A key component of informed compliance is that the importer is expected to exercise reasonable care in his or her importing operations. From the trade perspective, when voluntary compliance is attained, compliant importers are less likely to have their shipments examined or their entries reviewed. The Customs Service publishes a wealth of information to assist the import community in complying with Customs requirements. We issue rulings and informed compliance publications on a variety of technical subjects and processes. We urge importers to make sure they are using the latest versions of any printed materials.
Reasonable care is an explicit responsibility on the part of the importer.
Despite its seemingly simple connotation, the term reasonable care defies easy explanation because the facts and circumstances surrounding every import transaction differ, from the experience of the importer to the nature of the imported articles. Consequently, neither the Customs Service nor the importing community can develop a reasonable care checklist capable of covering every import transaction. The Customs Service recommends that the import community examine the list of questions below. These questions may suggest methods that importers may find useful in avoiding compliance problems and in meeting the responsibilities of reasonable care. These questions are intended to promote compliance with Customs laws and regulations, but be aware that the list is advisory, not exhaustive.