B. Bond:

In order to import merchandise into the U.S., the importers must post a bond with customs to guarantee payment when required. Instead of posting a bond separately experienced importers often use the custom broker's bond to meet this requirement and free themselves from complicated procedures. Although importers are entitled to clear shipment from customs themselves, the use of custom brokers' service usually facilitates imported goods for customs declaration in a professional and timely manner.

C. Drawback of duties:

U.S. firms that import materials or components used in the process of assembling goods for re-export may be entitled for a refund of 99% of all customs duties paid on imported merchandise. The remaining 1% is used to cover the customs administrative expenses.

D. Merchandise processing fee:

Depending on the value of the merchandise, each import shipment is subject to a merchandise processing fee as follows:

1. formal entry: an importer must file entry documents for the goods at the port of entry, if the    import shipment has a value of US$1,250 or more. The merchandise processing fee may vary from US$21 to US$400 based on the ad valorem rate of 0. 19%.

2. informal entry: A shipment with value of less-than US$1,250 may be imported by "informal entry" and the merchandise processing fee is generally less than US$ 10. However, some products such as textile and apparel items, are either not eligible for informal entry, or have much lower cutoff values.

3. The cutoff value for informal entries (US$1.250) is established by customs regulations.

However, the statutory cap has been raised from US$1,250 to US$2.,500 under the Customs Modernization Act, which became effective January 1, 1994. This means the regulatory level of the value for informal entry may be changed accordingly in the future.

E. Quotas:

An import quota is a quantity control on import commodities during a fixed period of time. Quotas are established by law. Customs administers quotas, but has no authority to alter them. There are two types of quotas as follows:

1. customs quotas: also called tariff-rate quota. Under this type of quota, a specific quantity of a product is allowed to be imported at a reduced tariff rate during a certain period. Quantity entered in excess of a customs quota are subject to a higher tariff rate. Products from communist countries are usually denied the advantages of customs quotas.

2. absolute quotas: also called quantity quotas. Under absolute quotas, a specified quantity of a product is allowed to enter the U.S. during a quota period. Goods brought to the U.S. in excess of an absolute quota may be re-exported or warehoused in FTZs for entry in a subsequent quota period.

F. Mandatory technical standards:

Many imported products are subject to government-imposed standards of quality and safety. If the imported merchandise is subject to such requirements, the importer must first obtain certification illustrating that the merchandise are in conformance, and present the certification with the shipment at the time of entry into the U.S. In addition, a performance bond must be posted to guarantee compliance with such requirements. Products requiring certification include automobiles, electrical & electronic products,, lighting fixtures, etc

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