CBP posted an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions focused on technical issues in the Automated Commercial Environment Cargo Release pilot program. Cargo Release, previously known as Simplified Entry, allows for filing of shipment information earlier in the import process and was recently expanded to include ocean and rail transportation modes in addition to air (see 14013112).
CBP's pilot program for new entry requirements on residue within Instruments of International Traffic (IITs) remain on indefinite hold, said the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) in its weekly publication. In the meantime, CBP is getting ready to discuss with industry how it should move forward on IITs entry requirements, said the NITL. CBP postponed the test in November after a number of groups, including the NITL, complained that CBP had not sufficiently incorporated industry feedback into the pilot (see 13111819).
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The Feb. 5 issue of the CBP Customs Bulletin (Vol. 48, No. 5), CBP published two notices of revocation of rulings and treatment regarding D-Lysine, a type of amino acid, and polyurethane coated gloves
CBP reminded brokers and importers in a CSMS message that all imports of steel mill products need a steel import license for each entry. The steel import license number obtained for each shipment needs to be reported on the corresponding entry summary, the agency said. Steel import licenses come from the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.
CBP clarified a recent Harmonized Tariff Schedule update to explain that several origination requirements must still be met for a good to be eligible for Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) exemptions for originating goods within a preference program. The clarification follows a Jan. 3 CSMS message highlighting a change to General Statistical (GSN) Note 3(c) within the 2014 HTS (see 14010624). The agency also said some preference programs that include MPF exemptions were mistakenly not named in the update.
The U.S. international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $38.7 billion in December from $34.6 billion in November, Census said on Feb. 6. Exports decreased to $191.3 billion in December from $194.8 billion in November and imports increased to $230 billion in December from $229.4 billion in November, it said.
A vote on whether to confirm Senator Max Baucus as U.S. ambassador to China is scheduled for Feb. 6, said Senate leadership. Baucus is currently the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
CBP will allow for an additional day for filing "10th day documentation and/or duty payment at the downtown Seattle location (port code 3001)" that were due on Feb. 5, CBP said in a CSMS message. The "snow day" was related to city-wide Super Bowl celebration events, it said.
The CBP Long Beach Client Representative office moved to a new location, said CBP in a CSMS message. The new address is One World Trade Center -- Suite 733, Long Beach, CA 90831 and new phone number is 562-256-8791. The fax number is 562-980-3121 and emails should be sent to jennifer.engelbach@dhs.gov and tsutomu.morishita@dhs.gov.