DHS Spring Regulatory Agenda for CBP Includes Update to Vessel Repair Unit Language
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its spring 2018 regulatory agenda for CBP. The agenda includes a first mention of a final rule involving vessel repair unit locations. CBP regulations require "that when a vessel subject to the vessel repair statute first arrives into the United States or Puerto Rico following a foreign voyage, the owner, master, or authorized agent must submit a vessel repair declaration to CBP." Currently, the vessel repair entry is filed at the Vessel Repair Unit in New Orleans, but the regulations confusingly list two other VRUs, CBP said. The final rule removes the mentions of other VRUs.
There were no other new listings on the agenda related to trade.
Agenda Highlights
Highlights of DHS's CBP rulemakings that are at the proposed, final or completed stages, are below. New items are marked with an asterisk (*).
| Proposed Rule Stage |
|---|
| Nonimmigrant Classes: Temporary Visitors to the United States for Business or Pleasure |
| Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-Noncompliant Traveler Fee |
| Modernization of Customs Brokers Regulations |
| Customs Broker Identification of Importers |
| Automation of CBP Form I-418 for Vessels |
| Procedures for Debarring Vessels from Entering U.S. Ports |
| *Collection of Biometric Data From U.S. Citizens Upon Entry To and Departure From the United States |
| Final Rule Stage |
| Centers of Excellence and Expertise |
| Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) |
| Elimination of Nonimmigrant Visa Exemption for Certain Caribbean Residents Coming to the United States as H-2A Agricultural Workers |
| Collection of Biometric Data Upon Entry to and Exit From the United States |
| Return to Territory |
| Implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at U.S. Land Borders -- Automation of CBP Form I-94W |
| *Conforming Amendments Regarding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card Program |
| *Technical Corrections Regarding the Consolidation of Vessel Repair Unit Locations |