Customs Brokers Training 2024

Customs Brokers Training 2024

• The training is for customs brokers
• It covers government agencies, their duties and responsibilities
• It targets imported and exported commodities

Objectives

• Participants will be able to identify all government agencies with restrictions on imported commodities
• Participants will learn to differentiate the various approval documents issued by each agency
• Participants will identify the types of commodities each agency restricts
• Participants will understand the legal authority and role of Customs in enforcement of OGA restrictions
• Participants will understand the import process for restricted commodities in ASYCUDA

Role of the Brokers

• Brokers facilitate the import process
• Brokers interact with importers, facility management, government agencies and transportation agents
• Handling of imports involves timely submission of manifests, documentation, cargo availability, and release by Customs

Importation of Cargo

• Timely submission of manifest to ASYCUDA World System
• Cargo availability by the Port
• Timely release of cargo by foreign customs
• Proper documentation (invoice, pedimento, etc.)

Registering and Payment of Cargo

• Preparation of CMR
• Submission of SAD into ASYCUDA World System
• Payment of SAD online or bank transaction
• Facevet for SAD

Agency Clearance

• Online approval of exemptions and permits
• Approval by the appropriate Customs Officer
• BAHA clearance for SAD

Customs Clearance

• Examination of imports by both Customs and other Government Agencies
• Clearance from the port of entry

Government Agencies

• Supplies Control Unit
• Public Utilities Commission
• Forestry Department
• Pesticide Control Board
• Department of the Environment
• Chief Pharmacist
• Ministry of Health
• BAHA

Public Utility Commission (PUC)

• The entity responsible for restricting telecommunication and radio communication equipment
• Restriction is done through an import permit system
• Importers need to obtain a permit from PUC prior to importation
• This permit needs to be attached to the SAD in the system.
• No additional clearance is necessary.
• Permits are non-transferable.

Pesticide Control Board (PCB)

• A statutory body responsible for the restriction and registration of pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, etc.
• Registration of chemicals requires an approval form
• The approval form, along with a PCB stamp, must be included with the SAD
• No administrative approval is needed for these codes, and the SAD will not be cleared without the stamp and form. -This form must be placed onto the SAD by BAHA or the PCB itself.

HS Code (Insecticides)

• 3808.91.10.00 - for use in agriculture
• Use requires certification from the relevant authority, which in this case is the Pesticide Control Board (PCB)
• A PCB stamp, along with a signature, confirms appropriate use for agriculture.

Department of the Environment (DOE)

• Government agency regulating the importation of ozone depleting chemicals, refrigerants, single-use plastics, and environmentally hazardous products
• Importation requires an import license approved by DOE.
• The import licence needs to be attached to the SAD
• It's the broker/importer's responsibility to request clearance from DOE.
• DOE keeps a list of restricted commodities.
• Licenses cannot be transferred.

Ministry of Health - Chief Pharmacist

• Reviews importation of pharmaceuticals, supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and controlled drugs
• Psychotropic and narcotic drugs require an additional permit
• All other pharmaceuticals require approval and/or exemption codes and attached to the SAD
• The chief pharmacist is responsible for approval
• Codes for most pharmaceuticals are in the system and need clearing by the proper office (except for supplements).

Ministry of Health - Director of Health Services

• Regulates the importation of precursor chemicals imported into Belize in industrial-sized containers, like drums.
• This requires a letter of approval from MOH prior to importation.
• The letter must accompany the SAD.
• No further clearance is necessary as this is not locked into the system.

Belize Agriculture and Health Authority (BAHA)

• Statutory body responsible for plant and animal health and food safety (including certain chemicals, road vehicles, and wooden packaging).
• Certain restrictions on food items need a BAHA permit that is attached to the SAD prior to importation of restricted items.
• BAHA stamps are included in importation: A red stamp indicates pending documentation, a blue stamp without signature means physical examination is required, and one with a signature indicates the need for no examination.

Supplies Control Board

• Manages the regulation and restriction of goods that are local substitutes for manufactured or produced goods
• Imports/Exports licensing is required for certain restricted items.
• The license must be attached to the SAD, and corresponding documents must have the licence holder's name.
• Licenses are single use and valid for 60 days. Alcohol (vodka, tequila, liqueurs, gin) requires an SCU approval to accompany the SAD prior to the payment of duty.

Firearm and Ammunition Control Board

• Responsible for the regulation of firearm and ammunition imports/exports, excluding military use
• A letter of approval/certification from the CEO of Home Affairs is required for importation
• This approval/certification is linked to the SAD
• A list of prohibited firearms is provided

Belize Defence Force

• Restricts the importation of military/naval/aerial warfare supplies, and some military equipment.
• Require written permission from the CEO of the Defense Ministry.
• Imports like bombs, grenades, gunpowder, require a letter of approval from the Defense Ministry/Commissioner of Police.

Forestry Department

• Regulates importation and exportation of logwood, lumber, and certain plants.
• Requires a permit from this department, attached to the SAD, which may need a Supplies Control License (for certain products).
• No further clearance is needed since the codes are not locked in the Commodity system.

Department of Transport/Traffic Department

• Request a properly filled-out vehicle data sheet from transportation companies
• Assist in registering motor vehicles, tractors, and off-road vehicles.
• Models manufactured within the last 5 years require a proper Customs Enforcement and a round house stamp to be registered.

Copy of Documents for Registration Purposes (by Brokers)

• Customs receipt (stamped and signed)
• Assessment form (stamped and signed)
• Customs declaration (stamped and signed by the valuation officer)
• Vehicle data sheet (stamped and signed by examiner/valuation officer)
• Enforcement stamp for vehicles under 5 years to date.

Belize Tourism Board (BTB) – QRP Program

• Manages the exemption program for retired persons.
• Grants exemptions relating to personal effects and transportation for new and used items (boats, planes, cars).
• The BTB exemption letter must be attached to the SAD and approved by customs officer.
• Items not meeting criteria need duty paid.
• A full accounting of personal effects and mode of transportation should accompany the exemption letter.
• Only original BTB letters are accepted.

Central Bank of Belize

• Controls the movement of Belizean currency, treasury bills, etc.
• Permission through Part IV of the Exchange Control Regulations is required.
• Specific export/re-exportation transactions must have an XCH2 Exchange form on the SAD.
• No further clearance is needed.

Fisheries Department

• Responsible for regulating marine product import and export
• Issues notices to export.
• Certain products like conch require a phytosanitary form from the department.
• Notice to export must be requested at least 5 days ahead of exportation.

Department of Archeology

• Regulates the import/export of antiques, artifacts, and similar items of archeological value.
• An approval/license from the correct Minister in the Archeology department is needed to accompany the SAD for all imports/exports of such items and no further approvals are needed.

Investment, Policy and Compliance Unit - Gaming Control Board

• Manages the regulation of gaming machines involving money with a required license for the following:
  • Slot machines
  • Roulette games
  • Poker machines
• Except for games of amusement

Important Note

• All details concerning the approval or restriction of each item are noted in various places. It could be either within the form itself, or in a separate document to be attached.

This quiz is designed for customs brokers undergoing training in 2024. It focuses on identifying government agencies involved in the import process, their duties, and understanding legal requirements related to restricted commodities. Participants will gain knowledge on the roles of brokers and the intricacies of the importation process.