Definitions

ACE

“The Automated Commercial Environment is the commercial trade processing system being developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to facilitate trade while strengthening border security.

Integrated Online Access

The ACE Secure Data Portal, essentially a customized Web page, connects CBP, the trade community and participating government agencies by providing a single, centralized, online access point for communications and information related to cargo shipments.

Account Management

The ACE portal enables users to monitor daily operations and identify compliance issues through access to more than 100 reports.
ACE portal users can electronically update account data, merge accounts, access multiple accounts via one username, create a new importer identification record (the CBP Form 5106) and ensure the accuracy of all account information.
The number of ACE account types now includes practically every entity doing business with CBP.
There are 16,919 ACE portal accounts, including 2,967 importer and broker accounts and 13,952 carrier accounts.” (www.cbp.gov)

For more information please contact us at info@airschott.com or info@seaschott.com.

Automated Clearing House - ACH

“CBP Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) is an electronic payment option that allows participants to pay customs fees, duties, and taxes electronically, as well as receive refunds of customs duties, taxes and fees electronically. ACH is a straightforward procedure accomplished through a series of simple electronic transactions. Throughout the process there are no paper payments and no cashiers

ACH automates the time consuming method of using cash and checks to pay duties and fees on imported merchandise. ACH also automates the time consuming process of depositing Treasury checks, eliminating the delay and risk associated with receiving Treasury checks through the mail. The accuracy and speed of ACH results in a higher volume of completed transactions for the importer and CBP, saving time and money. ACH fulfills the need for swift, accurate payment transfers in today's competitive business environment. .” (www.cbp.gov)

For more detailed information consult the CBP website for frequently asked questions or the AIRSCHOTT sign up tab to register for further assistance in becoming ACH.

C-TPAT

“C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:

A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the company’s international supply chain.
Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
Eligibility to attend C-TPAT supply chain security training seminars.

CBP recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of our work in keeping our country safe. For this reason, CBP is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through C-TPAT. Trade partners will have a commitment to both trade security and trade compliance rooted in their business practices. CBP wants to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.

CBP encourages all companies to take an active role in promoting supply chain and border security. C-TPAT is not just a big-company program. Medium and small companies may want to evaluate the requirements and benefits of C-TPAT carefully in deciding whether to apply for the program. Moreover, even without official participation in C-TPAT, companies should still consider employing C-TPAT guidelines in their security practices.” (www.cbp.gov)

AIRSCHOTT, INC. is committed to C-TPAT and is currently C-TPAT certified. We encourage all our clients to seek C-TPAT certification and offer consultation services to assist in this process.

For more information please contact us at info@airschott.com or info@seaschott.com.

Customs Bonds

General Definition of a Customs Bond

AA Customs Bond is a contract which is given to ensure the performance of an obligation imposed by a law or regulation... to protect the revenue of the United States.

A Customs Bond is required on all commercial shipments entering the commerce of the United States. According to Customs regulations, importers are required to post a bond... to protect the revenue of the United States or to assure compliance with any pertinent law, regulation or instruction.

Specific Definition of a Customs Bond

A Customs Bond is a type of performance bond. The parties involved in the bond contract include the Principal (the importer of record), the Surety (i.e. ABC Insurance Company) and the Obligee (the U.S. Customs Service). An importer must post a bond to guarantee to U.S. Customs that all import duties, taxes and charges will be paid and all import laws and regulations will be complied with. There are basically two types of Customs Bonds: single transaction bonds and continuous bonds.

(a) Single Transaction Bonds

A single transaction bond is for a particular import shipment and can be used for only one Customs transaction. The bond amount required by Customs is either (1) the value of the goods plus duty or (2) three times the value of the goods, depending on the commodity (e.g. for all Quota shipments, and any shipment involving another govt. agency (OGA) such as FDA, F&W etc). Generally, single transaction bonds are used by importers that only import into the United States a few times a year.

(b) Continuous Bonds

More frequent importers typically use continuous bonds. A continuous bond is in effect for a one year period and covers all import shipments through any port of entry during that year. The bond is automatically renewed each year on its anniversary date, unless the bond is terminated or cancelled. The bond amount required by Customs is usually equal to 10% of the importer=s annual duties and is subject to a $50,000 minimum.

For more information please contact us at info@airschott.com or info@seaschott.com

Freighter Facts

AIRSCHOTT is pleased to present the following chart which provides typical configuration details for the most common cargo aircraft. This information should be used as a guideline, only, and all facts should be confirmed with the aircraft operator.

							
								aircraft
								max

									load

									(tons)
								cargo
hold

									
									dimensions

									LxWxH
								door

									size

									
									HxW

									(m)
								runway
req'd

									(m)
								load

									range 
(km)
								ferry

									range     
(km)
								cruise

									speed 
(km/h)
								fuel

									burn 
(t/h)
							

								AN 12
								15
								13.5 x 2.95 x 2.4
								3.1 x 2.16
								1800
								2100
								5700
								650
								2.3
							

								AN 26
								5.5
								11.5 x 2.78 x 1.91
								2.4 x 1.91
								870
								1240
								2600
								435
								1.0
							

								AN 28
								2
								5.26 x 1.74 x 1.6
								1.0 x 1.6
								260
								560
								1365
								335
								0.25
							

								AN 32
								6.7
								12.48 x 2.78 x 1.84
								2.4 x 1.91
								760
								1200
								2520
								530
								1.2
							

								AN 74
								10
								7.1 x 2.4 x 2.2
								2.4 x 1.91
								930
								800
								4800
								550
								1.8
							

								AN 124
								120
								36.5 x 6.4 x 4.4
								6.4 x 4.4
								2520
								4500
								16500
								865
								16.0
							

								B 707
								39
								13 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.23
								2.35 x 3.45
								2120
								9450
								11119
								870
								5.8
							

								B 727
								24.8
								12.0 x 3.17 x 2.23
								3.56 x 2.23
								2000
								1600
								3700
								900
								5.5
							

								B 747
								97
								29 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.44
								3.05 x 3.04
								3100
								5069
								7000
								870
								12
							

								B 747/200
								110
								29 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.44
								2.49 x 3.55
								3610
								11000
								12975
								865
								13.5
							

								BAE 146
								10.5
								7 PLT @

									2.74 x 2.33
								1.93 x 3.32
								1300
								2200
								2200
								667
								2.0
							

								DC-6
								13
								5 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.23
								2.03 x 3.15
								1600
								3700
								5633
								463
								1.2
							

								DC-8 54/58
								39.5
								13 PLT @

									3.17 x2.23
								2.15 x 3.55
								2150
								9400
								11119
								870
								6.0
							

								DC-8 73
								45
								18 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.23
								2.15 x 3.55
								3000
								12000
								13000
								875
								6.0
							

								DC-10
								60
								30 PLT @

									3.17 x 2.23
								2.59 x 3.55
								3000
								10000
								11000
								845
								10
							

								IL 18
								13
								24.0 x 3.23 x 2.0
								3.5 x 1.8
								1300
								3200
								5200
								600
								2.0
							

								IL 76
								50
								20.0 x 3.46 x 3.4
								3.45 x 3.4
								1800
								3650
								5000
								800
								8.0
							

								L 100-30
								20
								16.8 x 3.05 x 2.74
								3.05 x 2.74
								1900
								2300
								6350
								370
								4.5
							

								LI 88 ELECTRA
								14
								20 x 2.8 x 2.28
								1.98 x 3.6
								1430
								2000
								4447
								593
								2.0
							

								SHORTS 360
								3.9
								9.8 x 1.8 x 1.88
								1.4 x 1.65
								1100
								500
								1200
								370
								0.5
							

For more information please contact us at info@airschott.com or info@seaschott.com.

10+2/ISF

SEASCHOTT has been keeping our clients informed of the developments and requirements in the ISF procedures as they have been occurring since before the program began on 26 January 2009, and with enforcement beginning January 26, 2010. In addition further details can be sought directly through the CBP website. Below we have provided a quick summary of the 10 required data elements.

Summary, with definitions, of the ten data elements required of the importer under the ISF / 10+2 Rules

Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address. Name and address of the entity that last manufactures, assembles, produces, or grows the commodity or name and address of the supplier of the finished goods in the country from which the goods are leaving. In the alternative, the name and address of the manufacturer (or supplier) that is currently required by the import laws, rules and regulations of the United States (i.e., entry procedures) may be provided (this is the information that is used to create the existing manufacturer identification (MID) number for entry purposes).
Seller name and address. Name and address of the last known entity by whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold. If the goods are to be imported otherwise than in pursuance of a purchase, the name and address of the owner of the goods must be provided.
Buyer name and address. Name and address of the last known entity to whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold. If the goods are to be imported otherwise than in pursuance of a purchase, the name and address of the owner of the goods must be provided.
Ship to name and address. Name and address of the first deliver-to party scheduled to physically receive the goods after the goods have been released from customs custody.
Container stuffing location. Name and address(es) of the physical location(s) where the goods were stuffed into the container. For break bulk shipments, the name and address(es) of the physical location(s) where the goods were made “ship ready” must be provided.
Consolidator (stuffer) name and address. Name and address of the party who stuffed the container or arranged for the stuffing of the container. For break bulk shipments, the name and address of the party who made the goods “ship ready” or the party who arranged for the goods to be made “ship ready” must be provided.
Importer of record number / FTZ applicant identification number. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) number, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or CBP assigned number of the entity liable for payment of all duties and responsible for meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements incurred as a result of importation. For goods intended to be delivered to an FTZ, the IRS number, EIN, SSN, or CBP assigned number of the party filing the FTZ documentation with CBP must be provided. The importer of record number for Importer Security Filing purposes is the same as “importer number” on CBP Form 3461. (Should be provided by Importer to Broker).
Consignee number(s). Internal Revenue Service (IRS) number, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or CBP assigned number of the individual(s) or firm(s) in the United States on whose account the merchandise is shipped. This element is the same as the “consignee number” on CBP Form 3461. (Should be provided by Importer to Broker).
Country of origin. Country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article, based upon the import laws, rules and regulations of the United States. This element is the same as the “country of origin” on CBP Form 3461.
Commodity HTSUS number. Duty/statistical reporting number under which the article is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The HTSUS number is required to be provided to the 6 digit level. The HTSUS number may be provided up to the 10 digit level. This element is the same as the “H.S. number” on CBP Form 3461 and can only be used for entry purposes, if it is provided at the 10 digit level or greater.

For more information please contact us at info@airschott.com or info@seaschott.com.