CBP Officials Discuss ISF Progress Reports, FAQs, Etc. at COAC Subcommittee Meeting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials discussed various topics regarding Importer Security Filing during COAC's1 ISF Subcommittee meeting that was held on January 13, 2010.
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Highlights of their remarks included the following:
ISF Progress Reports
CBP officials provided an update on ISF progress reports:
Level of detail trade wants cannot be provided. CBP officials provided an update on the trade's request to CBP providing more helpful data on the ISF progress reports. Officials stated that the level of detail requested by the trade is beyond the scope of what CBP can provide both from a technical and cost perspective, specifically with being able to link entries to specific ISF data.
Data dump, ACE possible in future. An official noted that CBP is aware that the trade has requested a data dump and this can be complex as well; however, this is open to further discussion for long term planning purposes. In addition, the official stated that they have not given up on the long range goal of linking the ISF data to ACE.
Error codes to be posted on website. CBP is also looking at providing the specific ISF transaction numbers for error codes that show on the progress reports in the future - perhaps by March 2010. Currently, there is not a complete list of error codes available to the trade. CBP said that it will make sure all error codes are posted on the website.
Considering Excel format. In response to a request on changing the format of the progress reports (currently in PDF), an official agreed to look into the possibility of using Excel spreadsheets.
CBP to Form Team to Review Penalties at Headquarters
CBP officials previously indicated that it would be forming a team to develop "penalty review guidelines" to ensure consistent treatment during enforcement. CBP officials committed to giving COAC a briefing on this as to how this process will work the first year.
An official stated that it is straightforward as to how the field will be handling this. CBP has built some databases but the field will not be directly issuing liquidated damages without going through a Headquarters review. The ports will do the initial work, and send the information to Headquarters. This will be further reviewed by a panel that includes Rich DiNucci, the National Targeting Center Cargo facility, and CBP senior management before being approved.
CBP Committed to Updating FAQs More Frequently
CBP officials said that it is committed to getting the 10+2 frequently asked questions document updated on a more frequent basis.
1Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions
(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/20/10 news, 10012005, for BP summary of CBP detailing its 10+2 enforcement approach that begins January 26, 2010.
See ITT's Online Archives or 12/23/08 news, 08122310, for the final part of BP's summary on the details of CBP's 10+2 interim final rule, with links to previous parts.
See ITT's Online Archives or 10/15/09 news, 09101530, for the final part of BP's summary of CBP's updated 10+2 FAQs, with links to previous parts.)
January 13th meeting minutes (posted 01/20/10) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade_outreach/coac/subcommittee_activities/isf/isf_min_jan2010.ctt/isf_min_jan2010.doc