1) What exactly is Drawback?
According to U.S. Customs, Drawback is the refund of Customs duties, certain Internal Revenue taxes, and certain fees that have been lawfully collected at importation. The refund is administered after the exportation or destruction of either the imported/substituted product or article that has been manufactured from the imported/substituted product. Drawback is recognized as the most complex commercial program the U.S. Customs Service administers because it involves every facet of Customs business, including both exports and imports.
For more information on drawback, please explore the other areas of Drawback Central.
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2) How do I get started in a drawback program?
First, educate yourself on the nuances of drawback—explore this site and the U.S. Customs Web site. Then you'll need to complete the applications—which can be found on the U.S. Customs Web site. Third, if the applications seem daunting you can always call on a specialist—such as Dutycalc/ Duty Compliance Services —for assistance.
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3) Where can I get more information on duty drawback in general?
You can explore the U.S Customs Web site and the Drawback Central area of this Web site.
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4) Can Dutycalc handle the drawback process for my company?
We can recommend a drawback broker in your area that utilizes Drawback.NET. We can also provide drawback services through our Duty Compliance Services
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5) How much do drawback services typically cost?
Service fees vary depending on the types of drawback, the data that you are working with and the amount of duty recovery. For a service quote, please complete our Evaluation Questionnaire and we will provide you with a fee estimate.
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6) Can Drawback.NET accept information from our import, export and accounting systems? In other words can the System accept downloaded files?
Yes. Please review our ASCII Specifications (PDF file) for more information.
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7) How long does it actually take to receive a drawback refund from U.S. Customers—starting from the date I implement Drawback.NET.
The answer varies greatly—depending on whether a company is already filing drawback or is just starting a drawback program. If a company is already filing and chooses to automate with Drawback.NET, the timeframe can be much shorter. Experienced filers will generally be able to create a claim within the first week or two of installing the System, file it and receive a refund within approxamitely a month (from installation).
If a company is new to drawback, they will need to apply to Customs for their privileges. Privileges include the Accelerated Payment Request and the Waivers for both prior and future Notice. Once the completed applications are submitted, it can take 3 to 6 months for approval. If manufacturing is involved and a Ruling can be submitted to a drawback center rather than Customs Headquarters in DC for processing, this may take approximately 3 months. Once approvals are received, checks may be issued approximately 6 to 8 weeks after a drawback claim is filed
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8) How can our company see Drawback.NET in action? Do you offer a demo?
Dutycalc offers an on-line demo of Drawback.NET using webex.com. If you'd like to request a demo presentation, please call 530.637.1006 or email us at sales@Dutycalc.com.
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9) Which Version of Drawback.NET is right for my drawback program?
Dutycalc offers four Versions of Drawback.NET. The types of drawback a company files and size of their drawback program determines the appropriate version for your company.
- LITE Version—Handles basic drawbacks—small to medium file sizes—no NAFTA drawback.
- Standard Version—Handles basic to difficult drawbacks—small to large file sizes—NAFTA drawback.
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10) How much do the various Versions of Drawback.NET cost?
Current pricing for each version is as follows. Each system purchase includes the software, user manual and on-line training.
- LITE—Base cost single user is $15,000, multi user $25,000
- Standard—Base cost single user $20,000, multi user $30,000
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