CBP CSMS Messages and Web Postings

CBP previously issued a notice announcing a new country of origin marking policy for merchandise originating in the Republic of Kosovo and imported into the U.S. in view of the political independence of Kosovo, and the recognition of its independent status by the U.S.

Merchandise originating in that country and imported into the U.S. is subject to marking with the English name of the independent state. CBP previously stated that the short form English name of the newly independent country is: "Kosovo." It is acceptable for merchandise to be marked using long form names such as "Republic of Kosovo," provided that the short form name is part of the phrase. CBP added that it would permit goods from Kosovo to be marked "Serbia" until February 18, 2009. After that date, all merchandise originating in Kosovo will be required to be marked with the new names. (See ITT's Online Archives or 04/24/08 news, (Ref: 08042415), for BP summary.) (CBP notice, FR Pub 04/23/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-8753.pdf)

2. ACE Performance & Transaction Reports Fully Updated

CBP has issued a CSMS message announcing that the Performance and Transaction reports are fully updated in the ACE Reports. If the trade is still experiencing any issues retrieving data for the Performance Measure and Transaction reports, they should open an ACE trouble ticket with the ACE Helpdesk. (CSMS #09-000080, dated 02/11/09, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17466&page=&srch_argv=09-000080&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)

3. Updated "ACE on the Road" Event Schedule

CBP has posted an updated version of its "ACE on the Road" event schedule which lists upcoming ACE events. There are currently no events scheduled; however, there is a link to an ACE trade outreach presentation. (Schedule, dated 02/11/09, available athttp://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/ace_on_the_road.xml)

4. Updated TRQ/TPL "Threshold to Fill" List

CBP has posted an updated quick reference to monitor TRQs and TPLs that are approaching the restraint limit or have filled the in-quota (low) rate. The list is divided into two sections -- quotas that are at least 85% filled and quotas that are closed. (List, updated 02/12/09, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade_programs/textiles_and_quotas/commodity/trq_thresh_fill.ctt/trq_thresh_fill.pdf)

5. Deputy Commissioner Ahern Addresses Air & Marine Senior Leadership

CBP Deputy Commissioner Ahern attended the recent Caribbean Air and Marine Branch hosted by the Senior Leadership Air and Marine Conference (SLAM) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ahern emphasized his belief that by finding the right mix of technology, tactical infrastructure, and people, both on the ground and in the air, CBP capabilities can increase. (News release, dated 02/11/09, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/highlights/ahern_air_visit.xml)

6. Interception News Releases

CBP has issued news releases announcing the following:

- Charleston Intercepts Bugs, Snail

- Shipment of Illegally Treated Stakes Returned to Honduras

- Savannah Agriculture Specialists Intercept Beetle Larvae in WPM

(News releases, dated 02/06/09 -- 02/11/09, hyperlinked)

7. CBP Works to Assure Pest-Free Valentine’s Day

CBP has issued news releases announcing the following:

· CBP Seeks No Valentine’s Day Surprises: Warns Travelers about Bringing Flowers from Mexico

· CBP Specialists in Dallas Safeguard Valentine’s Bouquets

· Chicago CBP Ensures Imported Valentine’s Bouquets Free of Harmful Pests

· CBP Ensures Pest-Free Flowers for Pacific Northwest

· Los Angeles Prepares for Valentine's Day by Safeguarding Flowers

(News releases, dated 02/10/09 and 02/11/09, hyperlinked)