U.S. patent application number 12/554333 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for system and method for processing import/export transactions.
This patent application is currently assigned to CustomsPoint, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Kirby, Cliff Burke Thompson.
Application Number | 20100023422 12/554333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41109878 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100023422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Cliff Burke ; et
al. |
January 28, 2010 |
System and Method for Processing Import/Export Transactions
Abstract
Import/export transactions whereby an item is to be transported
from one country to another are automated. An invoice containing a
list of one or more part numbers is entered in at a web site and
loaded to a server containing a database. A database is of part
numbers and their corresponding tariff classification numbers. The
uploaded invoice will be compared to the database to output a data
record whereby the one or more part numbers uploaded in the invoice
now have tariff classification numbers and daily calculation
associated therewith This data record can then be accessed over the
Internet at another web site by a customs broker for use in
transmitting a report to a customs entity.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Cliff Burke;
(Pflugerville, TX) ; Kirby; David; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
P.O BOX 1022
Minneapolis
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
CustomsPoint, Inc.
Pflugerville
TX
|
Family ID: |
41109878 |
Appl. No.: |
12/554333 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09576462 |
May 23, 2000 |
7596500 |
|
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12554333 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.1 ;
705/31; 705/34; 707/E17.044 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/123 20131203;
G06Q 30/0284 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101;
G06F 2221/2151 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 ;
707/104.1; 705/34; 705/31; 707/200; 707/E17.044 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30; G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1. A method for processing import/export transactions over a
network, comprising: receiving invoice data associated with an
import/export transaction at a first terminal coupled to the
network, wherein the invoice data includes a product identifier
identifying a product to be transported in the import/export
transaction; transferring the invoice data from the first terminal
to a server hosting a database of product identifiers and tariff
classification information particular to each of the product
identifiers; matching the product identifier identifying the
product to the product identifiers in the database; and outputting
a data record, wherein the data record includes tariff
classification information associated with the product identifier
identifying the product.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein outputting the data
record includes e-mailing the data record to a second terminal
coupled to the network.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein outputting the data
record includes downloading the data record to a second terminal
coupled to the network.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein outputting the data
record includes printing the data record.
5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the data record is
downloaded in response to receipt of a request to access the data
record by a second terminal using a web browser.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the receiving of the
invoice data further comprises electronically transmitting the
invoice data from the first terminal to the server.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the invoice data is
received into a web site associated with the database.
8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising receiving
updates to: updating the database from a third terminal coupled to
the network.
9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising recording
results of the matching into a transaction database hosted by the
server.
10. A system for processing import/export transactions over a
network, comprising: means for receiving invoice data associated
with an import/export transaction at a first terminal coupled to
the network, wherein the invoice data includes a product identifier
identifying a product to be transported in the import/export
transaction; means for transferring the invoice data from the first
terminal to a server hosting a database of product identifiers and
tariff classification information particular to each of the product
identifiers; means for matching the product identifiers identifying
the product to the product identifiers in the database; and means
for outputting a data record in response to the matching of the
product identifier identifying the product to the product
identifiers in the database, wherein the data record includes
tariff classification information associated with the product
identifiers identifying the product.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the outputting means
includes a means for e-mailing the data record to a second terminal
coupled to the network.
12. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the outputting means
includes a means for downloading the data record to a second
terminal coupled to the network.
13. (canceled)
14. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the data record is
downloaded in response to access of the data record in the server
by the second terminal using a web browser, wherein the network is
the Internet.
15. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the inputting means
further comprises: means for electronically transmitting the
invoice data from the first terminal to the server.
16. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the inputting means
further comprises means for inputting the invoice data into a web
site associated with the database.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A system for processing import/export transactions over the
Internet, comprising: a server, coupled to the Internet, hosting a
database of product identifiers and corresponding import/export
transaction information; a first computer, coupled to the Internet,
operable for uploading invoice data, containing at least one
product identifier associated with an import/export item, to the
server over the Internet; a program operable for matching the at
least one product identifier with a product identifier contained in
the database of product identifiers and outputting a data record
including import/export transaction information corresponding to
the at least one product identifier, and a second computer, coupled
to the Internet, operable for accessing the data record over the
Internet.
20. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the first computer
uploads the invoice data via a web link associated with the
server.
21. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the second computer
accesses the data record via a web link between the second computer
and the server.
22. The system as recited in claim 19, further comprising a
software program for transforming the data record into a customs
report suitable for transmittal to a customs entity.
23. (canceled)
24. A computer program product stored on a computer readable medium
and operable for processing an import/export transaction over the
Internet, comprising: first programming steps operable for
establishing a first web page, accessible by a first terminal
coupled to the Internet using a web browser, that receives data
associated with an import/export transaction from the first
terminal, wherein the invoice data includes a product identifier
for a product to be transported in the import/export transaction;
second programming steps operable for matching the product
identifier included in the invoice data to a database of product
identifiers and corresponding tariff classifications resulting in
an output of a data record containing a tariff classification
matched with the product identifier identifying the product to be
transported in the import/export transaction; and third programming
steps operable for establishing a second web page, accessible by a
second terminal coupled to the Internet using a web browser, that
displays the data record through the second web page.
25. The computer program product as recited in claim 24, wherein
the database is stored on a server coupled to the Internet.
26. The computer program product as recited in claim 24, further
comprising: fourth programming steps operable for establishing a
third web page, accessible by a a third terminal coupled to the
Internet using a web browser, that enables an update of the product
identifiers and corresponding tariff classifications in the
database.
27. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the product
identifier is unique to a particular company.
28. The method as recited in claim 27, wherein the import/export
transaction is associated with the particular company.
29. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first terminal is
coupled to the server over the network.
30. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the matching results
in the tariff classification information being assigned to the
product identifier included in the invoice data.
31. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the invoice data
lists products to be imported/exported, and each product is
identified with a product identifier.
32. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the tariff
classification information is a harmonized tariff number for a
particular country.
33. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising
transforming the data record into a customs entry report for the
import/export transaction.
34. The method as recited in claim 33, further comprising
transforming the data record into a master report to facilitate the
import/export transaction.
35. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one product
identifier is unique to a particular company.
36. The system as recited in claim 35, wherein the import/export
transaction is associated with the particular company.
37. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the first computer
is coupled to the server over the Internet.
38. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the matching program
assigns the import/export transaction information to the product
identifier included in the invoice data.
39. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the invoice data
lists products to be imported/exported, and each product is
identified with a product identifier.
40. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the import/export
transaction information is a harmonized tariff number for a
particular country.
41. The computer program product as recited in claim 24, wherein
the product identifier is unique to a particular company, and the
import/export transaction is associated with the particular
company.
42. The computer program product as recited in claim 24, wherein
the matching programming steps assign the tariff classifications to
the product identifiers included in the invoice data.
43. The computer program product as recited in claim 24, wherein
the tariff classifications are harmonized tariff numbers for a
particular country.
44. A method comprising: transmitting invoice data over an
electronic network to a computer server from a workstation coupled
to the computer server over the electronic network, wherein the
invoice data is an electronic version of an invoice representing a
purchase of the products by a customer resident within the country,
wherein the invoice lists the products by product number; storing
an electronic database of customer products and tariff
classification information, wherein the electronic database is
accessible by the computer server, wherein the electronic database
comprises product numbers for products particularly associated with
the customer, wherein the product numbers are each assigned a
harmonized tariff number particular to the country; a computer
processor comparing the product numbers in the invoice data to
product numbers in the electronic database to compile a customs
entry report where the product numbers in the invoice are each
assigned a harmonized tariff number; and the computer processor
using the customs entry report to create a master report to
facilitate entry of the products into the country, wherein the
master report includes the harmonized tariff numbers assigned to
each of the product numbers.
45. A method for processing an import/export transaction over a
computer network using a server comprising a tariff assignment
application and a product database comprising: receiving, by the
server, an invoice from a first terminal wherein the invoice
comprises a product ID corresponding to a product; matching, by the
server, the product ID from the invoice with a product ID from the
product database and identifying a corresponding tariff
classification from the matched product ID; and generating and
outputting, by the tariff assignment application, an import/export
report using the tariff classification from the matched product
ID.
46. The method as recited in claim 45, further comprising
receiving, by the server, product information from a second
terminal and storing the product information in the product
database wherein the product information comprises product IDs,
tariff classification, and duty rate information corresponding to
each product ID.
47. The method as recited in claim 45, further comprising
generating a master report using the generated import/export
report, and transmitting the master report from the server to a
computer coupled to the server over the computer network.
48. A system for processing an import/export transaction over a
computer network using a server comprising a tariff assignment
application and a product database comprising: a processor; and a
memory coupled to the processor storing computer readable
instructions when executed cause the processor to perform the steps
of: receiving an invoice from a first terminal wherein the invoice
comprises a product ID corresponding to a product; matching the
product ID from the invoice with a product ID from the product
database and identifying a corresponding tariff classification from
the matched product ID; and generating and outputting an
import/export report using the tariff classification from the
matched product ID.
49. The system as recited in claim 48, further comprising receiving
product information from a second terminal and storing the product
information in the product database wherein the product information
comprises product IDs, tariff classification, and duty rate
information corresponding to each product ID.
50. The system as recited in claim 48, further comprising
transmitting the invoice and the master report from the server to a
customs broker/freight forwarder computer.
51. The method as recited in claim 45, wherein the product ID is
unique to a particular company, and the import/export transaction
is associated with the particular company.
52. The method as recited in claim 51, wherein the invoice lists
products to be imported/exported, and each product is identified
with a product ID.
53. The method as recited in claim 52, wherein the tariff
classification is a harmonized tariff number for a particular
country.
54. The method as recited in claim 53, wherein the product database
is customized on a per customer basis to ensure that the matching
of the product IDs with the tariff classifications is in compliance
with local customs regulations.
55. The system as recited in claim 48, wherein the product ID is
unique to a particular company.
56. The system as recited in claim 55, wherein the import/export
transaction is associated with the particular company.
57. The method as recited in claim 48, wherein the invoice lists
products to be imported/exported, and each product is identified
with a product ID.
58. The system as recited in claim 57, wherein the tariff
classification is a harmonized tariff number for a particular
country.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of and claims
priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/576,462, filed on May 23,
2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates in general to processing
customs transactions, and in particular, to the automation of the
processing and storage of parts and tariff number assignments with
summarization for customs reporting purposes utilizing the
Internet.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] For thousands of years people of the world have engaged in
trade. Trade fuels economies, creates jobs, increases the selection
of goods available to consumers, and promotes the diffusion of
cultures. In many countries, including the United States ("U.S."),
one of the earliest sources of revenue to the government was the
assessment of duties against imported goods. Until recently, each
country tended to use their own singular system for categorizing
imported goods. Since 1988, many countries of the world have begun
using a harmonized system of tariff classification that was adopted
at the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity
Description and Coding System. As a result, the tariff number
headings and sub-headings are now the same in any country that is a
signatory to the Harmonized System Convention. The tariff numbers
and commodity descriptions are published by each country and
mandated to be used for almost every imported item. The tariff
numbers provide governments a systematic way to categorize all
imported goods, to make duty assessments, to gather trade
statistics, to share trade data with other countries, and for other
purposes. In most countries, the tariff number must be determined
and reported at the time of export and then at the time of
importation into the destination country. For shipments between
countries that have adopted the Harmonized System Convention, the
assigned tariff numbers have validity in both countries.
[0004] U.S. importers are required by Jaw to take responsibility
for providing to U.S. Customs the correct tariff classification for
each imported item and to pay the correct duty on the goods
imported. In common U.S. business practice the importer employs the
services of a custom house broker to handle most aspects of their
import customs clearances. However, with passage of the Customs
Modernization Act in 1993 the importer became fully liable for the
accuracy of information presented--regardless of who does the
customs compliance work.
[0005] The process of identifying and assigning tariff numbers to
commodities is often inexact, tedious, and manually performed. Much
of the information and resources necessary for accurate tariff
processing may not be avail able to the customs broker. Importers
and customs brokers spend a large amount of time assigning tariff
numbers to imported goods. And, it is not uncommon for this process
to be performed repeatedly for the exact same commodity due to the
inability to access the information that may have already been
determined during a previous importation. Working against the legal
requirement for accurate tariff number identification is the time
pressure to obtain release of the goods quickly. The later
objective often compromises the integrity of accurate tariff
assignment.
[0006] Additionally, the tariff processing is often performed by
individuals who are poorly trained and who are burdened with many
other imports to simultaneously process. Complex tariff number
assignments and high item count imports require an especially large
amount of time to process. This time is often not available to the
average customs broker. Nevertheless, the importer may still be
subject to severe fines, penalties, and sanctions should their
customs information be found to be inaccurate.
[0007] To further elucidate the process and its greater context,
consider a typical air freight import transaction. When the goods
are ready to be exported from the foreign country, the shipper will
prepare a commercial invoice. The invoice accompanies the goods as
they are transported to the departure airport. In most countries
(and depending upon terms of shipment) the exporter will contact a
freight forwarder who will coordinate transportation of the goods,
prepare and submit export clearance documents (containing HTS
numbers), and will book the cargo with an airline. The freight
forwarder also prepares bills of lading as a contract of carriage
for the goods. Both the invoice and the bill of lading as a
contract of carriage for the goods. Both the invoice and the bill
of lading are distributed to the import clearance agent in the U.S.
Upon importation, the importer's designated Custom house broker
prepares and submits Customs entry paperwork (containing HTS
numbers) to U.S. Customs in order to obtain release of the
goods.
[0008] During the preparation of the Customs entry paperwork, a
Harmonized Tariff Number must be assigned to each item listed on
the import invoice(s). In common practice, the Customs broker uses
inefficient and imprecise manual methods to determine and assign
the HTS numbers. The extensive contents of the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule are perused (containing over 8000 HTS numbers),
handwritten notes are consulted, files of previous importations are
pulled, and/or printed lists may be consulted. The accuracy of this
process can also be impaired by the common usage of Customs
brokerage agents who are inadequately trained and who are burdened
with many other imports to simultaneously process. In conjunction
with the HTS assignment process, the Customs broker extracts
additional information from the invoice, the bill of lading(s), and
other supporting documents. The information is then submitted to
U.S. Customs electronically or on paper using forms, protocols, and
formats proscribed by Customs. Complex tariff number assignments
and high item count importations require an especially large amount
of time to process. This time is often not available to a Customs
broker. Nevertheless, the importer may still be subject to severe
fines, penalties, and sanctions should their Customs information be
found to be inaccurate.
[0009] An exportation from the U.S. is performed in a manner
similar to the process just described for importation. In
particular, the process of assigning HTS numbers for export
purposes is still usually performed using inefficient and
inaccurate manual methods.
[0010] The problem with the foregoing process is that the tariff
classification has to be performed manually by a customs broker
having to identify the goods, and then manually compare that
identification in a tariff classification book, and then manually
entered into proprietary systems to calculate any duties owed to
the government customs office. Such a manual process is tedious,
expensive, time consuming and prone to errors. Therefore, what is
needed is a system whereby the importer can take an active role in
managing their commodity/tariff number assignments prior to
importation; when most tariff decisions have already been made
prior to an importation; and when the predetermined tariff numbers
can be quickly and efficiently assigned to each associated imported
item. For review and use by parties to the import or export
transaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention addresses the above needs by
implementing a Product Classification Database (PCD), which
consists of a database and interface that utilizes Internet
standards and protocols to enable users to input and retrieve
commodity information and the associated tariff information through
an Internet site. In addition, the database will be written so as
to match most standards accepted today by companies utilizing
supply chain management software systems.
[0012] The PCD is designed to meet the needs of importers, customs
brokers, and freight forwarders handling the
importation/exportation of products with multiple tariff
classifications per importation/exportation. Because the PCD is
Internet based, authorized users will be able to access the
database from any PC with Internet access and will be able to
create product databases, update/add/delete items from existing
databases, and perform various reporting and archiving functions.
Authorized users will be able to upload invoice information either
electronically or manually. The application will support the
electronic upload of data stored in certain commonly recognized
formats such as Microsoft Excel.RTM. spreadsheets, Word and ASCII.
Once the invoice data is uploaded, the application will
automatically assign tariff numbers to all the recognized invoice
items and will generate a summary report in a form appropriate for
incorporation into a customs entry.
[0013] The PCD can be hosted on a proprietary website.
[0014] More specifically, a customer will utilize the Internet
website to create databases that provide for the storage and
retrieval of product and tariff classification data--product ID
number, product description, tariff number, units of measure, etc.
This information is in turn used to process import invoices and
summarize information necessary for the creation of a customs
entry. The database can be managed by an importer, exporter, or
their assigned and authorized agents.
[0015] The database can then be utilized by sending invoice
information into the website using electronic or manually entered
data. The invoice information will be matched against the online
database, the associated tariff numbers assigned, and then a
summarized report is output for use in preparing a customs entry or
export declaration.
[0016] After the invoice and database information have been
processed and the appropriate tariff numbers assigned, an invoice
record is created. This record can be downloaded to any entity that
has authorization to access this account on the Internet site. This
invoice record set can be utilized by the importer or that assignee
to facilitate import or export declarations.
[0017] The invoice information is retained at the website and is
available to any authorized party with access to this account or
the Internet. The historical invoice data is also available for
analysis using tools provided at the website.
[0018] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides
the importer or exporter with the means to actively manage import
or export data (particularly tariff classifications)--from anywhere
in the world with Internet access, collaboratively, and in real
time.
[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
enhances compliance with applicable import/export regulations by
providing a systematic, easily accessible, and user friendly means
for managing tariff classification data. Improvements in compliance
reduce the importer's risk of incurring fines, penalties, and other
sanctions.
[0020] In addition, another advantage is that the classified
invoice is also stored for access by authorized parties for summary
information required by the business utilizing the website
application tool.
[0021] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides up-to-date vital information regarding the import/export
transaction.
[0022] Yet still another advantage of the present invention is that
it will serve as a resource for tariff classification assistance
that will improve accuracy and efficiency.
[0023] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
serves to enhance customs broker/freight forwarder capabilities by
allowing them to process more entries per worker more efficiently.
Yet another advantage is it serves to reduce the number of errors
associated with the classification process.
[0024] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates the import/export system and method of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a data processing system configurable in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates further detail of the import/export
system and method of the present inventions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth such as specific hardware configurations to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention
may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,
well-known circuits have been shown in block diagram form in order
not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. For the
most part, details concerning timing considerations and the like
have been omitted in as much as such details are not necessary to
obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are
within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant
art.
[0030] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not
necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are
designated by the same reference numeral through the several
views.
[0031] The present invention implements an Internet application
that will enable importers and customs brokers to create and access
an online database of parts and tariff information that will
facilitate tariff classification compliance, [0032] reduce the time
needed for tariff number assignment, and enhance a company's tariff
maintenance and reporting capabilities.
[0033] The present invention automates the process of tariff number
assignment for import and export transactions. Generally, all
countries require some sort of statistical reporting that involves
a tariff or classification number for a particular item or
commodity being bought and sold with respect to an import or export
transaction, along with an accompanying description. Further, with
such an import or export transaction, there is usually some sort of
duty or tariff rate associated with the particular item when it
either leaves or enters a particular country. Hereinafter, the
present invention will be described with respect to an import
transaction 101, but is also applicable in the same manner with
respect to an export transaction. Associated with an import
transaction 101, an invoice or invoices 102 will be generated in
accordance with the purchase agreement for the imported goods,
whereby the invoice 102 will include a list of the items to be
bought and imported. The invoice 102 will have a list of the part
numbers or commodities involved in that transaction as being
exported or imported.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates further detail of a sample invoice 102
where the invoice header includes the invoice number, reference
numbers, the identification of the seller, the identification of
the buyer, the date and any other details. The invoice detail
includes the product identification, a possible description for
each of the products, the quantity shipped, unit price, and line
total.
[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, box 103 represents, that in addition to
customs house brokers, an importer or exporter usually contracts
for the services of freight forwarders and/or international
integrators or consolidators. Their job is to plan, implement, and
coordinate the logistics of moving the goods. They are responsible
for ensuring the products are picked up at origin, the proper
documents (i.e., bills of lading, export documents, import
documents and declarations) are generated, and the movement of
freight to its destination is completed. Hereinafter, "imports"
will refer to all entities instigating an import or export process,
including those in box 103. In accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, the importer can then send the invoice in an
electronic format via the Internet 104 to an Internet website 105
(with secure access if needed). If the importer does not have an
ability to send an electronic version of the invoice 102 to the
website 105 (the invoice remains as a paper invoice (step 107)),
then the importer can in step 108 manually input the invoice data
at the website 105. For example, website 105 can implement data
entry fields for permitting the importer to enter part numbers,
descriptions and quantities.
[0036] Nevertheless, the part numbers entered into the website 105
are matched in step 109 to a central database of customer parts and
tariff classification information 110. FIG. 3 illustrates how the
product/database 110 includes product ID's corresponding tariff
numbers, corresponding tariff descriptions, duty rates, etc. The
product ID's within the invoice 102 and the database 110 are
matched in step 109.
[0037] Furthermore, step 111 shows that a customer or website
administrator can update and maintain the part/classification
database 110 by adding, editing, or deleting records.
[0038] The comparison process in step 109 can be implemented
through a process whereby each of the part numbers (or other
product identifier (ID)) from me invoice 102 are compared to part
numbers within the database 110, which will then output a
corresponding tariff classification for each part number.
[0039] Database 110 can be viewed in step 113 by an administrator,
and reports 112 can be generated so that the system administrator
or customer can track such statistics as how many times a
particular customer accesses the database 110.
[0040] In step 114, not only is each part number in the invoice
associated with a tariff classification or number, but the process
can also produce an automatic estimation of any duties owed.
[0041] Database 115 keeps a record of every transaction, which can
be used for future reference.
[0042] In step 116, a customs entry report is compiled for the
import transaction, and then a master report is created to
facilitate the preparation of the customs entry. The customs entry
report is sorted by tariff numbers and a value is summed for each
of the tariff numbers. The master report created in 117 is
essentially a summarized invoice. Thereafter, the invoice can be
downloaded directly into a customs broker's system 118 for
subsequent automatic transmission to the appropriate customs
entity. As a result, a custom house broker 118 can access the
master report from the Internet site 105 for a printout, download
the tile, or the file can be sent through a direct interface with
the Automated Broker Interface software or similar system. The
custom house broker 118 can then utilize this master report within
their own automated systems to transmit to the appropriate customs
authority.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates how the black box/application 301, which
comprises one or more of the steps 114 and 116 utilize the quantity
and line total information from the invoice 102 and the tariff
classification, unit of quantity, and duty rate information from
the database 110 to build a data record for each invoice and to
compile a customs entry report, which is eventually translated into
an outputted master report 117
[0044] The present invention can also implement other value-added
functions, such as providing other services that might support an
import activity 106, link up a harmonized tariff schedule 119 in a
split screen, or any other reference databases 120, such as links
to the Food and Drag Administration, or to other legal reporting
agencies. Further, copies of the master reports can also be
maintained as customer-based information 121 for each of the
customer's transactions through this system, which will enable
periodic reports to be created, etc.
[0045] As can be seen by FIG. 1, the present invention can be
implemented over a network, such as the Internet, using computers,
routers, servers, etc. Each of these components comprises a data
processing system in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, an example is shown of a data
processing system 213 which may be used for components of the
invention. The system has a central processing unit (CPU) 210,
which is coupled to various other components by system bus 212.
Read only memory ("ROM") 216 is coupled to the system bus 212 and
includes a basic input/output system ("BIOS") that controls certain
basic functions of the data processing system 213. Random access
memory ("RAM") 214, I/O adapter 218, and communications adapter 234
are also coupled to the system bus 212. I/O adapter 218 may be a
small computer system interface ("SCSI") adapter that communicates
with a disk storage device 220 and tape drive 240. Communications
adapter 234 interconnects bus 212 with an outside network enabling
the data processing system to communicate with other such systems.
Input/Output devices are also connected to system bus 212 via user
interface adapter 222 and display adapter 236. Keyboard 224 and
mouse 226 are interconnected to bus 212 via user interface adapter
222. Display monitor 238 is connected to system bus 212 by display
adapter 236. In this manner, a user is capable of inputting to the
system throughout the keyboard 224 or mouse 226 and receiving
output from the system via display 238.
[0047] Preferred implementations of the invention include
implementations as computer systems programmed to execute the
method or methods described herein, and as a computer program
product. According to the computer system implementation, sets of
instructions for executing the method or methods are resident in
the random access memory 214 of one or more computer systems
configured generally as described above. Until required by the
computer system, the set of instructions may be stored as a
computer program product in another computer memory, for example,
in disk drive 220 (which may include a removable memory such as an
optical disk or floppy disk for eventual use in the disk drive
220). Further, the computer program product can also be stored at
another computer and transmitted when desired to the user's work
station by a network or by an external network such as the
Internet. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the physical
storage of the sets of instructions physically changes the medium
upon which it is stored so that the medium carries computer
readable information. The change may be electrical, magnetic,
chemical, biological, or some other physical change. While it is
convenient to describe the invention in terms of instructions,
symbols, characters, or the like, the reader should remember that
all of these and similar terms should be associated with the
appropriate physical elements.
[0048] Note that the invention may describe terms such as
comparing, validating, selecting, identifying, or other terms that
could be associated with a human operator. However, for at least a
number of the operations described herein which form part of at
least one of the embodiments, no action by a human operator is
desirable. The operations described are, in large part, machine
operations processing electrical signals to generate other
electrical signals.
[0049] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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