Customs Compliance Programs Simply alerting an importer to the existence of these programs may not immediately excite attention. In discussing the need for a Customs compliance program, be it in specific areas, such as recordkeeping, or as part of a comprehensive compliance program, the following points useful in examining the advantages and pitfalls of a program. A. Cost Effectiveness of the Preventative Approach. Penalties can be severe. Seizures and detention are disruptive.
Investigations are a drain on company resources and are time consuming.
B. Customs laws stress self-monitoring by importers. C. Opportunity for legitimate duty savings. D. Established policy can be a mitigating factor in penalty proceedings. E. Policy promotes importer detection and correction of errors immediately. F. Enhances good reputation with U.S. Customs.