Trading with the USA what’s changed?

 
https://www.great.gov.uk/markets/united-states/
 
 
USA post transition situation is very little changes as we already have low tariffs the highest being 10% on automotive industry although there are negotiations going on around foodstuffs which may change that as they are normally higher under the WTO MFN (Most Favoured Nation) regime. 
 
Any Free Trade Agreement FTA will focus on harmonising standards and regulation. The FTA planned for USA is estimated to add 0.16% GDP over the next 15 years. With an added bonus of a commitment from the UK government to reduce non-tariff barriers by 50%. In reality this means that the UK may adopt US standards and vice versa although there is always going to be an exception with the NI Transit and Protocol. 
 
The UK-USA already have a Mutual Recognition Agreement and until a new Free Trade Agreement is ratified the UK will continue to operate under WTO MFN rules which is the basic trading terms. The UK-US already use testing laboratories and centres so little will change from the existing currently. As you’d expect Military, Dual Use and firearms will be exempted from these agreements unless specified. 
  

What are the details of what’s needed?

Standard information for all exports/imports

• Exporter/importer addresses

·       Customs Procedure Code (CPC) this tells customs what procedure is being used for the goods full explanation is found here. The customs procedure codes (CPCs) identify the customs and/or excise regimes which goods are being entered into and removed from (where this applies). The CPC is completed at export as well as import.  The CPC is based on a 2 digit community code which identifies a customs procedure, eg removal from warehouse, entry to free zone, and export under Outward Processing Relief (OPR). The CPC is built up into a 7digit code from this.

• HS Code or Commodity code found at this link from OBD® 
• Goods value
• Country of Origin (see rules of origin guidance)
• Destination country
• Any controlled information (if goods are licenced)

Important to remember 

 
If you want to import anything into the USA you need to be a legal entity in the USA and you need to use a licenced Customs Broker.
 
In the USA Customs Brokers a licenced as individuals or as part of the logistics operation. 
 
Customs Brokers are required to have power of attorney to act on the importers behalf so make sure you understand this when selecting a broker to represent you in the USA, it’s a legal commitment. 

What can you expect from a Customs Broker?

 
Management of customs formalities for goods moving from one custom territory to another or transportation of uncleared shipments within a stated territory. 
 
Permits and licencing application formalities.
 
Other services normally offered: 

• Foreign Trade Zones - the principle of such zones is to offer businesses cash flow advantages by suspending Customs import taxes and duties, trade levies, quotas and import controls.

• Bonded Warehouse
• Duty Drawback Processing 
• Fiscal Representation
• And Excise Duty Handling. 

 
Finally, AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) programmes have been widely adopted throughout North America although they are called by different names Mexico retained AEO.  However, in Canada it’s called Partnership in Protection (PIP), in the USA Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (CTPAT). 
 
Holding AEO status is a sign of trust and reliability. When dealing with the USA this type of endorsement and demonstration of quality standards is welcomed and provides a level of security to anyone developing a new relationship in this great market.