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.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided guidance for the additional duties on U.S. imports of Brazilian products that are subject to the July 30 Executive Order (EO), “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Brazil,” and will become effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on Aug. 6.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., are reviewing the details of the numerous reciprocal tariffs that took effect Aug. 1, the new 35% Canadian product tariff, the Section 232 import duties on copper and copper derivative products, and the end to de minimis for commercial shipments effective on Aug. 29. The Committee will report any ongoing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance related to these White House actions to our customs broker members as soon as it’s released by the agency.

Recognizing the rapid and unexpected increase in duties, customs brokers and warehouse proprietors increasingly are encountering situations of unclaimed, rejected, and abandoned cargo. In response, the NCBFAA Customs Committee, Transportation Committee, Committee Counsel, and Leadership have collaboratively developed a guidance document to assist NCBFAA Regular Members to address the recurring questions regarding this cargo and to clarify the rights of the transacting parties, as well as service providers.

The Vanguard Pest Control treatment provider informed the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that it will discontinue phytosanitary fumigations and close its treatment facility at the Newark, New Jersey, location at the end of July. APHIS provided guidance to the trade.

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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided guidance for the additional duties on U.S. imports of Brazilian products that are subject to the July 30 Executive Order (EO), “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Brazil,” and will become effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on Aug. 6.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., are reviewing the details of the numerous reciprocal tariffs that took effect Aug. 1, the new 35% Canadian product tariff, the Section 232 import duties on copper and copper derivative products, and the end to de minimis for commercial shipments effective on Aug. 29. The Committee will report any ongoing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance related to these White House actions to our customs broker members as soon as it’s released by the agency.

Recognizing the rapid and unexpected increase in duties, customs brokers and warehouse proprietors increasingly are encountering situations of unclaimed, rejected, and abandoned cargo. In response, the NCBFAA Customs Committee, Transportation Committee, Committee Counsel, and Leadership have collaboratively developed a guidance document to assist NCBFAA Regular Members to address the recurring questions regarding this cargo and to clarify the rights of the transacting parties, as well as service providers.

The Vanguard Pest Control treatment provider informed the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that it will discontinue phytosanitary fumigations and close its treatment facility at the Newark, New Jersey, location at the end of July. APHIS provided guidance to the trade.

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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided guidance for the additional duties on U.S. imports of Brazilian products that are subject to the July 30 Executive Order (EO), “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Brazil,” and will become effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on Aug. 6.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee and Counsel of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., are reviewing the details of the numerous reciprocal tariffs that took effect Aug. 1, the new 35% Canadian product tariff, the Section 232 import duties on copper and copper derivative products, and the end to de minimis for commercial shipments effective on Aug. 29. The Committee will report any ongoing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance related to these White House actions to our customs broker members as soon as it’s released by the agency.

Recognizing the rapid and unexpected increase in duties, customs brokers and warehouse proprietors increasingly are encountering situations of unclaimed, rejected, and abandoned cargo. In response, the NCBFAA Customs Committee, Transportation Committee, Committee Counsel, and Leadership have collaboratively developed a guidance document to assist NCBFAA Regular Members to address the recurring questions regarding this cargo and to clarify the rights of the transacting parties, as well as service providers.

The Vanguard Pest Control treatment provider informed the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that it will discontinue phytosanitary fumigations and close its treatment facility at the Newark, New Jersey, location at the end of July. APHIS provided guidance to the trade.

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