Welcome to V. Alexander s Importer Security Filing software training. V. Alexander is acting

Transcription

1 Welcome to V. Alexander s Importer Security Filing software training. V. Alexander is acting as the U.S. Customs broker for your USA importer and will be processing ISF information directly with U.S. Customs on their behalf. Importer Security Filing, or ISF, dramatically changes the flow and timing of documentation and information in the global supply chain. It is our intention to make these changes much easier for the importer and for you as the seller by using this very simple software. 1

2 Before we begin this training we need to talk about some ISF facts. Beginning January 26, 2009 USA Importers are required by law to submit no fewer than 10 data elements + bill of lading number to US Customs no later than 24 hours prior to the container loading on board a vessel at the foreign port. This regulation ONLY applies to OCEAN shipments at this time. The importer may face penalties amounting to as much as $15, for each late or inaccurate filing. It is critical that the foreign sellers cooperate completely if they wish to continue selling goods to the United States. Foreign sellers are required to enter some shipment information into our VNET system NO LATER THAN 48 TO 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE CONTAINER LOADING ON BOARD THE VESSEL. V. Alexander is providing this internet based software to allow for filing the Importer Security Filing. This software is very easy to learn and use. V. Alexander is acting as the US Customs Broker for your U.S. customer and will be filing the ISF software with U.S. Customs based on the information that you provide to us. 2

3 If you haven t already, you will soon be receiving an generated from our VNET system that will allow you, as a seller, to login and use the ISF software. This contains your system username and password, as well as links to ISF instructional videos and other information. Your username will be your address and the system assigned password can be changed at anytime once you login. Go to the preferences page to make changes to your account profile. 3

4 Using the username and password provided, go to valexander.com and login via the ISF LOGIN box on our home page. Your username will always be your address. 4

5 After logging into the system the first thing that you, as the seller, will need to do is confirm your company information and add the other ISF parties into the system (such as consolidator, stuffing location and manufacturer). Click on ADDRESS BOOK at the top menu. 5

6 In the address book, it is important that you verify your company information and add any missing or incorrect data, including phone and fax information. Then CLICK SUBMIT to save your changes. 6

7 The OTHER PARTIES tab is where you will input the other parties of the ISF filing, such as the consolidator or (container stuffer), container stuffing location and manufacturer. It is important to note that you do not need to input your company information in the other parties tab. In most transactions your company, as the seller, may also be the stuffer, stuffing location and manufacturer and the filing screen will allow you to use your company information for almost any ISF party. It does not need to be entered more than once in the address book. 7

8 The CONTACTS tab, shown here, is where you can add contacts for any party. Contact are not required for the ISF filing but may assist us should we need to ask any questions about preparing the filing. Importer and shipper contacts will receive all ISF related notifications, but no other parties will receive notifications. You can also add other VNET ISF users within your company. To do this simply add a contact for your company and make sure you check the box SEND ACCOUNT SETUP . That new userwill receive an with system access information. 8

9 The VNET system allows a seller to work with multiple importers. By clicking on the IMPORTERS tab you can view all of the U.S. importers that are available to you in the system. 9

10 Now we will look at the CONTROL PANEL. This is where you will be able to view all shipments entered into the VNET ISF system. You will be able to monitor the status of the ISF acceptance by U.S. Customs, file amendments and view summary information for any ISF transaction. Access this screen by clicking on the control panel button on the top menu. 10

11 Next let s take a look at how to FILE the Importer Security Filing in the VNET system. When you have commercial invoice details and a bill of lading number you are ready to input the ISF. This MUST BE filed at least 48 to 72 hours prior to the container loading on board the vessel. Additionally, U.S. Customs requires that if any information changes before the vessel arrives at the first U.S. port then the ISF must be amended. To begin, click on the START HERE button. 11

12 Begin by either selecting a template, or create a new filing from the blank form. Any filing can be saved as a template and used to create future filings. If you are not using a template choose the importer then indicate the estimated sailing date and vessel name. 12

13 Next, enter the bill of lading number. If you have a house bill of lading you must use this, otherwise use the master bill. The ISF regulations state that you must report the lowest bill of lading level. Because the bill of lading number is so critical, the system requires you to enter it twice to insure it is accurate. The SCAC code is a four character code that precedes any bill of lading. This must be an accurate code recognized by US Customs, the system will only allow valid SCAC codes. The bill of lading used should be the same bill of lading reported by the carrier or consolidator as the AMS bill of lading. 13

14 Next you will select the ISF parties. If you have previously set these up in your address book then just select them from the drop down list. If not, simply click the silhouette icon and add them here. If you need to remove aparty from the filing just click the DELETE icon. 14

15 In the final step, upload the commercial invoice. To do this simply click browse and choose documents from your computer. You can attach as many documents as you need. V. Alexander must have this information to classify the invoice accurately for U.S. Customs. V. Alexander will determine the proper HS tariff number to use. 15

16 When the ISF is submitted you also have the option to save it as a template. This is optional but allows you to quickly complete future ISF filings. To save a filing as a template, simply enter a name and check the box to save it. Now click submit and the ISF is finished. 16

17 As soon as you submit the ISF Filing Screen, our V. Alexander staff will be notified and begin processing the ISF to be sent to U.S. Customs. As soon as we have notification from U.S. Customs that they have accepted the ISF transmission our system will send you an confirmation. Additionally, you will see the status change on your control panel to OK TO LOAD. At this point you are safe to allow the container to load on the vessel. 17

18 Now that the ISF has been submitted, the shipment is shown on your control panel. From here you can monitor filing status, file amendments, view attached document and other functions. 18

19 It is very important to monitor the ISF STATUS column. It is here that you will be notified when a container is OK TO LOAD. The system will also send you an when the shipment has been accepted by US Customs. 19

20 At any time during operating hours you can click on LIVE HELP and one of our ISF Entry Specialists will be very happy to assist you. Also, you can call us here in the United States on country code 001 then area code and ask for ISF operations. 20

21 V. Alexander is committed to making your import customer s ISF program a success. It will require your complete cooperation and possibly a dramatic change in your document flow. However, with careful attention it is certainly manageable. Remember, the ISF must be filed no later than 48 to 72 hours prior to the container loading on the vessel at the foreign port. This is the most important aspect of this rule. Even if all information is not known at the time of filing, you should file the best information available and amend it later. Be sure to check valexander.com and look for the IMPORTER SECURITY FILING section for the latest news and updates on this program. You can also download important documents such as our ISF webinar, FAQ document and the final rule document from the Federal Register. Finally, THANK YOU for your patience and support. For technical support questions on the software isfsupport@valexander.com. For questions relating to information in the ISF such as bill of lading, parties, documentation and other operational issues isfoperations@valexander.com. 21