Later, the importer files a reconciliation containing final and correct information after obtaining specific data. Customs then reviews and liquidates the reconciliation and issues a single bill or refund. The traditional entry process did not allow for post-entry summary changes. As a result, ports developed their own methods. A number of these lacked legal authority and adequate financial controls.
Classification is sometimes a permissible issue.
This category would be grounds for reconciliation only when the tariff classification is the subject of an open protest, ruling request, or court action. This information is often not available when importers prepare their entry summaries because world trade has become much more complex. In addition, factors such as joint ventures, material assists, currency adjustments, transfer pricing, and maquiladoras mean that some values will legitimately be unknown until months after a company files its summary. For other reconciliations, it is 15 months from the date of the oldest entry summary . Of course, if the information is available sooner, the importers may file their reconciliations as soon as possible.