Duty Recovery — Frequently Asked Questions

1. I check the paperwork all the time to ensure the accounting work is error-free. Why do I need a duty recovery review?
   • Looking for accounting errors represents only a small part of what we do. What we offer is the expertise, experience and professionalism of our licensed Customs Brokers. What we aim to uncover are oversights that might have occurred based on more complex issues including classification and end-use determination.
   
   
2. My broker has just completed a review. Why do I need another one?
   • It is surprising how frequently we find issues left on the table by other services. Having a second pair of eyes re-examine your import information can deliver real results.
   
   
3. Do you frequently find issues that have been overlooked by an internal process or another service provider?
   • Yes. More often than not.
   
   
4. What sort of staffing arrangements do I need to make?
   • There is no need to allocate manpower or management resources to the review.
   
   
5. How long does an initial review of my import files typically take?
   • The on-site time required for an initial review of your import files will typically take less than a day to accomplish. There is no need to allocate manpower resources. When we are at your office, all we require is access to your import files.
   
   
6. How long does the entire duty recovery process take - from the initial review of our import files to the government issuing us a cheque for a refund?
   • This will vary depending on the complexity of the case. In some instances, it could take just a few weeks, for others it could be somewhat longer.
   
   
7. What records do you need to see?
   • We only need to see your import files.
   
   
8. I don't need to pay anything unless I get a refund, right?
   • We operate on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we generate a refund for you. There are no consultancy charges and absolutely no hidden fees whatsoever.
   
   
9. How many licensed Customs Brokers do you employ on a full time basis?
   • MSR has a total of six licensed Customs Brokers on staff. This is higher than the industry norm and ensures service excellence at all times. We underline that point by allocating two licensed Customs Brokers to each and every duty recovery opportunity to ensure we identify and resolve all duty issues.
   
   
10. What is the significance of having licensed Customs Brokers examine our import files?
    • Our Customs Brokers are experts in Customs laws and regulations. They also have in-depth knowledge and insights into Customs issues affecting companies in specific industries, allowing them to make quick and valid recommendations on resolving your duty recovery issues.
    
    
11. If I am thinking about conducting a duty recovery review, why is sooner better than later?
    • The reason you should undertake a duty recovery sooner rather than later is because you can only reclaim overpaid duties over the last four years. That is, if we find that you are entitled to a refund on a recent import into Canada, we will look for similar imports over the past four years to multiply those savings. Waiting even weeks or months can mean you miss out on potentially substantial savings.
    
    
12. What is a mini AMPS Assessment Analysis?
    • A mini AMPS Assessment Analysis examines a sample of your import records, with the aim of assessing your compliance with Customs laws and regulations and minimizing your risk to AMPS penalties. MSR is the only company, which offers a Mini AMPS Assessment Analysis in conjunction with a duty recovery.
    
    

Interested in more information? Please continue exploring our website or send an email to info@msrcustoms.com.

Copyright © 2008 eCustoms – MSR Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Update:   JAN 2 2008