CASAS International

Why Your Cargo Descriptions Matter More Than You Think! 🚢 When it comes to international logistics, one small misstep can lead to BIG delays. One of the most overlooked details? Clear cargo descriptions on your commercial invoices and entries.  Here’s why getting it right is essential:  1. Avoid Costly Delays & Penalties  Vague or incomplete cargo descriptions can trigger inspections and cause your shipment to get held up at the border. Proper descriptions keep your goods moving smoothly and your business running efficiently.  2. Protect Your Company’s Reputation  Accurate documentation shows your customers, partners, and regulators that you’re serious about compliance. Inconsistent or unclear descriptions signal carelessness—and no one wants to do business with a careless partner.  3. Facilitate Accurate Tariff Classification  Precise cargo descriptions encourage correct tariff classification and prevent overpaying or underpaying duties. This saves your bottom line and keeps you compliant.  4. Efficient Logistics   Detailed cargo descriptions facilitate better planning and handling by logistics providers, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently.  5. Insurance  Clear descriptions are essential for insurance purposes, as they help in assessing the value and risk associated with the shipment.  Need guidance? Here’s an excellent resource from CBP with real examples of acceptable vs. unacceptable descriptions: https://lnkd.in/gPR-T93i #tradecompliance #internationaltrade #logistics

✅ A quick best practice reminder for all importers... Add a Technical Point of Contact (POC) designated for Cybersecurity to your ACE portal! Per CSMS # 61491841: To add a Cybersecurity POC, ACE account users must begin by completing the steps required to add a general POC as described in the Modernized ACE Portal User Guide. Information on adding a POC to an ACE account is available beginning on page 42 (https://lnkd.in/gEyvAvDu): 1️⃣ Select “Technical Point of Contact” in the “Type” drop down menu field.   2️⃣ Include “Cybersecurity” in parentheses after the contact’s last name. For example, for a cybersecurity POC named John Doe, the last name field would read “Doe (Cybersecurity)”.   

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6 Key Takeaways from the 2024 CENSUS Export Webinar… 1️⃣ Quality Data is Everything Verify all data entry prior to export to avoid penalties issued by CBP. If you make a mistake, correct the error as soon as it’s detected to the appropriate entities. 2️⃣ File On Time and Correctly Review and follow EEI filing timeframes (https://lnkd.in/gsWuUqsq), advise carriers not to accept cargo without proof of filing, review your AES filing options and response message, and export your shipment within the 7-calendar day window. If your shipment should be filed as a split shipment, provide this information in advance so that the EEI can be transmitted correctly. If you receive a Shipment Rejected message, follow up ASAP. 3️⃣ Understand the Terminology Export Requirements Review the U.S Principal Party in Interest Responsibilities to determine if your shipment is a Standard or Routed Export Transaction; Routed Export Transactions (RETs), are best understood by using regulations, not Incoterms. When you use Incoterms for these transactions, issues can arise and lead to non-compliance. You should also be aware of and flag whether your commodity requires a License and/or ECCN that needs to be reported pre-departure or if it's a self-propelled vehicle that should be filed 72 hours prior to export. Note that there may also be Exclusions or Exemptions for EEI filing. 4️⃣ Keep Good Records It’s important to keep a well-documented history of all of your export transactions. There is a 5 year minimum record-keeping requirement for the U.S. 5️⃣ Run Internal Audits Use your ACE portal account to run reports of your transactions. Check these against your records and make improvements or corrections where needed. You should develop an internal compliance checklist that allows for frequent, thorough audits of your export supply chain. 6️⃣ Status Checks Only when ACE/AES is down are you able to use the AES Downtime policy. If you believe ACE/AES might be down, it’s recommended to first verify that it is not your software provider or internal system that is, in fact, down. Remember there are resources available to you online: https://lnkd.in/d4ibiBrT https://www.bis.gov/ https://www.cbp.gov/trade If you have any specific export related questions for us, DM us “EXPORTS” and we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction.

The Hidden Cost of Inaccurate Data 🕵♀️ Did you know that seemingly minor mistakes in your trade documentation could result in substantial financial repercussions? Inaccurate data on commercial invoices and manifests can lead to fines, shipment delays, and compliance issues—all of which are costly both monetarily and in regards to your time. CBP has been highlighting this in their recent updates to: 📑 Examples of Unacceptable vs. Acceptable Cargo Descriptions (https://lnkd.in/ghbn4CJj) 📑 Downloadable Manifest Guidance Materials (https://lnkd.in/g8vP29p5) We encourage you to review these resources to help guide your compliance efforts. The Costs of Inaccurate Data: ❌ Fines ❌ Shipment delays ❌ Poor standing with CBP and PGAs ❌ Compliance issues that continue into reconciliation, drawback, and more ❌ Time wasted dealing with all of the above Way to Avoid Inaccurate Data: ✅ Ensure you have the correct information in place starting with your HTS classification ✅ Develop a operational workflow for establishing the accuracy of all your commercial invoice and manifest data ✅ Follow CBP and PGA best practices for data entry ✅ Ensure your supply chain partners are aware of and active in the upkeep of shared compliance standards Compliance starts with accurate data. Every commercial invoice and manifest plays a crucial role in ensuring a well-functioning supply chain. Need help with your trade compliance? DM us “Compliance” to start a conversation. #TradeCompliance #TradeDocumentation #InternationalTrade #CASAS #CommercialInvoice #emanifest

Join us on August 27th as the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce presents an "Export Regulations Webinar with CENSUS and CBP"... Topics will include: ⚖ Legal Requirements ✅ Filing Requirements for Electronic Export Information (EEI) ✍ Types of Transactions 💡 Data Elements & Other Things to Know 🛑 Penalty Provisions Speakers: Gerard (Gerry) Horner, Chief, Trade Regulations Branch, Economic Management Division, U.S. Census Bureau Eduardo Haro, Supervisor at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Carlos Silva, Assistant Port Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection #casasintl #exports #internationaltrade #CBP

🥇Reflecting on key milestones as we celebrate 40 years in business! ↳ In 2023, the CASAS brand and website get a refresh. ↳ Investing in our shared vision as a company is of utmost importance as we navigate this next era of international trade. Our mission since day one has been to provide comprehensive customs brokerage and logistics solutions for businesses around the globe paired with the very best personal and professional service possible—a mission we continue to work towards each and every day. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 — 40 Year Milestone ↳ Continuing our efforts to provide the best environment for our team, partners, and clients, we've invested in refreshing our digital presence and physical headquarters both inside and out! ↳ We are so proud to be celebrating 40 years in business and look forward to the bright future ahead for the international trade industry! #customsbrokerage #internationaltrade #logistics #usmx #otaymesa #supplychain #casasintl

🥇What has CASAS achieved over the years? Find out and celebrate with us as we highlight our milestones! ↳ In 2008, CASAS becomes U.S. Customs certified bonded warehouse. ↳ This took our strategic advantages, like the location of our warehouse, even further! Supply chains were streamlined to new heights. ⭐⭐⭐ 2014 — 30 Year Milestone ↳ Co-founder and President Sylvia Casas- Jolliffe is named Cross-Border Leader of the Year by the San Diego Magazine! ↳ This year marked our 30th anniversary, being 30 years in the customs brokerage, warehouse, and logistics industry. #customsbrokerage #trade #logistics #usmx #otaymesa #sandiego #supplychain

🥇Celebrating CASAS' milestones as we approach our 40th anniversary! ↳ In 2003, CASAS becomes C-TPAT certified. ↳ This certification helps us protect the supply chains we are entrusted with. Strong supply chains start with safety. ⭐⭐ 2004 — 20 Year Milestone ↳ CASAS moves to an even larger facility that enables us to fulfill customers' needs to new heights! ↳ This building and warehouse is strategically located in Otay Mesa just less than 5 miles of the border. #customsbrokerage #trade #logistics #usmx #otaymesa #sandiego #supplychain

🥇Celebrating CASAS' 40 years of milestones! ↳ In 1995 CASAS upgrades its technology to expedite processes and enhance client experience. ↳ In 1990, CASAS expands its network of affiliate freight forwarders to span the globe. ⭐1994 — 10 Year Milestone ↳ CASAS expands to larger facilities in the strategic locations of Otay Mesa & Calexico, and joins Pacific Brokerage Co., Inc. and Daniel B. Hastings, Inc. to form the alliance known as CPH Group. 🚛 Stay tuned as we share our accomplishments in celebration of our 40th anniversary. #customsbrokerage #trade #logistics #usmx #otaymesa #sandiego #supplychain