During a recent discussion of broker audits with the New York brokerage community, CBP's Regulatory Audit advised that, going forward, their office would conduct more "survey," rather than "full," broker audits. In the past, the Regulatory Audit Office would conduct months-long, in-depth audits of selected brokers, examining all aspects of the brokerage's business. Relatively few brokers were chosen each year for full audits.

It is with great sadness that the NCBFAA announces the passing of Suzanne (Powell) Pickard, sister of NCBFAA President Geoff Powell and daughter of former President and Senior Counselor Peter Powell, both of C.H. Powell Co. Her full obituary can be read here.

An article in the May 15 edition of the Monday Morning eBriefing described CBP CEE's interim plan for distributing courtesy copies of Forms 28 and 29 to customs brokers until an automated channel becomes available. However, the description noted that the documents would be attached to emails sent to the broker contact listed in importer's ACE portal account.

In a letter to NCBFAA President Geoffrey Powell, Census Bureau Chief, International Trade Management Division, Dale Kelly itemized the agency's response to the NCBFAA's comments on proposed amendments to reflect new export reporting requirements related to the implementation of the ITDS. Ms. Kelley noted that a number of the Association's concerns had been addressed in the final rule, which takes effect July 18. During its meeting on June 24 in St. Louis, MO, the NCBFAA Transportation Committee will address the final rule and its implications for the trade.

The Senate voted 82-14 to confirm Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative on Thursday. Mr. Lighthizer won the support of most Republicans and Democrats. Republican lawmakers pointed to his extensive knowledge and experience on trade, knowing he will bring a needed seriousness to trade matters in an Administration that is still trying to find its footing. Many Democrats cheer his tough stance on trade.

Members have reported receiving emails containing this language from NCBFAA staff: Your report is attached in DOC format. Attachment: [An active url will be displayed here] This e-mail was sent by [name of NCBFAA staffer displayed here]

NCBFAA members have been hearing a lot about the new Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). This complex new regulation will take effect soon. To help you understand a customs broker's role, NCBFAA provides the following answers to frequently asked questions.

NCBFAA RAC Co-Chair Mike Lahar participated in a panel at the Grocery Manufacturers (GMA) annual Science Forum, giving food importers the perspective of customs brokers on the upcoming FSVP requirements, which go into effect on May 30, 2017. During the panel presentation, Lahar called FSVP "a game changer." Lahar told the attendees:

To all of our members, partners and friends who joined us in New Orleans recently for 2017 NCBFAA Annual Conference, we thank you and hope you enjoyed a productive Conference experience. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year's Conference in Rancho Mirage, CA at the Westin Mission Hills from April 29 to May 3, 2018. For those unable to join us this year, we hope that you will consider joining us next year. The NCBFAA's next Conference event will be the Annual Government Affairs Conference, September 10-12, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. We hope very much to see all of our members and partners there.

FMC Acting Chairman Michael Khouri and three of his fellow Commissioners recently discussed a broad array of shipping policy issues with a delegation of Washington-based foreign diplomats who specialize in maritime matters.

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.