Compliance after entry
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping is the duty to keep import records for CBP. Most records must be kept for 5 years from the date of entry.
What does Recordkeeping mean?
Records are any information made or normally kept in the ordinary course of business about an import activity (19 CFR 163.1). They include the data required for entry.
The general period is 5 years from the date of entry, or from the date of the activity that created the record. Drawback records are kept until the third anniversary of the payment of the claim (19 CFR 163.4).
Some records have shorter periods. For example, records of bona fide gifts and other free articles under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2) are kept for 2 years.
Customs brokers keep their own records too. They keep them for at least 5 years after the date of entry (19 CFR 111.23).
What does it mean for your shipment?
Keep invoices, payment records, contracts and origin evidence with each entry number. CBP can ask for them during the whole 5-year period.
Allied CHB, licensed customs broker, CBP filer code 9AJ.
Where does this come from?
All glossary terms · General information, not legal advice.