Establishing Procedures for “Turnbacks” in the Classification Center

Abstract

The research project is aimed to investigate the procedures for “turnbacks” that transpire on the system’s repository of a global trade department for X Company. Turnbacks are errors that delay the classification process of commodities and documents for business units. These consume time and effort for classifiers, which must complete a classification for export/import with the correct regulation and jurisdiction. If the request is rejected, it causes a delay in the process. These rejections are documented in a data sheet as turnbacks, and it was observed that some of these rejections could have been resolved within minutes by engaging in real time communication with the requestor. Using the DMAIC method, the Classification Request Rejection Process was implemented, reducing the amount of time wasted from 2022 to 2023 by 44.8% in a three-month period, saving the company time and reducing costs for the business units with the goal of securing additional projects. Key Terms - Classifications, DMAIC Method, Rejections, Turnback.