CBP is in the process of internally organizing a number of areas of the coming Trusted Trader pilot as the test nears its start, said Michael Denning, acting executive director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, during the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations (COAC) meeting on Oct. 7. CBP has selected and started to notify accepted applicants for the Trusted Trader pilot, he said. The pilot, which will test a combined CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) supply chain security program with the Importer Self Assessment (ISA) import compliance program, was announced in June (see 14061320).
The European textile and apparel industry is pushing for regulatory harmonization with the U.S. through the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, namely by streamlining labeling rules and customs procedures, a European Union association called Euratex said in a position paper released during the last TTIP talks. The latest round wrapped up on Oct. 3, and negotiators focused on progress made in services trade and some technical regulations (see 14100616).
CBP posted a set of frequently asked questions for the planned Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program for exporters, called C-TPAT Exporter Entity. The agency is in the process of updating the automated system to allow applications for the program, it said. While C-TPAT importers that can now receive export benefits with Japan and European Union due to mutual recognition arrangements, this program "is being launched to enable 'export only' businesses to enjoy C-TPAT benefits as well," it said. CBP recently posted a list of exporter eligibility requirements for participation in C-TPAT (see 14070921).
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations (COAC) for CBP will next meet Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. in Washington, CBP said in a notice.
CBP is undergoing its "own version of a corporate reorganization" as the agency continues work to increase the role of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, said Deputy Commissioner Kevin McAleenan , who spoke during the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Government Affairs Conference on Sept. 16. The agency is aligning its staff with how industry is set up, he said. That includes adjustments to the agency's field operations, the Office of Trade and legal counsel, all of which is helping CBP develop a better "compliance and security posture," said McAleenan.
CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske promoted Brenda Smith, who previously headed up the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) business office at the agency, as assistant commissioner in the Office of International Trade, CBP said in a Sept. 11 press release. Smith takes over for Rich DiNucci, who led the Office of International Trade in an acting capacity since Al Gina retired last year (see 13080802). DiNucci was moved to the Office of Field Operations, where he will be executive director of Cargo Conveyance and Security, said the agency.
CBP posted a fact sheet describing the planned Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program for exporters. CBP recently posted a list of exporter eligibility requirements for participation in C-TPAT (see 14070921).
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:
Comments submitted to CBP so far on the agency's plans to update an informed compliance publication with information on first sale valuation show some strong objections to the effort. Law firm Sandler Travis called for the proposed changes to be "withdrawn in their entirety," while the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) said uncertainty over documentation requirements point to a need for auditor training, not a revised ICP. Several others are expected to submit comments in coming days. The draft ICP includes a controversial list of documents the agency might request from industry to verify the use of first sale pricing (see 14071025).
CBP scheduled the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) National Conference for Aug. 26-28 in San Antonio, the agency said on its website. The conference's theme will be “C-TPAT: Partnering in Supply Chain Security and Facilitation for the 21st Century,” it said. The event will include two sessions and participants may only take part in one of the sessions, it said. Topics scheduled for discussion include business partner relationships, security breaches and internal conspiracies, validation/revalidation results, C-TPAT membership maintenance and mutual recognition. Registration for Session A on Aug. 26-27 is (here) and registration for Session B on Aug. 27-28 is (here).