CBP CSMS Messages and Web Postings

1. Harmonized System Update - Changes to the 2008 HTS

Modifications made as a result of Presidential Proclamation 8272, titled "To Modify Duty-Free Treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences, Take Certain Action under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and for Other Purposes." Many of these changes were effective on 07/01/08.

DR-CAFTA technical corrections regarding textile provisions (e.g. cumulation), made as a result of Presidential Proclamation 8272. These changes will be effective 08/15/08.

Changes required by the verification of the 2008 HTS (CBP will continue to verify the 2008 HTS for the remainder of the year).

CBP states that updated records are currently available to all ABI participants and can be retrieved electronically via the procedures outlined in the CATAIR.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 07/03/08 news, 08070315, for Part II, the final part, of BP's summary of Proclamation 8272, with a link to Part I. See ITT's Online Archives or 07/29/08 news, 08072910, for BP summary of the DR-CAFTA provisions being implemented on August 15th.

See ITT's Online Archives or 07/30/08 news, 08073012, for CBP issuing system requirements for the DR-CAFTA changes.)

(CSMS 08-000140, dated 07/31/08, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17155&page=&srch_argv=08-000140&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)

2. Baltimore's Trade Support ABI Client Rep Office Closed August 1st

CBP has issued a CSMS message stating that due to unforeseen circumstances the Baltimore Trade Support Field Office, ABI Client Representative Office, will be closed Friday, August 1, 2008.

For assistance on ABI, AMS, and/or AES issues normally provided by assigned Baltimore Client Representatives, the trade should contact one of the following Client Representative Offices: Charlotte, NC: (704)329-6206; JFK: (718)487-2793; or Newark, NJ (973)368-6980. (CSMS 08-000141, dated 08/01/08, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17156&page=&srch_argv=08-000141&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)

3. Updated TRQ/TPL "Threshold to Fill" List

CBP has posted an updated version of its TRQ/TPL "threshold to fill" list, a quick reference to monitor tariff rate quotas and tariff preference levels that are approaching the restraint limit or have filled the in-quota (low duty) rate. The list is divided into two sections - quotas that are at least 85% filled and quotas that are closed. (List, posted 07/30/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade_programs/textiles_and_quotas/commodity/trq_thresh_fill.ctt/trq_thresh_fill.pdf)

4. Other CBP Postings and Messages

Link to proposed rule on uniform rules of origin. CBP has posted a link to its Federal Register notice on its proposed rule to amend its regulations in order to use uniform tariff shift and other rules for CBP determinations of the country of origin of imported merchandise. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/25/08 news, 08072505, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (FR notice, FR 07/25/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-17025.pdf)

Over five tons of marijuana in cargo truck seized. CBP reports that officers at the Calexico east port of entry cargo facility seized more than five tons of marijuana found in a tractor-trailer rig that entered the port July 22, 2008. CBP officers found 469 wrapped packages of the narcotic weighing 10,224 pounds and valued at $4.6 million hidden in numerous boxes manifested as tools, instruments and parts. (News release, dated 07/25/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07252008_2.xml)

Modernization project was to begin at El Paso on July 28th. CBP reports that it was scheduled to begin deployment of Radio Frequency Identification technology to vehicle lanes at El Paso, Texas border crossings beginning the week of July 28. (News release, dated 07/25/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07252008_3.xml)

New pests in plant species. CBP reports that on July 14, 2008, a CBP agriculture specialist at Los Angeles International Airport inspecting Metalasia muricata flowers imported from South Africa observed that the flowers were infested with two destructive plant pests; Octocossus africanus and Delottococcus aberiae, two different types of mealy bugs. This is the first time in the U.S. that these two insects have been seen in this type of flower. (News release, dated 07/29/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07292008_2.xml)

Otay Mesa SENTRI lane extended hours. CBP reports that the dedicated Secure Electronic Network for Traveler's Rapid Inspection lane at the Otay Mesa passenger port of entry will stay open an additional two hours on weekday evenings beginning August 4th. The fast-pass vehicle lane will open at 5 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday to accommodate increased membership growth in the San Diego/Tijuana area. (News release, dated 07/29/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07292008.xml)

"Dolly" update. CBP provided an update on hurricane "Dolly," which brought heavy rain and high winds to parts of the lower Rio Grande Valley. On July 28, CBP reported that all Border Patrol Stations and ports of entry in the affected areas were fully operational, with the exception of the McAllen Station and the Brownsville port of entry, which suffered the most damage. (Update, dated 07/28/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/alerts/dolly_update.xml)

CBP policy on border search of information. CBP posted a notice providing guidance to CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents, Air and Marine Agents, Internal Affairs Agents, and any other official of CBP authorized to conduct border searches regarding the border search of information contained in documents and electronic devices. (Notice, dated 07/16/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/admissability/search_authority.ctt/search_authority.pdf)

CBP advises border crossers in NY to prepare for holiday weekend. CBP Buffalo field operations is reminding travelers planning cross border trips this weekend to make sure they have the proper documents and to plan for heavy traffic. The Toronto Carabana Carnival Parade will take place on August 2, 2008 at 1 p.m. August 4th also marks Canadian Civic Holiday, giving many Canadians a long weekend. (Press release, dated 07/30/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07302008_3.xml)

CBP revokes DCL privileges after finding prohibited items. CBP reports that officers working at the Ysleta SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane recently seized undeclared eggs, flowers, and live plant cuttings hidden in a vehicle crossing at the DCL lane from a resident of Juarez. The resident lost her DCL crossing privileges as a result of the violation. (News release, dated 07/30/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/07302008_5.xml)

NEXUS program description, etc. CBP has posted a notice providing a NEXUS program description which states that the alternative inspection program has been completely harmonized and integrated into a single program. CBP also posted a notice on NEXUS eligibility and fees. (Notices, dated 07/30/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/nexus.xml and http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/nexus_eligibility.xml)