The exporters must lodge export declarations to the Customs and Border Protection as an essential requirement to carry out export transactions. First, these are the statements that report to the Customs information about the goods being exported. Second, each of these declarations is processed to generate a unique export declaration number which is an important entity throughout the process.
In a declaration, an exporter would share information about the consignor, consignee, loading and destinations ports or airports, goods description, quantities etc., intended date of export and so on. While these are the basic things you must be familiar with. If you are about to lodge an export declaration for the first time, here are some important things to know.
Lodging an Export Declaration
It can be done in two ways:
- Electronically: For this you need to register with the integrated cargo system (ICS) which is under the control of the Customs and Border Protection.
- At a counter: For this, you need to fill in the required documents and submit the same at a Customs and Border Protection counter.
What Are the Requirements?
Apart from correctly filling in all mandatory fields, you would need:
- Digital Certificates: These are nothing but the digital signatures of the exporter (consignor) that the Customs use to authenticate the lodger.
- Web Browser: In order to communicate online with the ICS, you must comply with the specific web browser requirements.
- Java Software Applications: Again, these are required to establish a proper communication channel with the ICS.
However, by using a good export documentation software or service provider, you can save yourself from the headache of arranging these things. Most of these tools and services take care of them, saving exporters a lot of time.
Amendments in Export Declaration
An export declaration can be amended in a number of circumstances. For example:
- The exporter can amend the declaration through a definite procedure with the Customs, after which a new version of the declaration would be stored at the ICS.
Declarations for the goods that are excisable can’t be amended once they leave the warehouses. - If not all of the declared goods get exported within 30 days of the proposed export date, the amendment should be amended to mention only the goods that have been exported.
- The Customs thoroughly monitor the frequently amended post-export declarations to ensure their compliance.
- Declarations made electronically and manually can be amended electronically and manually respectively.
What Is Confirming Exporter Status?
For the declarations that require post-export amendments, the exporters are advised to apply for the confirming exporter status that allows smooth amendments. For example, the goods whose quantities, weights etc. are not known at the time of loading into the ship or plane can be declared under this status.
Though, the procedure for how to get an export declaration number may appear simple, there are many small details that must be taken into account. Start by understanding the ICS and the Customs requirements and think of using a documentation software to make it easier.
Export Documentation Software 