IMRA DEVELOPS U.S. CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE MANUAL

IMRA DEVELOPS U.S. CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE MANUAL    The International Mass Retail Association has published a U.S. Customs compliance manual available to retailers.
   The manual, Preparing for Customs Service Audits: A Retailer’s Guide, is only available on CD-ROM, and is tailored for retailers who are either facing a Customs audit, or who may be faced with one in the future, IMRA said.
   The manual covers key issues such as establishing a customs compliance program, record keeping, creating an internal audit team, conducting internal audits, preparation for an audit, the “Auditee Bill of Rights,” and how to handle the aftermath of an audit.
   “Retailers see the growing global marketplace as their opportunity to meet consumer demand for a greater product selection at affordable prices,” said Robert J. Verdisco, IMRA president. “IMRA recognizes this need for supply and demand and realizes that with the growing number of imports each year, a company may draw scrutiny from the United States Customs Service. IMRA’s compliance manual will help a company avoid fines, detentions and seizures of shipments, and costs and violations that can make a company a prime target for repeat audits.”
   The manual is available for purchase by IMRA members and non-members. Contact Abigail Shoemaker of IMRA at (703) 841-2300.