The United States Federal Government is made up of dozens of agencies and departments. Each one has a set of rules and regulations that governs its daily operation. All of the rules are contained in a single called The Code of Federal Regulations or CFR.
INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
So, what exactly is The Code Of Federal Regulations, it is a document that contains the rules that spell out all of the duties and responsibilities of each of the 50 agencies and departments that make up the US Federal Government. The document is broken up into 50 individual titles and each one represents an agency or department.
WHAT IS TITLE 19 CFR
Title 19 of the CFR or Code of Federal Regulations is the part that deals with the duties and responsibilities of the US Customs and Border Protection Agency of the US Federal Government. Title 19 is broken down into four separate chapters and many different parts. Each of the four different chapters covers a separate part of its responsibilities.
Chapter I US Customs and Border Protection – covers the law enforcement arm of the US Customs agency. Tasked with securing all of the borders (Atlantic coast, Pacific coast, Northern, and Southern) on land at sea.
Chapter II US International Trade Commission – Acts as in an advisory capacity to both the legislative and executive branches in all matters regarding trade. To include tariffs and all other things dealing with trade. Ensures that US-based businesses are not unfairly impacted by trade agreements.
Chapter III International Trade Administration – Helps to promote US businesses with exports to countries abroad. They also ensure that trade agreements are being followed so that businesses can have access to export their goods.
Chapter IV US Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Has federal law enforcement powers to enforce more than 400 different immigration-related laws on the books. Through offices all across the US, they help to locate and deport illegal immigrants that have entered the US illegally.
WHAT ARE CUSTOMS DUTIES
The duties of the US Customs Service are to make sure that all products that are imported and exported into or from the United States follow all rules, regulations, laws created by Congress. It is also charged with collecting any duties that are due on imported goods entering the US. It also collects fees, excise taxes, or penalties assessed on any imported products.
US Customs is responsible to intercept all persons, baggage, mail, and cargo that comes to any of the US borders. At each check agents are looking for contraband items, looking for illegal drugs and human trafficking. Along with that, they all help to prevent businesses from illegal trade practices which may include theft of Intellectual property and potential violations of import/export restrictions.
US Customs agents not only ensure that all of the rules and regulations are spelled out for them, but they also cover more than 400 rules and regulations that are under all of the other federation agencies and departments. Most of these involve vehicle safety, wildlife endangerment, water pollution, environmental protection, and pesticides.
WHY IS CFR TITLE 19 CUSTOMS DUTIES IMPORTANT?
The US Customs agency has an extremely important job, which is to protect everyone from dangers from outside our borders. Not only that, but they are also to ensure that all of our companies that do business with foreign entities are protected from wrongdoers, as well.
Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations spells out exactly all of the duties and responsibilities of the agency and departments that are part of the US Customs agency.
Conclusion
When it comes to the importation and exportation of goods and services for US-based businesses all laws and regulations must be followed. The US Federal Government has put in place more than 400 rules and regulations that deal directly with imports and trade with foreign countries.
There is a whole agency within the US Treasury Department that is dedicated to taking care of all matters dealing with securing our borders and ensuring fair trade with countries outside of the US. The good thing about US-based companies is that some businesses specialize in customs brokerage and import law.
These law firms have highly trained and skilled attorneys that can work closely with businesses that are looking to purchase goods from companies in Mexico and other countries. An example of these companies is a law firm called Abady Law Firm, located in New York City, New York,
They specialize in customs law and import brokerage and can help any business large and small navigate through the many federal laws and regulations that apply to importing goods from different countries. So, if you own a business or are looking to start a business and are looking for products that are manufactured or sold by a company in a different region, you should give the Abady Law Firm a call.
