At the recent National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Annual Conference, a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) official discussed BIS’ compliance measurement of “no license required” (NLR) shipments, its updated list of “best practices” to prevent diversion of dual use exports, and the potential for Automated Export System (AES) changes based on that updated list.
Licensed Customs Broker
Customs brokers are entities who assist importers in meeting federal requirements governing imports into the United States. Brokers can be private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Customs brokers oversee transactions related to customs entry and admissibility of merchandise, product classification, customs valuation, payment of duties, taxes, or other charges such as refunds, rebates, and duty drawbacks. To obtain a customs broker license, an individual must pass the U.S. Customs Broker License Exam. Customs brokers are not government employees and should not be confused with CBP officials. There are approximately 11,000 active licensed customs brokers in the United States.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources and a recently posted notice, the agency has begun grouping its National Account Managers (NAMs) into specific industry teams, in order to allow the NAMs to specialize and build industry expertise. Importer accounts will then be assigned to the appropriate NAM.
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to add new license exceptions for the export of (i) replacement parts and components for U.S.-origin end items and components, and (ii) articles to incorporate into EAR end items.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing that the following Customs broker licenses, as well as any and all permits, have been cancelled with prejudice:
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a final rule, effective April 18, 2011, to create a new 46 Part 532 and amend Part 520 to make available to licensed non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) a new, voluntary exemption from the requirement to publish rate tariffs, if they agree to Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) with their shippers.
The Federal Maritime Commission has posted to its web site a final rule to amend 46 CFR Part 520 and create a new Part 532 to make available to licensed non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) a new, voluntary exemption from the requirement to publish rate tariffs, if they agree to Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) with their shippers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted an updated version of its frequently asked questions document regarding containers considered to be instruments of international traffic (IIT) that are imported into the U.S. with residual cargo (such as chemicals or other bulk goods1). Among other things, the updated FAQs state that on July 17, 2011, CBP will begin enforcing the requirement that residual cargo imported in IIT be manifested, classified, and entered (i.e., formal entry, informal entry, or Section 321 entry).
Federal Maritime Commission sources stated on February 23, 2011 that the agency expects to have its final rule to allow licensed non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) that enter into Negotiated Rate Agreements with their customers to be exempt from the requirement of publishing their rates in tariffs if they meet certain conditions published in the Federal Register and on its website within a week.
CBP has posted a notice providing an overview of the general requirements for becoming a licensed customs broker. Among other things, the notice covers:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing that the following Customs broker license, as well as any and all permits, has been cancelled with prejudice: