Services
Import Compliance Services and Consulting
OnPoint can help your company understand which government regulations apply to your business and develop an Import Readiness Plan that outlines how to successfully enter the global import trade market. Our readiness plans will also help you evaluate your profitability, risks, administrative and regulatory obligations. Knowing the rules of importing, playing by the rules, and knowing when it makes sense to not import are critical in today’s global economy.
An IMS is an all encompassing customized, written system that guides your company to be in full compliance on every import. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to an IMS. All IMS’ are customized to your product, customers, countries of origin, free trade agreements, 10+2, Lacey Act and a multiple variety of other factors. OnPoint will develop your import management system in accordance with the regulatory guidelines based on your business and industry best practices to ensure the best possible compliance. Our IMS will include the key critical elements such as but not limit to, CBP regulations, import regulations, HTS classification, administrative policies, risk screening, and order management and processing. Back to Top
OnPoint helps companies make key decisions on global trade and supply chain strategies such as where to source, market, manufacture, and import goods and services at the best costs for the client to obtain a competitive advantage. OnPoint is able to do this by working with our affiliate partners and vendors and working with our client to understand their business, operations, goals and objectives to creatively develop a strategy that fits the client’s business model. We will help you understand which regulatory issues will impact your import business and provide you a strategy plan to develop a successful import business. Back to Top
OnPoint can assist in the implementation of upgrading outdated or old technologies related to import controls, processing and risk screening. We do this by working with our affiliate partners and technology vendors and working with our client to provide the best fit solution. Our implementation includes all aspects of the technological upgrade as well as operational, administrative and training functions to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Back to Top
Importer Self Assessments (ISA)
Importer Self Assessment (ISA) is a partnership between CBP and the importing community that maintains a high level of trade compliance. It is a voluntary and proactive approach that allows importers maximum control of their own CBP compliance is recognized by CBP and in exchange, offers less CBP oversight of the importer. To participate in the ISA program, the importer must be a member of C-TPAT and be a resident importer in the United States with at least 2 years importing experience prior to application for the ISA program. Back to Top
For companies who are not C-TPAT certified, don’t worry. Implementing ISA standards and protocols can help improve any company’s internal import compliance operations and is aligned with industry best practices, regardless of being C-TPAT certified. It will also favorably position your company for the future should you decide to become C-TPAT certified. Back to Top
OnPoint can help you implement an ISA or ISA protocols that will benefit your company’s internal import compliance operations to enhance and maintain the best possible practices that will help secure a compliant future for your company. Back to Top
Depending on the nature of products being imported into the United States, there are multiple regulations and requirements from various U.S. Government agencies that could govern your import. Knowing which rules and regulations apply and the determining if a license is required can be tricky. OnPoint will work with you to determine if your imported product requires a license or other pre-entry approval and help you navigate the license submission process. One of the factors in becoming a successful importer and avoiding cost over-runs, fines, penalties and seizures of your imported products, is determine the licensing requirements prior to the goods making entry into the U.S. and in some cases, prior to the goods’ beginning their journey to the U.S. OnPoint will work with you to determine licensing requirements, avoid unnecessary risks, and help you retain your profits. Back to Top
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
Not sure what the HTS classification number of your product or technology is? OnPoint can guide you in obtaining the proper Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) number for your products under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. OnPoint and our Licensed Customhouse Broker affiliates have decades of experience in HTS classification and can provide you the peace of mind you desire regarding proper HTS classification. We perform the highest levels of due diligence and work directly with you to understand your product to ensure the best possible classification accuracy. We will also work with you to provide your company the necessary in-house knowledge of classification to help you become self-sufficient and perform self classification. Back to Top
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Are you 100% certain that your imports meet the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)? OnPoint and our affiliate partners can help you navigate the complex and quickly changing regulations regarding the importation of goods identified by the CPSC that must meet new safety requirements. The CPSIA is updated regularly and remaining compliant is a balancing act that requires strategic planning and a knowledgeable compliance expert on your side. OnPoint welcomes you to contact us to see how we can help you avoid fines, penalties and lost revenue associated with these new guidelines. Back to Top
Free and /or Foreign Trade Agreements (FTA)
The United States as multiple free trade agreements with other countries and staying current with the regulations and trade guidelines can be overwhelming. OnPoint can help your company not only comply with the regulations, but help you with your strategic planning to ensure you are operating within the guidelines before a costly mistake is made. Back to Top
OnPoint can help your company become a recognized partner of the C-TPAT program and provide consultation services and assistance with completing and submitting the C-TPAT application. While many consultation companies claim it’s difficult to navigate the C-TPAT process, we’ll show you how to do it yourself or work in partnership with you to complete the C-TPAT process in the most efficient and cost saving manner as possible. OnPoint can help you learn about the validation and re-validation process including the latest security criteria, updating your security profile and documentation procedures. According the CBP, C-TPAT certified importers are awarded the benefits of ease and efficiency on their imports and will receive expedited shipments across the border. Back to Top
OnPoint can provide consultation services on 10+2 and the Lacey Act to help your company understand these complex, difficult and ever-changing regulations. Our Licensed Customhouse Brokers and import professional have the right balance of expertise and practitioner knowledge to help you navigate this challenging regulatory area. 10+2 and the Lacey Act are here to stay, however, as the U.S. Government works out the details of this far reaching regulation, having the right experts on your side can help you navigate the waters more effectively and efficiently and avoid potential fines and penalties. Back to Top
OnPoint provides training on all of our import services.