If you take this seminar, you will learn how to:

• Meet your responsibilities under the Customs Modernization Act.
• Prepare for and pass audits by U.S. Customs officials.
• Properly maintain import compliance records.
• Avoid compliance penalties.
• Create and implement written policies and procedures that meet U.S. Customs requirements.

Everyone wants to be an importer. Few people know how to do it properly. Since the passage of the Customs Modernization Act has transferred responsibility—and legal liability—for determining the value, classification and entry requirements- from Customs to the importer, you better make sure you know what you're doing.

This popular seminar details your responsibilities as an importer under the Customs Modernization Act, audit procedures you'll be required to follow during a focused assessment, and your record keeping requirements. In addition, you'll be given guidance for creating a set of Standard Operating Procedures required by Customs under the Act.

Come to this one-day seminar armed with your questions. Small class sizes and a knowledgeable teacher allow for a great interaction between attendees, and the instructor. All attendees receive a copy of the Audits and Compliance reference book to help meet the day-to-day responsibilities and legal requirements of your job.

SEMINAR AGENDA

I. CUSTOMS MODERNIZATION ACT

• Informed Compliance
• Reasonable Care Check Lists
• Shared Responsibility
• Transactions Audited
• Role of Customs Auditors, Import Specialists, Account Managers and Investigators

II. AUDIT PROCEDURES

• Focused Assessments
• Pre-Assessment Survey Audit Program (PAS)
• Assessment Compliance Test (ACT)
• General Questionnaire
• EDP Questionnaire
• What Auditors Are Checking
• Common Importer Errors
• Audit Check Lists
• Compliance Improvement Plan (CIP)

III. COMPLIANCE RECORD KEEPING

• A(1)(a) List of Required Records
• List of financial and other Records
• Record Keeper Compliance Certification Program
• Summons of Records
• Failure to Produce Records
• Record Retention Periods

IV. IMPORTER SELF-ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (ISA)

• Background
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Advantages of ISA

V. FINES, PENALTIES, FORFEITURES AND SEIZURES

• Record Keeping Penalties
• (19 USC 1592) Penalties "Civil Fraud"
• Section 1592 "Fraud" Penalties
• Drawback Penalties
• How Penalties can be Avoided
• Benefits of Prior Disclosure

VI. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPS)

• Sample Format - How to Start and/or Update Your Compliance Manual
• Sample Manual Formats
• Customs Technical Guides
• Implementing Internal Controls