The
Broker Known Importer Program (BKIP) establishes a process for
licensed, permitted U.S. Customs Brokers to identify importers in
connection with their import related activities. The National Customs
Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) has
developed a CBP-approved review list that the customs broker can use to
identify eligible clients.
The
program allows a licensed customs broker to inform CBP, via the filing
of an electronic entry, that the importer listed on the entry is known
to the broker, and that the broker has advised the importer of their
compliance responsibilities under Customs regulations. In addition, the
broker will have verified the importer’s grasp of its obligations in
areas such as entry declarations, ADD/CVD, IPR, valuation and preference
programs, through a questionnaire.
CBP
will use this information for purposes of cargo risk segmentation.
When a broker identifies an importer who is exercising reasonable care
in connection with their imports by checking the BKIP indicator flag on
an entry, Customs may adjust that importer’s risk profile in CBP’s
targeting system accordingly, even if the importer is not part of the
Trusted Trader programs — C-TPAT or ISA. (The BKIP indicator flag for
entries has already been deployed as part of ACE.)
BKIP is a voluntary program for both brokers and importers.
BKIP Benefits:
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New platform for brokers and importers to discuss compliance obligations
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Potential to increase broker entry accuracy
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Increased compliance knowledge for importer staff
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Improved cargo targeting by CBP at time of cargo arrival
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More information to CBP about importer from a trusted source
Please contact us to further discuss BKIP and schedule a BKIP Interview.