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The Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) Program

The Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program was developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2002. The ISA program enables importers to check their internal compliance procedures and processes with CBP laws and regulation. This program was created with the intention to help support a stable CBP and importer relationship that is mutually beneficial to both parties - having a strong line of communication between the parties. Additionally, confirmed compliance upstream with CBP laws and regulations is crucial and saves time. The ISA program is, of course, voluntary but in doing so importers can prove their willingness to manage and monitor their compliance through an internal evaluation.

The ISA program provides opportunities for importers who demonstrate a commitment to compliance to receive related benefits as follows:

CBP can provide guidance as requested (for compliance assistance, risk assessments, internal controls, CBP audit trails, data analysis support, etc.).
The importer will have the opportunity to apply for coverage of multiple business units.
The importer will be removed from the Regulatory Audit’s (RA) audit pool established for Focused Assessments. Importers will be removed from the RA’s audit pool for Drawback and Foreign Trade Zones if they request to have these programs included in the ISA program. However, importers may be subject to a single issue audit to address a specific concern.
The importer will have access to key liaison officials and will be assigned a national account manager.
The importer will be entitled to receive free of charge entry summary trade data (ITRAC Data), including analysis support.

With regard to prior disclosures, if CBP becomes aware of errors in which there is an indication of a violation of 19 U.S.C. 1592 or 1593a, CBP will provide a written notice to the importer of such errors and allow 30 days from the date of the notification for the importer to file a prior disclosure pursuant to 19 CFR 162.74. This

In order for an importer to be granted membership to the ISA program, “The importer must be C-TPAT certified and a U.S. or Canada resident importer with at least two years of importing history with CBP.” (2012, August) C-TPAT certification helps to assure that the importer has relative experience and is familiar with all compliance procedures. Another requirement is that “Applicants are required to submit a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which the importer agrees to comply with the requirements of the program, documented policies, and procedures for the company’s import process.” (2012, August) Further assuring that the importer is completely aware of all the procedures and documents involved in compliance transactions.

Contributor: Andrew Arias

Resources

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/isa_hb_3.pdf

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/isa_factsheet_2.pdf

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Allyn has 25 years of Trade Compliance experience and 7 licensed customs brokers on staff. Our highly skilled team is focused on developing customized trade compliance solutions that increase operational efficiency and savings.

For more information on how we can offer assistance in reviewing your trade compliance portfolio as it relates to ISA and C-TPAT certification or in developing tailored, compliance programs please contact us at allyncustoms@allynintl.com.

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Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn's core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China and Prague, Czech Republic. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com.