Creating comprehensive import compliance manuals requires synthesizing complex customs regulations, HTS classification rules, valuation methodologies, and internal control procedures across multiple regulatory frameworks. Trade attorneys and compliance officers spend days researching requirements, drafting procedures, and ensuring coverage of all Partner Government Agency obligations, often struggling to maintain consistency across sections while meeting evolving CBP expectations.
Creating a compliant import compliance manual requires extensive knowledge of CBP regulations, PGA requirements, and reasonable care standards. Companies face significant penalties for non-compliance, yet developing comprehensive documentation covering classification, valuation, origin, recordkeeping, and audit procedures typically requires weeks of specialized legal work.
CaseMark automates the creation of detailed, CBP-compliant import compliance manuals tailored to your company's operations. Generate complete regulatory frameworks covering all aspects of customs compliance, from HTS classification procedures to corrective action protocols, ensuring your organization meets reasonable care standards.
This workflow is applicable across multiple practice areas and use cases
Manufacturing and importing companies need comprehensive compliance manuals as part of their corporate governance and operational documentation to manage international supply chains and regulatory obligations.
Corporate counsel for manufacturing companies are explicitly listed as target personas, and import compliance is a critical operational requirement for corporations engaged in international trade requiring formal documented procedures.
General regulatory compliance attorneys need standardized import compliance documentation to help clients establish audit-ready procedures across multiple regulatory agencies including CBP, FDA, and USDA.
The workflow addresses multi-agency compliance requirements and internal control procedures that are fundamental to broader regulatory compliance programs beyond just customs-specific matters.
During M&A due diligence, buyers need to assess target companies' import compliance programs and documentation to evaluate regulatory risk exposure and potential liabilities related to customs violations.
Import compliance manuals and procedures are critical due diligence items when acquiring companies with international supply chains, as customs violations can result in significant penalties and operational disruptions post-acquisition.
Corporate governance attorneys need import compliance manuals to establish board-level oversight policies, internal controls, training programs, and corrective action procedures for companies engaged in international trade.
The workflow's emphasis on internal audits, employee training programs, and corrective action protocols directly supports corporate governance requirements for companies with import operations and regulatory compliance obligations.
An import compliance manual is a comprehensive regulatory document that establishes your company's procedures for complying with U.S. customs laws and CBP regulations. It demonstrates reasonable care under 19 U.S.C. § 1484, which requires importers to exercise appropriate diligence in ensuring accurate classification, valuation, and origin determinations. Having a well-documented compliance manual protects against penalties, provides operational guidance to employees, and serves as evidence of good faith compliance efforts during CBP audits or enforcement actions.
A comprehensive import compliance manual must include procedures for HTS classification using General Rules of Interpretation, customs valuation under transaction value methodology, country of origin determinations for both preferential and non-preferential purposes, recordkeeping compliance with Part 163 requirements, Partner Government Agency compliance, internal audit programs, employee training, and corrective action protocols. Each procedure should provide step-by-step guidance, designate responsible personnel, and establish documentation requirements to satisfy reasonable care standards.
CaseMark analyzes your company's import profile, including the types of products you import, countries of origin, supplier relationships, and organizational structure. The system generates procedures tailored to your specific compliance risks, such as related-party valuation issues, complex classification challenges, or specific PGA requirements for your commodities. The output includes role-specific responsibilities aligned with your organizational chart and procedures scaled to your transaction volume and complexity.
Yes, the compliance manual generated by CaseMark is specifically structured to demonstrate reasonable care under 19 U.S.C. § 1484 and CBP's Informed Compliance guidelines. It includes all elements CBP expects to see: written policies, detailed procedures, designated responsibilities, documentation requirements, audit protocols, training programs, and corrective action processes. The professional format and comprehensive coverage provide strong evidence of your good faith compliance efforts during CBP examinations, focused assessments, or penalty proceedings.
Your import compliance manual should be formally reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently when significant changes occur. Updates are necessary when regulations change, new CBP rulings affect your classifications, your product line or supply chain changes, organizational restructuring affects compliance responsibilities, or internal audits identify procedural deficiencies. The manual should include version control tracking all revisions with dates and distribution records showing who has received updated versions.