Compliance for Port Newark importers warehousing in Carteret is a multi-layered obligation spanning federal customs law, state commercial regulations, and local operational requirements. Gaps in any layer create either operational delays (demurrage, CBP holds) or financial penalties — both of which destroy working capital.
Pre-Shipment Compliance (Before Goods Leave Origin)
- ISF 10+2 filed minimum 24 hours before vessel loading. Verify all 10 importer data elements are current and match commercial invoice exactly. Obtain ISF transaction number.
- Supplier documentation package assembled: Commercial invoice (in English; includes unit price, FOB value, country of origin, HTS description), packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin as applicable.
- Product certifications obtained (FCC, CPSC, FDA registration as applicable to product category).
- Entry type determined: Formal entry (over $800 / Section 321 ineligible), informal entry ($250–$800), or Section 321 release (under $800, one person per day).
- Continuous bond confirmed active and sufficiently sized. Bond face value ≥ 10% of annual duty liability. Not within 60 days of expiration.
Port Arrival Compliance (Vessel ETA – 72 Hours to Arrival)
- Customs broker notified of vessel ETA. Provide AMS bill of lading number for entry pre-filing. Confirm estimated duty liability and entry type.
- Duty funds disbursed to broker trust account. Transfer duty payment amount. Obtain confirmation of receipt. Note: CBP 10-business-day duty deadline begins from entry acceptance, not vessel arrival.
- ACE portal status verified: Importer of record filer code is active. Power of attorney with broker is valid. No CBP holds, alerts, or suspensions on filer account.
- Gate appointment scheduled. PNCT or GCT Bayonne appointment booked via carrier portal. Chassis confirmed with dray carrier.
Post-Arrival / Clearance Compliance
- Entry accepted by CBP (ACE notification verified). Confirm no CBP examination order (CEX, tailgate, intensive). If examination ordered: notify carrier immediately, request free time extension in writing.
- Duty payment completed. Duties, MPF, and HMF paid to CBP via broker. Obtain CBP receipt and entry summary (CF-7501) for records.
- Container released and drayed. Container release authorization obtained from carrier. Dray to Carteret 3PL on scheduled appointment. Verify container seal integrity at delivery.
Carteret Warehouse / State-Level Compliance
- NJ business registration current. NJ Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation in good standing. Annual report filed.
- Sales tax nexus evaluated. NJ sales tax nexus exists for importers storing goods in NJ 3PL facilities. NJ seller's permit obtained if selling to NJ buyers.
- NJ UCC lien environment clean. Current UCC search run (NJ DORES). All paid/satisfied liens have corresponding UCC-3 termination filings.
- Workers' compensation coverage in place for NJ employees (if applicable).
Annual Compliance Calendar for Carteret Importers
| Obligation | Frequency | Advance Notice Required |
|---|---|---|
| CBP continuous bond renewal | Annual | 60 days before expiration |
| NJ business annual report | Annual | 30 days before due date |
| Customs broker POA review | Annual (or on entity change) | Immediate upon change |
| UCC lien review | Semi-annual | N/A |
| ISF data accuracy audit | Quarterly | N/A |
| Supplier documentation audit | Per shipment | Pre-shipment |
Interactive: PO Stepper — Compliance Timeline Builder
Lateral Relevancy
Compliance costs are capital costs. Learn how to pre-fund every item on this checklist through your Sentinel facility.
Ready to build a compliance-integrated financing structure? Initialize your Funding Analysis or call (888) 653-0124.
DISCLAIMER: Sentinel Trade Finance | Carteret, NJ 07008 | (888) 653-0124 | Import compliance requirements change frequently. Consult a licensed customs broker and qualified legal counsel for compliance guidance. Not legal or customs advice. Financing subject to underwriting and approval.