Import Compliance & Training Programs
Copyright 2025 Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc. (800-372-1033) Reproduced with permission. Import Compliance & Training Programs
Editor’s Note: Creating a strong import compliance plan and training program for employees is one of the best investments an importer can make. Compliance plans and training help avoid customs violations before they occur and can also act as a mitigating factor in the case of a future violation.
In the U.S., individuals and businesses generally don’t need a permit, license, or pre-approval to begin importing products into the country. Many mistake the ease of importing to mean there is no liability or obligation on the part of the importer, when in fact the opposite is true.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection expects importers to exercise “reasonable care” when entering goods into the United States. That means every importer, regardless of size, is legally responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their import declarations, from product classification to valuation, country of origin, and proper recordkeeping.
A formal import compliance plan provides the foundation and structure a company needs to meet the reasonable care standard, reduce risk, and respond effectively if an issue arises.
Without a compliance plan, importers often face common pitfalls, including:
- Misclassification of goods
- Undervaluation
- Inadequate recordkeeping
- Overreliance on customs brokers
CBP has made clear that exercising reasonable care requires importers to take […]