CBP modifies importer self-assessment program requirements, benefits 

October 4: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released for publication in the Federal Register a notice announcing changes to the importer self-assessment (ISA) program and describing the requirements for participation in, and benefits under, the program.

Background

The ISA program is a joint government / business initiative designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen trade compliance. It is based on the premise that companies with strong internal controls achieve the highest level of compliance with customs laws and regulations.


The ISA program allows participants an opportunity to assess their own compliance with CBP laws and regulations, rather than undergoing comprehensive CBP audits.

Program modifications

Today's notice [PDF 112 KB] announces that a company that has successfully undergone a CBP-focused assessment audit may be eligible to transition into the ISA program without further CBP review within 12 months from the date of the focused-assessment report. In order to be eligible, a company must be deemed to represent an acceptable risk to CBP by the Office of International Trade, Regulatory Audit branch, and also meet all of the following requirements:


  • Is a U.S. or Canadian resident importer
  • Obtains Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program membership
  • Develops a risk-based self-testing plan
  • Agrees to meet all of the ISA program requirements

An application review meeting, which is normally required for ISA applicants, will not be required for participants under this new policy.


The program modifications are effective on the date of the notice’s publication in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for October 5, 2012.



For more information, contact a professional with KPMG’s Trade & Customs practice:


Douglas Zuvich

(312) 665-1022


Andrew Siciliano

(631) 425-6057


John L. McLoughlin

(267) 256-2614


Todd R. Smith

(949) 885-5617


Luis A. Abad

(212) 954-3094


Amie Ahanchian

(202) 533-3247


Or your local KPMG Trade & Customs professional.




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1801 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006.

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