CBP posted a notice announcing that the next customs broker license exam will be on Monday, Oct. 6. The notice says test-takers will have 4.5 hours, a half hour longer than the agency previously allowed, to complete the exam. "The time was raised from the former limit of 4 hours to allow sufficient time for completion," said an agency spokeswoman. CBP said last year it would allow for 4.5 hours for the 2013 October exam, but eventually said the notice was incorrect (see 13062019 and 13062803).
The Federal Maritime Commission plans to hold a public forum focused on U.S. port congestion, the agency said. "The forum’s goal is to promote dialogue on the causes and implications of congestion at U.S. ports," it said. The event is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building and will be moderated by FMC Chairman Mario Cordero.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:
CBP's Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison office put together a presentation to provide industry awareness of issues related to container contaminants, said the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, which posted the presentation. The presentation goes over several types of carrier conveyance contamination, associated pictures and CBP's inspection methods.
International Trade Today is providing readers with some of the top stories for Aug. 11-15 in case they were missed.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:
A selling agent and logistics provider may serve as the importer of record, even if it never takes control, for goods ultimately destined for another company, said CBP in a June 23 ruling. The ruling, HQ H240983, involves a company named Seacon, an importer of rubber chemicals from China that was listed as the importer of record for multiple transactions involving liquid antioxidant. The Port of Charleston sought internal advice from CBP headquarters as to whether Seacon had the right to make entry when it never takes ownership of the goods, said the agency.
Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) was updated Aug. 14 with 87 rulings, bringing the total number of searchable rulings to 183,302. The most recent ruling is dated 08/13/14.
CBP posted the transcript from a Aug. 13 webinar on advanced Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) reports.
CBP posted a document to its website that provides side-by-side comparisons of 20 U.S. free trade agreements and preferential trade programs. This updated version removes references to use of protests under 19 USC 1514 for making preference claims under agreements not covered by statute in 19 USC 1520(d). CBP recently advised the ports that importers will only be able to claim duty preference after importation through post summary corrections or post entry amendments for these FTAs (see 14081320).