U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an ABI administrative message stating that it issues Customs broker licenses to persons (i.e., individuals, partnerships, associations, and corporations) who have successfully satisfied the regulatory and statutory requirements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a revised version of its frequently asked questions (FAQ) and responses (dated October 5, 2004) on the "Rail" portion of its final rule on the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (ocean, air, rail, and truck) prior to it being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.

The Journal of Commerce Online reports that the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is urging ocean carriers and terminal operators to meet to discuss service issues, as well as charges and delays for accessorial services such as Customs exams for containers. (JoC Online, dated 09/21/04, www.joc.com)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at JFK Airport in New York has issued an informational pipeline announcing new phone numbers, effective September 13, 2004, for the Entry Branch at JFK Airport/Building 77.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued policy changes that took effect on October 1, 2004 regarding (i) at all ports of entry, the identification of the ultimate consignee at time of entry or release and the reporting format for the U.S./Foreign ultimate consignee number, and (ii) at the northern border ports of entry, the reporting of all line items on Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) entries.

According to Reuters, on September 27, 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) launched a probe into a complaint by the European Union (EU) that the U.S. had failed to drop illegal import duties on certain EU steel products from Britain, France and Spain. The article states that the panel request followed consultations where the EU stated that the U.S. had not removed all safeguard duties, while the U.S. stated that they had been adjusted after the WTO ruled them illegal two years ago. (Reuters dated 09/27/04, available at http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=businessNews&storyID=6344486 )

CBP Posts Q&A and Other Documents

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a final rule, effective September 23, 2004, in order to revise certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in the Rough Diamonds Control Regulations (RDCR, 31 CFR Part 592).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site a notice announcing the 2004/2005 aggregate cap for apparel made from Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) fabric, fabric components, or components knit-to-shape, etc. from ATPDEA/U.S. yarns (HTS 9821.11.25). (See today's ITT, 04092715, for BP summary of CITA's notice announcing this aggregate cap.) (QBT-04-541, dated 09/22/04, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/textiles_and_quotas/qbts/QBT2004/2004_541.ctt/2004_541.doc)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a memorandum to its Directors of Field Operations stating that it is changing its policy of allowing different parties to be identified as the Ultimate Consignee for shipments of imported merchandise.