CBP Folds Customs Broker ISA Pre-Certification Pilot

CBP will end its pilot allowing brokers to pre-certify importers for the Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program, the agency said in a notice. "Unfortunately, there was minimal importer participation in the test; thus, CBP has determined that it is not effective to continue," CBP said. The pilot started in 2013 (see 13041623). "While a total of 23 brokers volunteered to participate in the test and 9 brokers were selected to participate in the test per the guidelines of the notice, the test proved unsuccessful as there was little participation from importers," the agency said. "Several importers expressed reservations about securing the services of a broker to conduct the ISA evaluations and indicated that the broker fees were cost prohibitive. Only three (3) importers signed up to be reviewed by the brokers. Because of the low participation rate, CBP has determined that the test and test program are not effective and has decided to terminate the test," effective Sept. 21. CBP added that the "discontinuation of the test and the publication of this notice will have no effect on the ISA program."