CBP Reminds Importers that Steel Import License Numbers Used During Gov't Shutdown Not Acceptable

CBP again reminded brokers and importers in a CSMS message that all imports of steel mill products need a steel import license for each entry. "During the government shutdown in October 2013, the U.S. Department of Commerce temporarily stopped issuing entry specific steel license numbers on imports of steel mill products, and permitted importers to use two non-entry specific steel license numbers on entry summaries," said CBP. "Those two temporary steel license numbers were only valid for use from October 1 -- 16, 2013 and not beyond. It has come to our attention that some Customs brokers and importers are incorrectly continuing to use the temporary steel license numbers on entry summaries for imports of steel mill products. This practice must cease immediately." The steel import license number obtained for each shipment needs to be reported on the corresponding entry summary, the agency said. Steel import licenses come from the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.