CBP is developing a “hybrid” process for low-value shipments based on the lessons from the low-value shipment data and Entry Type 86 pilots, Jim Swanson, CBP director-cargo and conveyance security and controls, said during a CBP Virtual Trade Week session Sept. 10. “We are looking at what a hybrid is going to look like,” he said. “What kind of process can collect this additional information from the party who owns it, get it in an early enough time for safety and security and enforcement perspective?” he said.
CBP will not be enforcing its power of attorney (POA) requirements and one-person, one-shipment limits on an entry-by-entry basis as it conducts its Type 86 pilot of filing de minimis shipments via the ACE Automated Broker Interface, said Jim Swanson, CBP director-cargo and security controls, during a trade call held Sept. 26. The agency will still apply existing regulations on those areas in the pilot, but that will come in the “post-audit environment,” not at the time of entry, Swanson said.
CBP is issuing a notice formally announcing the beginning of a pilot to test a new type of informal entry in ACE for low-value shipments. New entry type 86 will allow importers of goods valued under the $800 de minimis level to file a less complex entry, including for goods subject to partner government agency (PGA) requirements, “and will expedite the clearance of compliant Section 321 low-valued shipments,” CBP said. The test will begin “no earlier than,” Sept. 28.
The lack of information provided to the government for low-value shipments is a major impediment to stopping imports of counterfeit goods, the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America told the Commerce Department in a July 29 filing. The comments were filed in response to Commerce's request for input on the subject as it prepares a report for the president (see 1907080030). "For de minimis shipments valued at $800 or less, CBP clears shipments by processing data from manifests, which provides only limited data and does not include the information most needed for effective commercial targeting," the group said.
The widespread use of Electronic Cargo Security Devices (eCSDs) would create many new benefits to both private industry and the border enforcement agencies, logistics company Expeditors International said in April 11 comments in CBP's docket on creating a 21st Century Customs Framework. "Trade interests and Customs interests both would be well served if the same trade facilitation benefits currently given to CSDs were afforded to eCSDs," Expeditors said. Such devices would be one way to improve trade security within the e-commerce supply chain, the company said.
CBP posted a draft version of the CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements that includes the coming Entry Type 86 that will be used for Section 321 shipments under the de minimis value threshold. "The Entry Type 86 (Section 321) CATAIR will be available for testing in the CERTIFICATION environment starting in June 2019," CBP said in a CSMS message. The new entry type will require a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule number, and will give filers of low value entries a way to comply with partner government agency requirements (see 1802130035).
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- CBP’s revised Form 5106 importer ID requirements are currently getting “final approvals” from the Office of Management and Budget and should be coming “sooner rather than later,” said John Leonard, executive director for CBP Trade Policy and Programs, on Oct. 19. The majority of brokers don’t have to be too worried about the changes, seeing that most compliant brokers are already meeting the revised requirements anyway, Leonard said, speaking at the Western Cargo Conference.