Who Can Sign a Customs Power of Attorney?

U.S. Customs has specific rules regarding who is allowed to sign a power of attorney. There are specific rules for incorporated companies and companies from Canada.

Incorporated Companies

Without supporting “articles of incorporation,” the only titles allowed to sign for an incorporated company are the president, vice president, secretary or treasurer. This is true for most incorporated companies, however there are some exceptions for smaller corporations, according to Livingston, which is a leading North American provider of customs brokerage and transportation.

Smaller Incorporated Companies

U.S. Customs makes certain exceptions for who can sign the power of attorney for smaller corporations. A person does not have to have the title of president, vice president, secretary or treasurer if that person is the sole signing officer, according to Livingston. This must be explicitly written on the power of attorney.

Canadian Companies

There are special rules for Canadian companies wishing to pass through U.S. Customs. The officer signing for a Canadian company must complete a “certification by Canadian corporation.” This officer must be different from the officer who completed the power of attorney document, according to Livingston.

Sources:

Livingstonintl.com: U.S. Power Attorney FAQ [http://livingstonintl.com/shippingtousb.cfm?id=1453]