What happens if the original documents are lost?
The carrier will notify Coppersmith that freight has arrived and there are no documents. Then the USDA inspectors cannot allow the shipment to leave the first port (of unlading). When we are notified we will immediately request a system wide search of the carrier. We then will go immediately back to the overseas agent and request fax copies be sent and certified copies of any Cites documents be applied for and sent via courier to the Coppersmith office clearing the freight. If the documents are lost after release at the first port of unlading, the shipment will accrue storage charges at the port of entry until the replacement documents are received. At that point we suggest that you request us to move the shipment to our Bonded Container Freight Station (if applicable) or to the local Customs Bonded Examination Station.
