The Top Ten Reasons You Should Consider Direct Filing
If you are like most small to medium sized importers today, you have probably
wondered about the benefits
and ease of filing your own entries directly with US
Customs Border Protection (CBP). TRG Direct® is a solution
that emphasizes the
concepts of smart, simple and direct.
Here are the ‘top ten’ reasons why now may be the opportune time for you to
consider filing your own import
entries.
10 – Greater consistency and flexibility
TRG Direct® has a comprehensive parts database that keeps track of every item you
import. This helps
you manage and uniformly apply tariff classification, value,
country of origin, quantity and Free Trade
Agreements. As a result, TRG Direct®
gives your company the flexibility to adapt to new sourcing strategies.
9 – Improved supply chain
velocity
Using TRG Direct® gives you the ability to pre-file your entries with CBP and
actually obtain clearance information up to five (5) full days before the vessel
arrives at its US port of destination. Assuming your consignment isn’t targeted
by CBP for examination, pre-filed and pre-cleared shipments can be moved as soon
as the vessel completes discharging. In some cases you can actually take one or
two full days out of your supply chain transit time resulting in greater
efficiency and cash flow.
8 – Because you’re probably already doing most of the
work
In many cases we’ve found that the majority of US importers are already
providing the essential entry data (such as tariff classification, value and
origin) to their appointed broker. If that’s the case, the remaining data
elements on the CBP entry document are elementary in nature (such as vessel name
and import date).
7 – Improved vendor/supplier interaction
Direct-filing not only gives you greater control, but it puts you in closer
touch with your foreign vendors and suppliers. If a vendor’s documentation falls
short of expectations or is incorrect, the mistakes are generally caught faster
and repaired sooner. Again, this leads to greater consistency and improved
levels of compliance and helps you meet your obligation to exercise reasonable
care.
6 – No one has more product knowledge
No one knows more about your product line, or the material being imported, than
your own employees. If questions arise during the classification or entry
process employees typically have access to specification sheets, schematic
drawings, the merchant or buyer and lots of other detailed information about the
product being imported.
5 –Enhanced visibility
Direct-filing gives your company much greater visibility into the entire supply
chain and entry process and helps your company become more efficient along the
way.
We believe most companies are more concerned about their level of compliance
than they are about saving on entry fees. With that said, there could be a
windfall of savings based on your volumes and what you are currently paying a
broker today for processing your entries. These reduced expenses make your
company more competitive by lowering your overall landed cost and adding to your
bottom line.
3 –More control
Direct-filing gives you and your company much greater control over the entire
import process.
2 –Higher levels of compliance
Converting to TRG Direct® can be accomplished at your own pace. Direct-filing
your entries is not an “all or nothing” proposition. The transition can be done
in a phased or gradual approach, while maintaining relationships with your
existing customs broker.
With little exception one of the most compelling reasons to consider
direct-filing is improving your compliance rate with CBP. No one will take
greater care in the preparation and processing of an entry that your own
employees.And, the number one reason to consider direct-filing…
1 –Because you can
All US importers have the right to direct-file entries covering imported product
or material for their company.
TRG Direct®…smart, simple, direct. It’s easier than you think!