NCBFAA Concerned About Potential Changes to ABI Contacts
CBP is "transitioning to a new model for how we assign broker and importer self-filers to client representatives," the agency said in a July 30 CSMS message. The agency will host webinars on Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 to discuss the changes, it said. The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America is concerned the changes may mean "our direct contact with vital [Automated Broker Interface] client representatives will be cut off," the group said in a July 31 email.
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Another emailed invitation sent to software vendors provides some more detail that seems to indicate changes to such contacts, the NCBFAA said. "Beginning October 1, 2018, the vendor/service center client rep will support that vendor/service center, and the Client Representative Division will require broker or importer clients to contact their vendor for initial support and/or technical questions," the invitation to software vendors said. "If the vendor/service center is unable to answer the client's question, the vendor/service center would then contact its assigned client rep."
The NCBFAA "talked to CBP about this concern and look for either confirmation or clarification on the broker webinars," the group said. CBP didn't immediately comment on the concerns.