CBP Issues 5th Version of FAQ on Mandatory Advance Electronic Information Requirements for Truck Carriers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a January 28, 2005 (5th) version of its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding the mandatory advance electronic cargo information requirements for truck carriers.
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(Although it is not explicitly stated, this FAQ appears to relate to inbound trucks.)
In this fifth version of its FAQ, CBP has added a new FAQ 22 and modified FAQs 9 and 19.
New FAQ 22 - Time Extension for FAST Card Requirement for BRASS Shipments
CBP has added a new FAQ 22 (Time Extension for Free And Secure Trade (FAST) Card Requirement for Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) Shipments).
This new FAQ states that due to a late surge in applications, there is a sizeable backlog in the processing of applications at the FAST Processing Center. This backlog will take approximately 90 days to eliminate. As a result, the starting date for enforcement for the FAST driver identification requirement for all groups will be May 1, 2005.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 02/03/05 news, 05020305, for BP summary on CBP's postponed enforcement at all ports until May 1, 2005.)
Revised FAQ 19 - Enforced Compliance Guidelines
Table modified. In FAQ 19, CBP has modified the table in order to reflect that Part 1 for Phase 3 (BRASS) will end May 1, 2005 for Groups 1-3 (see new FAQ 22 above).
(The fourth version of this FAQ reflected that Part 1 would end January 30, 2005 for Group 1; February 27, 2005 for Group 2; and March 29, 2005 for Group 3.)
Deletion of text below table. In its fourth version of this FAQ, CBP had removed Part 2 for BRASS from the table in FAQ 19 but did not delete the paragraph below the table which described Part 2 for BRASS; therefore, CBP has now deleted this paragraph.
Revised FAQ 9 - Specific Information Carrier Must Provide
CBP has revised part of its response to FAQ 9 which asks what specific information is the carrier required to provide in order to meet these initial advance electronic information requirements.
The second sentence of CBP's response now states that the required identification number is created by identifying the four character Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC), plus adding up to 12 alphanumeric characters, for a maximum of 16 total characters.
(CBP had previously stated that the identification number is the four character SCAC, plus eight numbers or letters in any combination, for a maximum of 12 total characters.)
In addition, CBP has modified the third sentence of its response to state that these numbers may include an in-bond serial number or CBP entry number used in lieu of (rather than as well as) a carrier assigned pro-bill number.
Although CBP indicates that it has modified FAQs 9 and 20, it appears that FAQs 9 and 19have been modified.
In its FAQ, CBP describes Part 1 for BRASS entries where the driver does not present a valid FAST card, as follows:
CBP recognizes that a backlog exists for FAST card applications. Subsequently, CBP is allowing enough time to elapse prior to initiating enforcement actions. Ports will issue a Notice of Noncompliance (Attachment 2 for BRASS). This notice will supercede the notice currently being issued. Each port is also directed to place this notice in all broker boxes.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/17/04 news, 04121705, for BP summary of CBP's 4th version of this FAQ (dated 12/14/04).)
CBP's Revised Truck FAQ (dated 01/28/05) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/communications_to_industry/advance_info/truck_faqs.ctt/truck_faqs.doc