CBP CSMS Messages and Web Postings

1. Galveston Seaport Remains Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

2. CBP Announces Change in FTZ Admission Transaction Process

CBP has issued a CSMS message stating that effective immediately, filers who wish to report the arrival of goods into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) must use Action Qualifier 2, 3, or 4 only.

The ABI FTZ application allows filers to report the follow-up actions to FTZ admissions. One of these actions is the arrival of goods into a zone. The ABI application code FZ is used for transmitting zone arrival information.

The current ABI CATAIR provides four 'action qualifiers' that filers can use to indicate at which level the arrival action should be applied. Action qualifier "1" indicates that the requested action is being taken against the FTZ admission number. Action qualifier "2" indicates that the action applies to the bill of lading number; Action qualifier "3" indicates that the requested action applies to an Inbond number; and Action qualifier "4" indicates that the action should be taken against the container. The CATAIR states, in note 1 for the Action Qualifier, that Action Code I (indicating arrival of the goods into a zone without quantity verification) is a valid Action Code for Action qualifier 1. This is an incorrect linkage.

CBP notes that a change to the ABI CATAIR will be issued as soon as possible to make the necessary correction to the FTZ chapter.

(CSMS 08-000275, dated 10/17/08, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17299&page=&srch_argv=08-000275&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)

3. ACE Reports Tool Instructions

CBP has posted an ACE "Topic" document providing instructions for all existing ACE portal account types, with the exception of truck carriers (which are featured in a separate document).

CBP has also posted the ACE "Topic" document providing information for truck carriers on running ACE reports.

(Topic documents, posted 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/ace_welcome/ace_reports/)

4. CBP Posts Information on AES LOI Form for Vessel Data

CBP has posted a document providing information on the AES (Automated Export System) Letter of Intent Form for Vessel Transportation Data. The LOI to participate in the Vessel Transportation Module is a statement of a carrier's commitment to develop, maintain, and adhere to Customs performance requirements and operations standards as a participant in AES. (Information available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/aes/letter_intent/form_vessel_data.xml)

5. Other CBP Postings and Messages

CBP approved gauger, accredited lab list. CBP has posted a list of approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. The list contains the company name, address, phone number, type (lab and/or gauger) and the date of last inspection. (List, dated 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/automated/labs_scientific_svcs/commercial_gaugers/gaulist.ctt/gaulist.pdf)

Nearly 7,000 pounds of marijuana found in coffee shipment. CBP reports that officers working anti-terrorism operations at the Bridge of Americas commercial cargo crossing in El Paso intercepted 6,820 pounds of marijuana in a commercial shipment of coffee. (News release, dated 10/15/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10152008_2.xml)

ACE Ambassador Spotlight: Jack McDaniel. CBP has posted an ACE Ambassador Spotlight notice on Jack McDaniel, a CBP employee at the Port of San Francisco. (Notice, dated 10/10/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/whats_new/jack_mcdaniel.xml)

Atlanta airport designated as a Model Port. CBP has designated the Port of Atlanta, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, as a Model Port. The Model Port Initiative calls for a joint vision of enhanced border security while streamlining passenger operations. In an effort to streamline passenger operations at the airport, the Port of Atlanta along with Atlanta Field Operations met with local stakeholders on October 7, 2008 to discuss the Global Entry Program, which is an essential part of the Model Port Initiative. (News release, dated 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10162008_2.xml)

Danger, penalties for port runners. CBP has issued a news release advising travelers of the dangers and penalties for attempting to evade or bypass inspection at the ports of entry. (News release, dated 10/17/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10172008.xml)

Z-Portal fact sheet, etc. CBP has posted a fact sheet on the Z-Portal vehicle imaging system, a safe, efficient, drive-through passenger vehicle imaging system with enhanced capability for rapid scanning of conveyances for the presence of contraband, including hidden stowaways, narcotics, merchandise and security threats. CBP also issued a news release announcing the launch of the Z-Portal at San Ysidro. (Fact sheet, dated 08/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/port_security/z_portal.ctt/z_portal.pdf; News release, dated 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10162008_3.xml)

ESTA FAQs, etc. CBP has posted a frequently asked questions document regarding the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an automated system that will assist in determining eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. CBP has also posted an ESTA fact sheet. (FAQs, dated 10/17/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_faq.xml; Fact sheet, posted 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/travel/)

Border Patrol's Weekly Blotter. CBP has posted the U.S. Border Patrol Weekly Blotter for October 2 - 8, 2008. The Blotter provides information on Border Patrol activities during the specified week. (Blotter, dated 10/10/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/border_patrol/weekly_blotter/1002_1008.xml)

Blaine Border Patrol information. CBP has posted a notice providing "general information" on the Blaine Border Patrol Sector. (Notice, dated 10/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/border_patrol/border_patrol_sectors/blaine_sector_wa/blaine_general.xml)