Bloomberg Law: CBP Recordkeeping Requirements – Retention, the (a)(1)(A) List, and More
Diaz Trade Law is enthusiastic to announce Bloomberg Law published another one of our articles, “CBP Recordkeeping Requirements – Retention, the (a)(1)(A) List, and More”
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Recordkeeping requirements have been part of Customs regulations since the beginning of the Federal government. Over time, Congress and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have modernized the requirements to meet the needs of the community and utilize modern technology. All importers should have a recordkeeping program to ensure every shipment meets the requirements. Failure to produce records to CBP can result in significant penalties.
Regulatory History
Recordkeeping requirements date back to the 1700s. Back in 1789 importers were required to provide Customs with two copies of their manifests, original bills of lading, and even swear an oath as to the accuracy of their records. Failure to produce records or take the oath would result in a fine of five hundred dollars. Even the people working on the ship, if they were unloading it illegally, would face forfeiture of the goods, a $400 fine, and their names would be published in the local State gazette.
Later, Congress put in place more stringent measures to ensure compliance. In 1863, the “Act to prevent and punish Frauds upon the Revenue, to provide for the certain and speedy Collection of Claims in Favor of the United States, and for other Purposes” began requiring three copies of invoices and penalties jumped to a maximum $5,000 for making fraudulent records or concealing/destroying them along with up to two years in prison.
Today, […]
