The CBP-NCBFAA "Role of the Broker-Broker Regulatory Revision Workgroup" has updated its proposed options for revising the role of licensed customs brokers and the Part 111 regulations. The Workgroup continues to propose a continuing education requirement to maintain an “active” broker's license1 and that Customs business be conducted within the U.S. Customs Territory. It is also proposing that broker status reports be submitted every six months via the ACE Portal, that a web-based exam application process be implemented, and that a review of the broker penalty regime occur. It is no longer proposing an apprenticeship prerequisite to licensing.
The CBP-Trade "Simplified Entry, Summary & Financial Workgroup" has updated its proposal for simplified trade processes, which will be discussed at the October 4, 2011 COAC meeting. The proposal lists 12 data elements for release under simplified entry, and discusses proposed qualifications for its initial pilot. Also included is more information on the Workgroup's proposal for simplified periodic summary and financial processes.
The Trade Support Network’s Integrated Communications Subcommittee1 issued an overview and held a recent press conference on the TSN plenary held on September 22-23, 2011. During the plenary, CBP discussed a two-part “simplified entry” proposal which includes simplified release (subset of ISF + some additional data) and simplified (periodic) summary.
U.S. Customs and Border Inspection recently posted a revised version of its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) 101 "Topic" document, which provides a useful general overview of ACE, including the ACE Secure Data Portal, account management capabilities, report capabilities, revenue capabilities, cargo control and release, and entry summary processing. The document also discusses future ACE features.
A Food and Drug Administration official who spoke at the September 2011 annual NCBFAA1 Government Affairs Conference gave an update on the Border Interagency Executive Council's efforts to (i) align participating government agency (PGA) “trusted trader” programs; and (ii) share information and images via the Document Image System (DIS).
At the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America’s Government Affairs Conference on September 19, 2011, representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and NCBFAA’s Customs Committee discussed the “Role of the Broker,” including the possibility of requiring continuing education for all licensed customs brokers and an experience requirement for permit holders. A larger role for brokers in trusted trade programs is also being contemplated, etc.
On September 7, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee amended, approved, and reported the fiscal year 2012 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill (H.R. 2017), which would provide $410 million more for CBP than was enacted in FY 2011, including funds for cargo scanning pilots. In its report, the Committee urges CBP to encourage or require brokers to develop “know your customer” programs, consider a U.S. agent requirement for foreign importers, etc.
Broker Power is providing readers with some of the top stories for August 29 -- September 2, 2011 in case they were missed last week.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued its August 2011 ACE Trade Account Owner Update, which provides new information on upcoming ACE Courtesy Notice of Liquidation reports, a recent Decal/Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) release, and how to handle an issue when running entry summary line detail reports, among other topics.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has updated its list of Free and Secure Trade (FAST) enrollment centers. CBP has also posted an updated list of the U.S./Mexico FAST enrollment centers. The FAST program is CBP’s commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. It allows for expedited processing for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements. Participation in FAST requires that every link in the supply chain, from manufacturer to carrier to driver to importer is certified under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.