NCBFAA Asks for Some Simplification in Russian Seafood Data Elements in ACE
Provide at least 120 days for new data requirements on Russian-caught fish, the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America asked CBP in its comments on new requirements for data submissions to help the government enforce its ban on the importation of Russian-harvested fish.
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Fish could be processed in China, and therefore not marked as Russian, but with country of harvest, vessel name, vessel flag and Vessel International Maritime Organization number, CBP will be able to identify seafood caught in Russian waters, or by crews on Russian-flagged vessels.
The NCBFAA said the data elements are reasonable, and said it's pleased that CBP recognizes importers don't need to submit vessel names, flags and numbers if the seafood was farmed. "This is a detail that is often overlooked in other seafood import reporting programs," the trade group's statement said.
The group asked CBP to change its requirement on seafood shipments that are not cod, salmon, pollock or crab, but rather a mixture of species. "We urge CBP to provide a disclaimer process in lieu of providing the data elements. Without such a process, the trade will need to provide the data elements on all species of fish that are classified in a basket subheading (not just cod, salmon, pollock or crab), significantly increasing the workload for seafood supply chains," the comment said.
The group also asked CBP to drop the requirement of uploading a signed self-certification -- the NCBFAA said a self-certification box should be sufficient.