Importing and Exporting - What's a CBP Form 28?

This CBP Form 28 is a formal request by CBP to obtain additional or more specific information about an entry. CBP wants to obtain additional or supporting information to properly classified or determine correct value or for import compliance of this merchandise. This formal request based upon 19CFR 151.11 and your response is required in accordance with section 509(a), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1509).

All information, documents, and samples must relate to the shipment of merchandise belonging to this importation. This information will be treated as confidential by CBP.

You have 30 days to respond to this request or an extension might granted if a good cause or reason is given to the issuing CBP Officer but if not response within time set CBP has the authority to issue liquidated damages in the amount of the value of the merchandise or up to three the value under 19 CFR141.113.

At first sight is looks like a simple, self explanatory form but out of response CBP will make determination such as higher duties, disqualification for preferential treatment, quota class merchandise, antidumping duties, redelivery of merchandise, request for additional information, etc..

My advice as your custom broker expert is to gather all pertain information throughout you company. In my experience as a custom broker expert, no single individual or department has all the information. Look within finance, manufacturing, legal or other departments that might have information that does not comes to you mind but is crucial to correctly respond to this request.

In my experience as a custom broker in assisting my clients to properly and correctly fill this form, this response must be treated as a company wide team effort and have it approved by your legal department.

Francisco Ramirez, Jr. helps businesses to flawlessly import or export merchandise across the US borders. He is a managing partner of Automated Customs Experts Group, Inc. in San Diego California. His upcoming book teaching importing, exporting and logistics teaches companies how to avoid the most frequent importing and exporting mistakes will be out in near future.