CBLE Customs Procedures and Documentation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When goods arrive at a U.S. port and the importer needs time to gather documentation before filing a formal entry, which procedure allows release before entry?
- Immediate Transportation (IT)
- Immediate Delivery (ID) (Correct answer)
- Preliminary Entry
- Informal Entry
Correct answer: Immediate Delivery (ID)
An Immediate Delivery (ID) permit allows release of goods before a formal entry is filed, typically used for perishables or time-sensitive cargo.
Question 2: Under the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), what is the standard time frame CBP has to issue a 'Hold' or 'Exam' on a filed entry before it automatically receives 'May Proceed' status?
- 1 hour (Correct answer)
- 2 hours
- 5 hours
- 24 hours
Correct answer: 1 hour
Under ACE processing, CBP typically has 1 hour after the filing of an entry to issue a hold; otherwise the entry receives an automated 'May Proceed' status.
Question 3: Which CBP program allows qualified importers to receive expedited release at the border in exchange for enhanced security measures and compliance programs?
- FAST Lane
- C-TPAT (Correct answer)
- ISA Program
- ACE Portal
Correct answer: C-TPAT
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary program where importers implement supply chain security measures in exchange for expedited processing.
Question 4: A continuous bond for a customs broker must be in an amount that is the greater of $50,000 or what percentage of the total duties, taxes, and fees paid in the previous year?
- 5%
- 10% (Correct answer)
- 15%
- 20%
Correct answer: 10%
Under 19 CFR 113.13, a continuous import bond must be at least 10% of total duties, taxes, and fees paid in the prior calendar year, with a minimum of $50,000.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a CF-28 (Request for Information) issued by CBP?
- To demand payment of liquidated damages
- To request additional information or documents to verify an entry (Correct answer)
- To notify the importer of entry liquidation
- To authorize a protest filing
Correct answer: To request additional information or documents to verify an entry
A CF-28 is issued by CBP to request additional documentation or information needed to complete the examination and liquidation of an entry.
Question 6: Under 19 CFR 141.86, what minimum information must appear on a commercial invoice for formal entry?
- Shipper name, weight, and description only
- Port of export, currency, quantity, unit value, and country of origin (Correct answer)
- Only the HTS number and declared value
- HS code, tariff rate, and payment terms
Correct answer: Port of export, currency, quantity, unit value, and country of origin
A compliant commercial invoice must include the port of export, the currency used, a detailed description of goods, quantity, unit value, and country of origin, among other requirements.
Question 7: Which document is required from the exporting country to claim preferential tariff treatment under USMCA for qualifying goods?
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin (CBP Form 434)
- USMCA Certification of Origin (Correct answer)
- Form A (GSP Certificate)
- CBP Form 3229
Correct answer: USMCA Certification of Origin
Under USMCA, a Certification of Origin (not a specific form, but meeting regulatory requirements) must be provided by the exporter, producer, or importer to claim preferential duty treatment.
CBLE Customs Procedures and Documentation 3
When goods arrive at a U.S. port and the importer needs time to gather documentation before filing a formal entry, which procedure allows release before entry?