CBP Relaxes Drawback Documentation Requirements
CBP will no longer require an original signature or certified export invoice as proof for drawback claims, the agency said in a notice (here). The agency is making the change in consideration that ink signatures for original documentation or certified copies are sometimes tough to acquire, it said. The change becomes effective on Aug. 7.
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Drawback claims are often denied when claimants can produce only documentary evidence that does not contain a signature or copies of such documents that are not certified, said the agency. "CBP realizes the difficulty of having to provide a pen and ink signature for documents when these documents are issued electronically and do not contain an actual pen and ink signature," it said. As a result, "CBP will now allow claimants to provide unsigned originals or copies of documentary evidence as proof of export for drawback eligibility" and "copies of original documentary evidence will no longer need to be certified."
CBP will also amend its regulations that reference a “certified export invoice” requirement for drawback claims on mail shipments, it said. Even though a separate section of CBP regulations mention a certified invoice requirement 19 CFR 191.74, no such requirement is discussed in the section. "Thus, CBP is clarifying that claimants submitting postal records in support of exportation in accordance with section 191.74 may submit either originals or uncertified copies of official postal records," it said. CBP will also amend the regulations to reflect previously announced drawback office closures.
(Federal Register 08/07/15)