What Is a General Order (GO)?
Let me explain what a general order (GO) means in the context of imported goods. It's a status assigned to items that arrive without the necessary documentation or can't be cleared through customs quickly for various reasons. You might see this if duties, fees, or interest aren't paid, if the owner doesn't complete the required paperwork, or if the invoicing isn't correct or legal. Importantly, if goods stay uncleared for more than 15 days, they automatically go under general order.
Key Takeaways
Here's what you need to know directly: Imported goods that miss proper paperwork or aren't claimed within 15 days get classified as general order by U.S. Customs. Once those 15 days pass, the items move to a class 11 general order warehouse, which functions as a type of bonded warehouse. If they stay in this status for over six months, the government can seize them, donate them to charity, or put them up for auction. These auctions, handled by U.S. Customs, occur monthly either online on a nationwide basis or locally at places like hotels near ports.
Understanding General Orders (GOs)
After the initial 15 days, any merchandise under general order gets transferred to a Class 11 bonded warehouse, as authorized by Title 19 of the United States Code, section 1555. You, as the owner, bear the risk for transporting and storing these goods.
If the goods linger in general order beyond six months, they'll be confiscated by the government or auctioned off by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These live auctions happen monthly, either online for nationwide access or at public spots like hotels near ports. Anyone can bid except CBP employees and their immediate families. To participate, you must put down a $5,000 deposit. Remember, all purchases are nonrefundable, and you're responsible for picking up what you buy.
Important
Pay attention to this: The port of entry or the company that first receives the goods in the United States must inform U.S. Customs within 20 days of arrival about any unclaimed or improperly documented items. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
Real-World Example of a General Order
Consider this actual case: On February 16-17, 2017, CBP conducted a nationwide online auction for general order merchandise that had been abandoned at ports and transferred to bonded warehouses. These items became eligible for auction after six months in storage.
List of Auctioned Items
- 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350
- 2011 Ford Fusion
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
- Women's and men's clothing
- Quilts
- Framed mirrors, bathroom vanity with mirrors, and a table with a glass top
- Toy cars
- Lamps and lighting accessories
- Carbon steel pipe
- Backpacks
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