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Verification of Special Trade Programs
August 12, 2008

There has been a big increase in Customs Requests for Information surrounding importers who claim preferential duty treatment under one of the special trade programs.

Importers have always been responsible to verify the origin of their imports. Lately Customs has been asking for production records verifying origin far more often than in the past. The records requested are extensive and generally time consuming to obtain. Failure to produce satisfactory records results in Customs denying the preferential claim. (Anyone who would like a copy of common production records can email me at: c.spoto@albawheelsup.com)

The purpose of this communication is to alert any importer who claims duty free or duty reduction based on a special trade program to have, or at least be prepared to produce production records. At the very least, these importers should confirm and document the origin of their merchandise prior to import.