U.S. CUSTOMS OFFERS REVISED IMPORT ENTRY PROCESS FOR INDUSTRY REVIEW

U.S. CUSTOMS OFFERS REVISED IMPORT ENTRY PROCESS FOR INDUSTRY REVIEW

   U.S. Customs said it plans to release its reworked draft proposal to revise it import entry process by June 1.

   The agency had issued its first draft for the industry's review of the Entry Revision Project (ERP) on Dec. 14.

   “Our modifications are in regards to questions, comments and complaints from the industry,” said Don Luther, program officer with Customs. “We will explain our position more clearly.”

      The biggest change in the draft will be the shortening of Customs' review period of entry data from three years to a year or less.

   “Sounds to us like it will be an improvement,” said Richard Belanger, attorney with Powell, Goldstein & Frazer, and chairman of the Joint Industry Group's ERP committee. “It's a step in the right direction.”

   The industry has also asked Customs to further explain the process for entry protest.

   Customs also wants the industry to pay duties, taxes and fees on a monthly basis, rather than on an entry-by-entry basis. Under the revised ERP, Customs would issue a monthly statement, much like a credit card.

   The industry has asked that it be given a grace period on the interest for the monthly statements.

   “That will have to be decided by Treasury and Congress,” Luther said.

   Customs will post the revised ERP draft proposal at Customs web site, http://www.customs.treas.gov .