A bill that would restrict eligibility for non-resident importers would improve accountability while not disrupting the common practice of Canadian non-resident importers, trade professionals say (see 2603090061).
Lenny Feldman, customs counsel to the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, said in a phone interview with International Trade Today that while "there are some importers and brokers who are not happy about this, there are many who are saying: 'It’s about time.'"
The brokers who don't like the bill say they represent non-resident importers from countries other than Canada or Australia who are accountable, he said. Those who welcome it say they and their importers are trying to do the right thing, and "I am being undercut by these non-resident importers."
Feldman said the provisions in this bill are what CBP has needed for enforcement.
He added, "I think if it doesn’t go through Congress, the administration might go ahead and do it themselves."
The bill would require that companies that are acting as an importer of record be:
- U.S.-located firms with at least one full-time U.S. citizen or green-card holding employee or
- foreign affiliates of U.S. firms with a three-year history, at least 1,500 employees and $1 million in annual revenue, if designated jointly liable for duties or
- Canadian or Australian companies.
Read more
