CBP Completes Harmonized System Update for WCO HTS Changes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued Harmonized System Update No. 0702 to ABI filers stating that CBP has completed its update of the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) records and the harmonized records for modifications needed as a result of Presidential Proclamation 8097, which contains the World Customs Organization (WCO) recommended changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), etc.
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ABI and harmonized records now updated for February 3rd WCO changes. The ABI and harmonized records now reflect the WCO tariff changes that take effect on or after February 3, 2007. The updated records are currently available to ABI participants and can be retrieved electronically via the procedures outlined in the CATAIR.
In a separate Web posting, CBP states that there were 1963 tariff numbers that had to be expired and 1822 tariff numbers that had to be created due to this proclamation.
Certain minor changes not in Harmonized System Update. In its Web posting, CBP also states that it has been advised by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that there will be some additional minor changes to a few other tariff numbers in the 2007 HTS. CBP states that the ITC hopes to have those changes posted on their Web site by the end of this week. CBP will implement these changes to their ABI and harmonized records when notified by the ITC.
WCO changes available early via 'blanket' authorization for I.D. procedures. Readers should remember that a 'blanket' authorization for Immediate Delivery (I.D.) procedures is currently in effect for merchandise released on or after January 22, 2007 and until February 2, 2007, for filers who want to take advantage of the WCO HTS changes early.
Under this temporary policy, eligible shipments that are released under I.D. procedures during January 22 - February 2, 2007 may elect to use the updated WCO HTS numbers that take effect on or after February 3, 2007.
(This blanket authorization does not apply to absolute quota merchandise and merchandise moved under an immediate transportation (I.T.) entry (type 61).
Tariff-rate quota (TRQ) merchandise previously authorized for I.D. release under 19 CFR 142.21(e) may still be released under I.D.; however, the entry summary shall be presented within the time specified in 19 CFR 142.23, or within the quota period, whichever expires first.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/17/07 news, 07011705 for BP summary of these blanket I.D. procedures.)
WCO changes affect 83 HTS chapters. The ITC has previously stated that the WCO tariff number and note modifications consist of several hundred amendments affecting 83 chapters and more than 240 headings throughout the nomenclature.
(Broker Power issued a 35-part series of summaries of the WCO changes as reported by the ITC. However, these summaries do not reflect any corrections the ITC has made since the issuance of its reports. In addition, the ITC's report was not at the 10-digit level. See ITT's Online Archives or 10/25/06 news, 06102530 for last summary, with links to the 34 prior ones.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/22/07 news, 07012205 for BP summary of 'Grace Period' of February 3 - 20, 2007 for classification errors related to the WCO changes.)
CBP contact: Jennifer Keeling (202) 772-1041
CBP Adm: 07-0032 (dated 01/24/07) available at http://www.brokerpower.com/cgi-bin/adminsearch/admmsg.view.pl?article=2007/2007-0032.ADM
CBP Web Posting (dated 01/23/07) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/communications_to_trade/world_customs_org/wco_hts.xml