an excel document by
the importer at any time.
You may choose to set up an account with certain exam sites or other 3rd party vendors,
or to submit payment via an overnight courier, whichever is more efficient for your
needs.
Each SKU will need to be entered separately, since it is possible that an Electronic
Invoice Processing (EIP) will be requested by CBP. However, your part / SKU information
is retained in the system for easy retrieval and data entry.
Direct-filing is the term used when importers file their own entries directly with
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), without the use and expense of a customs broker.
RLF allows a filer to file entries at any U.S. port, not only the port the importer
is located in.
CBP assigns a Filer Code to direct-filing importers that conduct business with CBP.
Each unique filer code has 3 alpha, numeric or alpha-numeric characters. The importer
uses this assigned code as the first three characters of the entry number for all
CBP entries.
The Automated Broker Interface (ABI) is an element of Custom’s Automated Commercial
System (ACS). ABI permits qualified participants to electronically file required
import data with CBP. Entry data is transmitted from the importer to CBP and back
to the importer via ABI.
ACH is an electronic payment option that allows participants to receive refunds,
pay CBP fees, duties, and taxes electronically and a requirement for direct-filing.
CBP's secure data portal designed to enhance national border security and facilitate
lawful trade.
Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) is a Custom's program for duty payment. Instead
of a transaction-by-transaction payment process, PMS offers an interest-free periodic
monthly statement process. Importers or brokers pay for all shipments released during
the previous calendar month by the 15th working day of the following month. This
benefit is offered to ACE participants.
Electronic Invoice Processing (EIP) is the ability to transmit your commercial invoice
data electronically to CBP via ABI. It is a requirement(s) for direct-filing.