Upcoming changes to how CBP assigns ACE client representatives will result in many customs brokers and importer self-filers assigned to new representatives, but won’t completely shut off direct communication with client reps as rumored (see 1807310032), CBP officials said on an Aug. 1 call with the trade community to discuss the initiative. Under the new scheme, brokers and self-filers will be assigned to the same client rep as their Automated Broker Interface vendor or service center, said Steve Zaccaro, CBP’s client rep branch chief. Some vendors may also have to be reassigned between client reps to redistribute the current workload. Though CBP will take a case-by-case approach and may allow brokers and self-filers to stay with their current rep in “unique” circumstances,” most brokers and self-filers will be assigned to new client reps as a result of the change, Zaccaro said.
Brian Feito
Brian Feito is Managing Editor of International Trade Today, Export Compliance Daily and Trade Law Daily. A licensed customs broker who spent time at the Department of Commerce calculating antidumping and countervailing duties, Brian covers a wide range of subjects including customs and trade-facing product regulation, the courts, antidumping and countervailing duties and Mexico and the European Union. Brian is a graduate of the University of Florida and George Mason University. He joined the staff of Warren Communications News in 2012.
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of July 23-29:
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of July 16-22:
A customs broker will pay $240,000 in damages, and a freight forwarder a still undetermined amount, after the New Jersey U.S. District Court on July 19 held both liable for trademark infringement related to shipments of counterfeit Nike sneakers for which they arranged entry and transportation. The court found the arrangement of transportation and creation of documents related to the shipments constituted the “use in commerce” of the trademarks under the Lanham Act, rejecting the forwarder’s argument that it had no physical control or knowledge of the contents of the shipments.
The Federal Maritime Commission on July 19 announced it will relax certain regulatory requirements for non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) negotiated rate arrangements (NRAs) and NVOCC service arrangements (NSAs). An upcoming final rule will allow NRAs to be amended at any time and allow inclusion in NRAs of non-rate economic terms like liquidated damages, service standards, demurrage free time and detention. The final rule also removes filing and essential terms requirements for NSAs, and provides for the shipper’s acceptance of NRAs by booking a shipment.
The Commerce Department on July 18 announced a Section 232 investigation into possible import restrictions on uranium. Requested by Ur-Energy USA and Energy Fuels Resources in January (see 1801190016), the investigation will determine whether “the present quantity and circumstances of uranium ore and product imports into the United States threaten to impair national security,” Commerce said.
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of July 9-15:
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of July 2-8:
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of June 25 - July 1:
The following lawsuits were filed at the Court of International Trade during the week of June 18-24: