RULE WAIVER FOR EXPORTERS TO DEPOSIT PERMANENT EXPORT LICENSE WITH CBP (CSMS# 15-000962)

In anticipation of the implementation of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), DDTC is electronically sending CBP registration and licensing data on a daily basis.  Since CBP port officials will have access to the DDTC registration and licensing data through ACE, there is no longer a need for exporters to deposit permanent export licenses with CBP prior to filing in ACE.

Effective immediately, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Trade Controls is exercising the authority under 22 CFR 126.3 to waive the requirement under 22 CFR 123.22(a)(1) for exporters to deposit permanent export licenses with CBP, prior to filing in the Automated Export System (AES).  This exemption will remain in effect until DDTC amends the language of 22 CFR 123.22(a) (1) to remove the requirement.

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Read the official statement.

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CONFIRMED OUTBREAK OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN THE CANADIAN PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

"Effective immediately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has notified U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of immediate restrictions on the importation of certain bird and poultry products and live birds from a control zone in Southern British Columbia," stated U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This restriction is due to the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. Due to the outbreak, certain poultry products that are originating out of the control zone of British Columbia are prohibited until further notice.

A statement from the CBP:

"Travelers intending to bring food products into the U.S. from Canada are encourages to learn which products are allowed and which are prohibited before they travel."

For further information and a list of prohibited items please visit the official CBP.gov website.

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The Federal Trade Commission has announced proposed court orders imposing $1.3 million in penalties against four retailers.  The fines are due to a settlement based on wrongly labeling bamboo materials.    The complaints allege that the four importers broke the law by continuing to misrepresent products of bamboo, despite the warning letters from the FTC in 2010.  In 2013, several other importers settled a combined $1.26 million to settle similar FTC claims.  

Jessica Rich, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, is quoted saying the following on the matter:

"It's misleading to call bamboo that has been chemically processed into rayon simply 'bamboo'. With consumers in the midst of their holiday shopping, it's important for them to know that textiles marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives may not be as 'green' as they were led to believe."

Download the Original Article.

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On December 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced $94,700 in fines to five importers and that more than 1394 items that included engines, scooters and ATV’s had been seized, exported or destroyed.  "This was the latest result of their continued joint operations at the ports of LA, Long Beach and Oakland, targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment without proper emission controls, as well as illegal pesticides, imported into the United States in vocation of federal law," stated an article from the U.S. EPA,  "EPA estimates that the non-compliance vehicles and engines in its enforcement cases announced today would have emitted at least 215,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) per year."  

“EPA has been working diligently with CBP officers at the ports to ensure all items entering our nation comply with federal environmental standards,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “We will continue our efforts to reduce pollution and protect consumers from illegal imports," the article stated.

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Read the original article.

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President Obama will move as soon as next month to remove several restrictions regarding trade, finance and travel policies towards Cuba. While the exact timing for implementation is still being determined, the Obama administration took a major step forward on December 17 to normalize relations with Cuba. The White House also issued a fact sheet about the specifics about the new regulations.  

(Article no longer available).

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The United States signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on December 7, 2015 with the Dominican Republic. The agreement allows for a stronger and better relationship between the countries, specifically securing the global supply chain and also acknowledging the potential of efficiency between U.S. Customs and Border Protection's C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and the Dominican Republic’s Authorized Economic Operator Program.  "CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske signed the arrangement on behalf of the United States and Dominican Customs Director General Fernando Fernandez signed on behalf of the Dominican Republic," an article by U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated.

CBP Commissioner R.Gil Kerlikowske stated:

“I’m pleased to be here to join President Danilo Medina and Director General Fernandez in the signing of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement. This is a significant milestone for both the United States and the Dominican Republic in the facilitation of secure trade between our two countries.”

Read more about the Mutual Recognition Agreement.

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The United States and Singapore has signed three Customs agreements, in order to ensure cooperation and mutual assistance on Customs enforcement and support of lawful trade and travel. Both parties "signed a U.S.–Singapore Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) and a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Singapore’s Customs’ Secure Trade (STC) Partnership," an article by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated. "The mutual recognition arrangement between C-TPAT and Singapore’s STC will link the two industry partnership programs, so together it will create a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitation global cargo trade," the article stated.

CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske stated:

"The signing of the MRA and CMAA between the U.S. and Singapore demonstrates the partnership and commitment of each country to combatting customs fraud and to a secure global supply chain."

Read more about the agreements with Singapore at the official CBP website.

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JAS EMPLOYEE NAMED PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS AND CUSTOMS BROKERS ASSOCIATION OF CHARLOTTE

Congratulations to Daniel Zupko as he was named the President of the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Charlotte (IFFCBA)! The mission of the organization is to serve the Charlotte freight forwarder and customs broker community by providing a central source of information regarding industry laws and regulations. Daniel served as the Treasurer and Chairman of the customs committee of the organization for the past two years. He also brings over 20 years of experience to IFFCBA and JAS! Congratulations and best wishes to him as President!

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Ear Export Controls / Itar Defense Trade Controls Seminar Series

Date: December 7-10, 2015

Location: Miami,  Florida

This seminar series provides both novice and experienced export compliance professionals with an in-depth education on export control regulations administered by the US Departments of State, Commerce & Treasury.

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Did You Miss The BIS Update 2015 Conference?

If you did, you are still able to find the recap online that contains the program summary, presentations and speeches. The annual conference gives the exporting community the opportunity to learn first hand from senior U.S. Government officials about current issues and trends in the export control policies, regulations and practices.

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Get the registration information.

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