NCBFAA is encouraging our members to prepare for this transition in several ways. First, please move your entry filing dates up as much as possible to minimize the number of transactions CBP is processing in ACE over the deployment weekend(s). Please minimize the number entries, if possible, on the daily statements in order to control the environment as much as possible. We suggest you move your statements that are due to be paid during the deployment week up early to avoid any miscues and non-payment. Remember to alert your clients if you move their statement dates so they too can have the best information possible. We also encourage you to reach out to your client rep to make sure they will be in the office during the deployment, and find out what your contingency plan should be if they will not be there. Find your best channel of communication with CBP ahead of the deployment so you will have the best chance of success in resolving an issue should one occur during the drop. We also recommend that you reach out to your software vendors to discuss their plans and how you can be the best partner possible for them during this deployment. Again, find a good communication channel with your vendor before the deployment so you won't have to spend precious time just trying to find the right person to speak with. Finally, you may consider sending a communication similar to the following to your clients:

A number of members have reported the growing trend by several steamship lines to stop paying forwarder compensation to ocean forwarders. Some carriers have explained their rationale for doing so is that the use of IT systems to exchange shipping data has somehow reduced the importance of services provided by ocean forwarders. The NCBFAA is well aware that this is not the case and that forwarders are often required, for example, to correct data entry errors made by the carriers, just to mention one of the key services that forwarders provide. Other carriers have provided no explanation and just take the position that they won't continue to pay compensation and simply eliminate their tariff rule providing for the payment of compensation.

We have previously reported that the NCBFAA, in conjunction with a large number of other trade associations, that was collectively referred to as the Coalition for Fair Port Practices, filed a petition with the FMC raising issues associated with detention, demurrage and per diem charges assessed during periods of port congestion. Essentially, the NCBFAA and the Coalition requested the FMC to establish an interpretive rule that would require the carriers and ports to extend the number of free days accorded NVOCCs and cargo interests during those periods when congestion, severe weather, or other issues prevented parties from timely picking up or returning containers to the ports and the carriers.

In our communications with CBP about several questions that we have posed about the Inbond Final Rule we have been told that the requirement for supplying the HTS number on the inbond transmission postponed and will not be required on the effective date of November 27, 2017. CBP will be issuing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to the Trade to explain this change and other issues from the FRN on the final rule. We expect the FAQ to be issued this week.

Consumers should work with licensed international shipping companies when shipping personal effects and automobiles overseas. Unlicensed companies are not authorized to provide international ocean shipping services. Recently the Commission received questions and complaints about these companies shipping cargo and household goods primarily between the U.S. and Brazil:

NCBFAA RAC member, Myra Reynolds with the John S. James Co. recently analyzed the FCC's newly effective rules related to the authorization of radiofrequency devices. She had composed the attached summation of the rule provisions to help members to better understand this complex rule and assist them in conveying some of the new requirements to their clients

Earlier this year, during the quarterly Board of Director's meeting, a decision was reached by our Board of Directors regarding 2018's membership dues. There will be a 5% increase next year due to the increase and need for advocacy over the last year and the rising costs associated to remain in a position in which we can address the challenges and opportunities within our industry. We strive to improve on the value we bring to our members. Here are just a few examples of value we've added to your company and our industry over the last year:

The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) held a quarterly meeting last week, November 14, in Washington, DC and NCBFAA President Geoff Powell and Vice President Amy Magnus were in attendance. The following day, Mr. Powell, as well as the Officers, Board of Directors and Committee Chairs attended another Strategic Planning discussion. On Thursday, November 16, Mr. Powell spoke at the Customs Brokers & International Freight Forwarders Association of Virginia in Norfolk.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee is looking for a volunteer to be our BKIP Champion. We need BKIP to become widely adopted by our membership and widely recognized in the trade. A champion to head up this effort-either working as a committee of one or with friends and allies--will work to promote understanding of the program with our members, encourage use of the program, and work with the NCBFAA on promotional activities.

CBP's automated Customs Broker Exam administered on October 25 experienced system latency and performance deterioration. Working with its contract exam provider, CBP is identifying and addressing the technical issues that caused these problems. Long term system remediation is underway. The NCBFAA will be discussing the situation with CBP senior management early this week.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. is tracking the outcome of U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, ongoing U.S.-Canadian trade discussions, and CBP tariff guidance updates for the association's customs broker members and their importer clients.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), effective July 1, revoked the Syria Sanctions as authorized in Executive Order (EO) 14312.

On July 16 at 2 p.m. ET, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will hold a special “virtual office hours” session to discuss challenges and experiences of customs brokers and industry members who have participated in the CPSC e-Filing pilot.

With so much focus on trade in Washington, D.C., these days, NCBFAA anticipates that the 2025 Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 7-9, will sell out of our room block at the Grand Hyatt Washington well before the room rate cut-off date of Aug. 7.

A summary of the latest legislative and regulatory transport, logistics and trade sector updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Transportation Counsel firm Venable.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. is tracking the outcome of U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, ongoing U.S.-Canadian trade discussions, and CBP tariff guidance updates for the association's customs broker members and their importer clients.

On July 16 at 2 p.m. ET, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will hold a special “virtual office hours” session to discuss challenges and experiences of customs brokers and industry members who have participated in the CPSC e-Filing pilot.

With so much focus on trade in Washington, D.C., these days, NCBFAA anticipates that the 2025 Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 7-9, will sell out of our room block at the Grand Hyatt Washington well before the room rate cut-off date of Aug. 7.

A summary of the latest customs and cross-border trade regulatory updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Customs Counsel firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg.

On behalf of NCBFAA's Board of Directors, Leadership and Staff, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and welcome 7 Star Logistics Solutions, Farris Customs Brokers, Infinito Global Trade Network, and Karl Gross Logistics (USA), which have recently joined our association. We're so excited to have these firms join our organization and we are happy to assist in any way we can!

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. is tracking the outcome of U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, ongoing U.S.-Canadian trade discussions, and CBP tariff guidance updates for the association's customs broker members and their importer clients.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), effective July 1, revoked the Syria Sanctions as authorized in Executive Order (EO) 14312.

FIATA’s new Best Practice Guide on Maritime Contracting helps freight forwarders navigate this landscape by clarifying the implications of acting under different capacities when engaging with ocean carriers.

On July 16 at 2 p.m. ET, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will hold a special “virtual office hours” session to discuss challenges and experiences of customs brokers and industry members who have participated in the CPSC e-Filing pilot.

With so much focus on trade in Washington, D.C., these days, NCBFAA anticipates that the 2025 Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 7-9, will sell out of our room block at the Grand Hyatt Washington well before the room rate cut-off date of Aug. 7.