In the digital transformation era, Mohawk Global strives to find solutions to the challenges our clients face. We put our processes under a microscope to encourage change throughout the industry. In this case, our client needed confirmation that an additional email with a PDF copy of an invoice per shipment was not necessary to satisfy the regulation. Our proposal pushed a pivotal change in the age where companies are looking to become more efficient and paperless throughout their supply chain.
On October 25, 2021, Lisa Bieda, Brokerage Development Manager at Mohawk Global, requested that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determine whether a commercial invoice generated from elements provided via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transmission would satisfy the requirements of 19 C.F.R. § 141.81 and be acceptable for entry submission.
The Proposal
- Mohawk Global’s operations team is to receive commercial invoice elements via EDI transmission from either the shipper/seller or from the importer of record.
- The elements transmitted via EDI would then be used to generate a commercial invoice pdf that will include all elements required for the entry packet.
- The EDI transmission will include all data elements required by 19 C.F.R. § 141.86 as well as the name of the person providing the data elements.
- The invoice will not be signed. Mohawk Global has provided a blank example invoice for reference and has affirmed that the organization is not currently receiving transaction elements from clients electronically.
CBP has officially ruled, “provided that this invoice is generated for each shipment of merchandise at the time the entry summary is filed, then the requirements of 19 C.F.R. § 141.81 will be satisfied.”
This ruling offers customs brokers a wholly electronic approach to the invoice process. Mohawk Global is constantly seeking ways to streamline our processes, enhance productivity, increase customs compliance, and reduce human error. We are excited that one of our own is leading the charge to help bring customs business into alignment with the digital eCommerce era and has helped to make strides that will positively impact the trade.
By Clarissa Chiclana