1- The FLOA is a note from your customer authorizing Geodis Wilson USA, Inc., to act as forwarding agent for export control and Customs purposes, and to electronically transmit on your customer’s behalf such export information as may be required by law or regulation in connection with the exportation or transportation of any merchandise for your customer’s account. Additionally, your customer should certify that all necessary and proper documentation has been or will be provided to Geodis Wilson for accurate electronic transmission. It also confirms your customer’s understanding that civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for knowingly making false or fraudulent statements, or for the violation of any United States laws or regulations governing exportation, and your customer should agree to be bound by all statements made by Geodis Wilson based upon information or documentation provided to GWUSA by the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (the shipper). This is in accordance with the Foreign Trade Regulations Section 30.3 (e) 2 from Title 15 of the Federal Register.
2- Signed FLOA form will be kept on file for future shipments and will be made available to US customs upon request.
3- There will be no effect for your customer unless information provided was incorrect
4- FLOA has been a requirement long time ago. Unavailability of a completed FLOA imposes heavy fines on us. There is no way we can ship without it.
5- Not sure why any competitor wouldn’t want to comply with USA export regulations. Please be advised that no shipment will be handled till completed and signed FLOA is available.