Trade Update from Trade Innovations, Inc.

CBP Releases ACE Business Rules & Process Document: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) recently released an internal document defining the Business Rules and Process for ACE Entry Summary. This document was released to address the revisions in operational policies and procedures necessitated by the move to an electronic system. For a copy of this 154-page document please follow this link: CBP ACE Entry Summary Business Rules & Process

Work Resumes on Customs Re-Authorization Bill: Both the House and Senate recently resumed worked on the Customs Re-Authorization Bill with the hopes that it can be debated and passed later this year. However, given the current political climate in Washington and a full agenda some skeptics give the Re-Authorization Bill little chance of being taken up in this Congress. The Re-Authorization Bill seeks to address issues and correct problems within CBP. Among the issues in the current draft of the legislation are, Drawback, C-TPAT, ACE, De Minimis and Informal Entry Limits, CBP's Organizational structure, the proposed Centers of Excellence, and Chapter 98. For a copy of the most current public version of the Customs Re-Authorization Bill please follow this link: Customs Re-Authorization Bill

Mexico Joins ATA Carnet Federation: On May 16, 2011, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) welcomed Mexico into the ATA Carnet System. A carnet is the equivalent of a passport for goods crossing international borders. Mexico became the 71st country to allow carnets. ATA Carnets are very useful for companies bringing samples to customers, exhibiting their work at trade fairs or transporting equipment. They also improve trade opportunities by both reducing customs procedures, and significantly minimizing costs. For more information on ATA Carnets in Mexico please follow this link: ICC Press Release on Mexico ATA Carnets

CBP Testifies on Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Evasion: On May 6th Assistant Commissioner for CBP's Office of International Trade Alan Gina testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Anti-Dumping (AD) and Countervailing Duties (CVD). During his testimony Mr. Gina cited AD/CVD evasion as a significant problem faced by the agency. He spoke about 5 common schemes that importers use to evade the lawful payment of AD/CVD duties, they are:

Illegal transshipment which involves the manipulation of documents and shipping logistics to disguise the true country of origin of a product. Transshipment is often built into production by design, with false markings and packaging devised to purposefully mimic legitimate production in other countries. Determining a product's country of origin through visual inspection or through verification of shipping documents can be very difficult, especially if cargo has been manipulated prior to import, completely masking the connection back to the true source country. (More follows)

To read the entire article please follow this link: CBP Testifies on Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties

CBP Extends ACE Survey Comment Period: In a Federal Register Notice dated March 10th CBP proposed to conduct a survey on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). ACE is CBP's new system for collecting and analyzing trade data. CBP is seeking public comments on one of four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency/component, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies/components estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of information.

The public comment period for the March 10th notice was 60-days. On May 12th CBP extended that public comment period until June 17th. For a copy of the May 12th Federal Register Notice please follow this link: ACE Survey Federal Register Notice