In working with our import clients at Zisser, we began to realize that they were facing challenges in managing the regulatory aspects of the import process. We were seeing that errors and lost productivity manifesting from manual processes were costing them in terms of delays, lost revenue from incorrect duties, as well as fines and penalties.

We conducted this survey of the ICPA member base in January 2009 and received 232 responses. The survey was designed to better understand the environment and to begin creating a baseline for measuring best practices in Import Regulatory Compliance. We believe that automated tools, centralized electronic recordkeeping and an audit trail are elements of a best practices approach to trade compliance - we desired to establish a current benchmark for this.

The paper focuses on Zisser’s findings about how Compliance Managers are dealing with Harmonized Tariff Schedule Classifications and Duty Reduction Programs.

We’d like to thank the ICPA board and members for their support and participation.

To read the results from the surevey click here.