October 3, 2008
     

On most imports into the United States, there exists a relationship between the seller and the buyer where the buyer orders and pays the seller for those goods.  This is considered an import based on Transaction Value.

However, in a case where the foreign seller first purchases the goods from another party before selling to a U.S. Importer, the "reseller" really becomes a middleman between the actual manufacturer and the U.S. Purchaser.

In August, 2008, Congress passed legislation defining which value must be declared on the customs entry.  At this time, it is mandatory that the "first sale price" the one that came from the actual manufacturer to the reseller be declared on the 7501 Customs Entry Summary.  This first or earlier sale value going forwarded will be designated with the letter "F" on the face of the entry and transmitted to Customs via ABI.

If you are an importer involved in this "multi-tiered" type of transactions where goods have been resold prior to importation, it is imperative that you advise Dell Will of these circumstances so that the correct declarations and values will be considered at the time of entry.  Failure to properly declare a "First Sale" transaction can result in fines and penalties from Customs.