CBP Discusses Drawback, Single US-Canada Doc, Trade Input on Rules
At the annual U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trade Symposium on April 13, 2011, CBP discussed plans to change the drawback program, develop a single U.S.-Canada export-import document, and gather trade input before it issues a rulemaking. The Commerce Department discussed its efforts to expand exports, and government and association panelists discussed ways the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are working to harmonize regulations.
Highlights of the discussion include:
CBP Plans to Consider Changes to Drawback Program
In response to a trade community question as to whether CBP was considering streamlining drawback as a way to facilitate exports, CBP stated that it does plan to consider changes to the current drawback program as part of its consideration of a number of potential issues. CBP noted that it wants to engage with the trade community to get a comprehensive view of what aspects of the drawback program need to be improved.
CBP Says Single U.S.-Canada Export-Import Document Has Been Studied
CBP noted that the concept of using a single document that the U.S. could use for exports to Canada and that Canada would accept as an import document has been studied. However, CBP notes that in order to achieve concepts such as this, extended engagement by leadership at the highest levels is needed and the work should not be left only to technical or working groups.
CBP is Working on a Pre-Notice Web Site for its Proposals
CBP Commissioner Bersin said that CBP is working on creating a pre-notice Web site so that CBP can get trade input before getting to the rulemaking stage.
In response to a question from the trade about simplifying the rules of origin for the various free trade agreements, CBP Commissioner Bersin noted that whatever CBP does in this area, it will provide plenty of opportunities for trade input.
U.S., Canada, and Mexico Are Working to Harmonize Regulations
Under Secretary Sanchez noted that last year, 50% of GDP growth came from exports, 42% of all U.S. exports remain within the Western Hemisphere, and a large part of those exports are to Canada and Mexico.
The panelists noted that the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have been working to reduce unnecessary regulatory differences and to explore further regulatory cooperation activities aimed at reducing or eliminating such differences where they hinder trade and reduce competitiveness. The U.S. has established a High-Level Regulatory Cooperation Council with Mexico and a Regulatory Cooperation Council with Canada.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/01/11 and 03/03/11 news, 11040121, for 11030307, for BP summaries of the International Trade Administration’s request for comments on indentifying unnecessary regulatory divergences in North America that can impede U.S. exports. The ITA states that it work cooperatively with Mexico and Canada to address the concerns that are raised.)
Commerce Partners with Express Couriers to Expand Exports
The Commerce Department has established a partnership with three express courier companies (UPS, Federal Express, and the U.S. Postal Service) to try and expand their customers’ exports. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/07/10 and 07/29/10 news, 10120728 and 10072934, for BP summary of plans for this program.)