Tim Warren

CBP will modify its selection criteria and expand the participant pool for the a National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test on ACE simplified entry capability, the agency said in a notice in the Federal Register Aug. 14. Simplified entry allows participants to file 12 required, and three optional data elements with CBP prior to arrival in the U.S. The ongoing initial phase of the test is only for air transportation mode and will run through Dec. 31, 2013. The changes to the pilot are effective Aug. 14, according to the notice. (FR 08/14)

CBP's Office of Information and Technology has posted an updated list of companies/persons offering ABI data processing services to the trade community.

Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) should look to CBP's protocol for processing holds and pauses as a way to improve the PGA process, said the Advisory Committee On Commercial Operations (COAC) Trade Facilitation Subcommittee in a list of recommendations based of its first-ever trade survey. Survey respondents said interactions with CBP on holds and pauses was far more favorable than dealing with PGAs. The subcommittee advises the process reviews could be performed through the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEEs). The list of recommendations were posted Aug. 10.

CBP Seattle sent a trade information notice on the Aug. 15 Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations (COAC) meeting. The meeting will include two public comment periods and registration is available (here). The registration deadline is close of business on Aug. 12, it said. Email documents@brokerpower.com for a copy of the notice.

CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:

CBP posted documents on changes to the Customs and Trade Interface Requirements (CATAIR) Appendix C, which lists Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) units of measure abbreviations and their meanings. The CATAIR Appendix C changes are (here). CATAIR Appendix C is available (here).

CBP outlined possible regulatory alternatives being considered as part of its rewrite of broker regulations (19 CFR Part 111) during a webinar Aug. 9. The webinar on "Developing regulatory alternatives and evaluating economic impacts" focused on establishing regulatory alternatives to the major issues being considered as part of the rewrite: Bona Fides, a revised Broker Permitting System, and Continuing Education.

CBP exams and holds on goods are among the largest difficulties among importers and brokers, according to the first Trade Efficiency benchmarking survey, released Aug. 8. The survey, done in June by the Advisory Committee On Commercial Operations (COAC), is meant to be a look at CBP's trade facilitation and effect on lowering costs of compliance. The survey was among a large set of COAC materials released by CBP. (See 12080922 for a list of the materials.)

CBP Seattle issued a trade information notice on the "high levels of Asian Gypsy Moth that are being intercepted on vessels this year." CBP asks that vessel crews look for egg masses when transporting goods from high risk countries in Asia. Email documents@brokerpower.com for a copy of the notice.

CBP at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Port reminded shipping lines and vessel of rules for longshore work by non-immigrant crewmembers after it received allegations of regulation violations, it said in a public bulletin. CBP LA said it got allegations that alien crewmembers helped with vessel preparation and cargo discharge, which are considered longshore work under 8 CFR 258. Authorization for longshore work by non-immigrant crewmembers must be included on CBP Form I-418, said CBP. Email documents@brokerpower.com for a copy of the notice.