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U.S. Customs Broker role in the Maquila Industry
The import/export business is a large industry with many players involved. In the midst of these players are the U.S.
customs brokers who basically operate as facilitators for goods entering (imports) or exiting (exports) the country.
"U.S. customs brokers assist the importer or exporter with the necessary documents, represent them
before U.S. Customs or whatever other regulatory agencies are involved, and assist the imports in classification and valuation of their product," said William Schafer, a licensed broker/account manager at Rudolph Miles
& Sons.
Broker also function as advisors. "We keep our clients abreast of any changes in the law, additional requirements, or any benefits they may qualify for," Schafer said.
One major change that will effect
many businesses in the maquiladora industry will occur in November 2000. Currently, maquilas enjoy special tariff treatment. Material that is transported into Mexico is duty free under the maquiladora program. "Under
NAFTA, Mexico must begin to charge import duties on any material taken into Mexico and incorporated into merchandise which will either stay in Mexico or be exported to the U.S. or Canada," Schafer said.
On the
Mexican border, brokers also serve as freight forwarders and warehouse/logistic resources for the growing maquila industry. "More and more maquila manufacturers are looking to their broker to perform material handling
and logistic functions," Schafer said. "While we evolve into other areas, our basic function is still to represent and service the importer/exporter." |
