U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently posted to its Web site a frequently asked question (FAQ) document regarding its interim final rule that amended 19 CFR effective January 26, 2009, to require Security Filing (SF) information from importers and additional information from carriers (10+2) for vessel (maritime) cargo before it is brought into the U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted its report to Congress on the Automated Commercial Environment for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 (July 1 through September 30, 2008).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message announcing that the trade can now use Remote Location Filing Prototype (RLF) to transmit both the entry/entry summary data (ABI application EI) and the Importer Security Filing at the same time (also known as a RLF Unified EI/ISF).
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public hearing in Washington, DC on March 24, 2009 to address "China's Industrial Policy and its Impact on U.S. Companies, Workers, and the American Economy." (FR Pub, 03/06/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-4774.pdf)
Canada Border Services Agency has posted "Cargo Sealing Guidelines for PIP Members" which provides guidelines for Partners in Protection (PIP) members on the use of high-security mechanical seals on containers and trailers for imported, exported and in-transit cargo.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message announcing that the following changes were implemented over the February 28 - March 1, 2009 weekend to improve user access to ACE reports for importers and brokers:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a general notice announcing the deployment schedule for its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Entry Summary, Accounts, and Revenue (ESAR A2.2) ACE entry summary capabilities test, including functionality specific to entry summary filing and processing of formal (type 01) and informal (type 11) entry summaries.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice announcing that when it introduces enhanced Automated Commercial Environment electronic cargo processing capabilities in spring 2009 (e-Manifest: Ocean1), sea carriers will be able to use the broker download capability to facilitate communication and data sharing among carriers, brokers, and self-filing importers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has previously announced that the next customs broker license examination will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009.
The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America has issued a third email notice (dated February 26, 2009) stating that NCBFAA subject matter experts (SMEs) continue to work with senior managers at U.S. Customs and Border Protection to answer additional questions on the startup of the Importer Security Filing (ISF). In response to additional forwarded questions, NCBFAA states that (partial list):