CBP Lists Benefits of Broker Self-Assessment Pilot, Etc.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted a Broker Self-Assessment Outreach Pilot Program (BSA pilot program) quick reference guide.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
(CBP recently issued a general notice seeking volunteers for the BSA pilot program and providing details on the pilot. The BSA pilot program is intended to be a partnership program between CBP and licensed customs brokers and will utilize many of the self-assessment principles of the Importer Self-Assessment program while incorporating new methodologies that will provide a more flexible approach to promoting broker compliance. Its primary goal is to facilitate a higher level of broker compliance with CBP laws and regulations.)
Guide Provides New Information on Program Benefits
The guide contains new information on the benefits of the program. According to the guide, upon evaluation of the BSA pilot and its acceptance as a permanent program, the following benefits may be made available to program participants. CBP sources state that these benefits may also be made available to those participating in the pilot program.
Account manager.The broker will be assigned to an account manager.
Prior disclosure.Broker may utilize BSA Voluntary Disclosure provision to disclose violations of 19 USC 1641 to CBP.
Penalty mitigation.In the event that civil penalties are assessed against a broker by CBP, the broker's participation in BSA will be considered in the disposition of the case and program participation may be considered a further extraordinary mitigating factor for penalties assessed against the broker pursuant to 19 USC 1641.
Accelerated review/disposition.Accelerated review and disposition of electronic drawback claims, reconciliation applications, and ruling requests.
Action plan assistance.CBP assistance with corrective action plan prior to penalty assessment or removal from CBP programs such as remote location filing (RLF).
Waiver for district broker permits.Facilitation in obtaining a waiver of a district broker permit pursuant to 19 CFR 111.19(d)(2).
Single-issue audits.The broker is only subject to single-issue audits.
Uniformity.Uniformity in CBP processing.
BEAR enhancements.Broker Evaluation & Analysis Report (BEAR) enhancements.
Guide Also Contains Similar Information to That in Program's General Notice
CBP's quick reference guide also contains much of the same information as the general notice announcing the BSA pilot program's availability (e.g., eligibility requirements, the application process, how long the pilot will run, etc.).
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/27/09 news, 09042710, for BP summary announcing that CBP is seeking applicants for the BSA pilot.
See ITT's Online Archives or 04/23/09 news, 09042305, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing the BSA pilot program at the recent NCBFAA conference.
See ITT's Online Archives or 05/05/08 news, 08050505, for BP summary announcing that CBP was collaborating with NCBFAA to establish a Broker Compliance Management Program.)
Quick reference guide (posted 04/29/09) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade_programs/bsa/bsa_quick_ref.ctt/bsa_quick_ref.pdf