CBP CSMS Messages and Web Postings

1. Port of Presidio Has Reopened

2. ACE Users Should Not Attempt to Add an IR Number, SCAC to Portal Acct

CBP has issued a CSMS message stating that until further notice, ACE account users should not attempt to add an Importer of Record (IR) number or Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) to their ACE Portal account. For those that need to add and IR number or a SCAC, the Account Manager should be contacted or a trouble ticket should be opened to request that the account list be updated. (CSMS 08-000267, dated 10/08/08, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17291&page=&srch_argv=08-000267&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)

3. Lacey Act Information

CBP has posted a notice regarding the Lacey Act. On May 22, 2008, the Lacey Act was amended by the 2008 Farm Bill to require, starting on December 15, 2008, an import declaration for plants that includes the scientific name of any plant, a description of the value, quantity, and the name of the country from where the plant was taken. In addition, CBP has issued a CSMS message announcing an October 14, 2008 public meeting on the new declaration requirement. CBP also posted Section 8204 of the Farm Bill, which contains the Lacey Act amendments. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/08/08 news, 08100805, for previous BP summary on the Lacey Act, and the meeting.) (Documents, hyperlinked, Notice on the Lacey Act, CSMS 08-000268, and Sec. 8204)

4. 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 10/09/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade_programs/textiles_and_quotas/commodity/trq_thresh_fill.ctt/trq_thresh_fill.pdf)

5. Blocked, Denied, Entity, & Debarred Persons List

CBP has posted a set of links to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list, the Bureau of Industry and Security's Denied Parties List, the Entity List and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls' Debarred Persons Lists. (Links available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_outreach/blocked_denied_debarred.xml)

6. Updated "ACE on the Road" Event Schedule

CBP has posted an updated version of its "ACE on the Road" event schedule, which includes the following events:

October 27, 2008 ACE Information Seminar in Houston, TX - conference flyerwas also posted. Free. (A CSMS message on this seminar was also issued.)

November 12, 2008 ACE Information Seminar in Newark, NJ - conference flyerwas also posted. Free. (A CSMS message on this seminar was also issued.)

Topics for these seminars include the current status of ACE, future releases of ACE, ACE reports (demonstrations), etc.

(Schedule, dated 10/10/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/ace_on_the_road.xml)

7. ACE Presentations

CBP has posted the following ACE presentations (hyperlinked):

8. Expanded Hours of Service at 4 U.S./Mexico Commercial Crossings

CBP has announced expanded hours of service to further facilitate the flow of legitimate trade at four major Southwest Border ports of entry - Otay Mesa, CA; El Paso, TX; Nogales, AZ; and Laredo, TX. These expanded hours will be for a 6-month test period and will be evaluated monthly to determine effectiveness. (News release, dated 10/07/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10072008.xml)

9. Other CBP Postings and Messages

CBP representatives fact sheet. CBP has posted a fact sheet on its representatives, which are the CBP subject matter experts at U.S. Embassies around the world. (Fact sheet, dated 09/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/printer_fact_sheets/attach_reps.ctt/attach_reps.pdf)

Airport, Seaport User Fee Advisory Committee charter. CBP has posted the charter for the Airport and Seaport Inspections User Fee Advisory Committee. CBP also posted a document providing the air, sea passenger, and vessel user fee rates. (Charter, fee rates, posted 10/09/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/inspections_carriers_facilities/advisory_committee/advisory_charter.ctt/advisory_charter.doc and http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/inspections_carriers_facilities/advisory_committee/fee_rates.ctt/fee_rates.xls)

Officers revoke SENTRI participant, etc. CBP has issued a news release announcing that it has revoked a SENTRI driver for narcotics smuggling, etc. (News release, dated 10/06/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10062008_4.xml)

Marijuana hidden in tractor-trailer seized. CBP reports that Border Patrol agents in Laredo seized over 2,000 pounds of marijuana hidden in a tractor trailer. (News release, dated 10/07/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10072008_2.xml)

Canadian Thanksgiving travel reminder. CBP advised travelers planning trips across the border during the October 10, 2008 weekend into the U.S. to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic during the celebration of Canada's Thanksgiving on October 13, 2008. (News release, dated 10/08/08, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10082008.xml)

ESTA application tool now available. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization online application tool is now available. Through the tool, those interested in the program can complete and submit an application, receive and record their application number, and receive a response to the application. (Application available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c138E5C94-E026-7EB6-D5AB-FAC6D23609A5_kBC778409-D894-ECF6-0383-44F29C0356E6)