By law, importers are responsible for declaring accurate values to Customs. Many importers find that the particular ways in which they do business yield significant complexities in determining which potential elements of value to include or exclude in their Customs declarations.

These complexities include such common business factors as commissions, royalties, side payments, loans, packing charges and currency adjustments. Additionally, the area of "assists", items provided free of charge or at reduced cost to suppliers, often provide challenges to importers seeking to ensure compliant Customs declarations. Many importers have important assists questions because they supply materials, tooling, or engineering and designs to their foreign suppliers. Often times the individuals responsible for Customs compliance are unaware of this. Companies which import from related suppliers often experience special scrutiny from Customs import specialists and auditors. Establishing and defending values under the circumstances of related party transactions has proven to be one of the most complex areas experienced by importers.

Tradewin^®, through its uniquely qualified staff and experience, is able to guide importers through the complexities of Customs Valuation. To determine an importer's valuation compliance, a thorough analysis of an their business practices is conducted. This analysis includes interviews of pertinent staff, reviews of import systems and an evaluation of financial records and business agreements. This information gathering is then linked to detailed analyses of the valuation law and pertinent rulings. Tradewin^® can then provide advice to appropriate executives of an importing company on the best approaches to becoming or staying compliant. This can take the form of a detailed report, extensive training, assistance in designing compliance systems, preparation of written import procedures or combinations of these.

Tradewin^® can also assist importers in preparing and presenting supplemental duty payments which were found to be owed to Customs after such reviews. Proper determination of Customs values and prompt adjustments, where found to be necessary, can greatly assist importers in avoiding or limiting penalties and in averting the notoriety of Customs law violations.

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