"The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) provides duty-free treatment to goods of designated beneficiary countries," stated an article by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "The program was authorized by the Trade Act of 1974 to promote economic growth in the developing countries and was implemented on January 1, 1976."

The GSP periodically expires and must be renewed by Congress to remain in effect. The 2015 GSP reauthorization (H.R. 1295) will expire on December 31, 2017. All previous GSP renewals that have taken effect after a lapse have included a retroactive clause providing refunds to importers of eligible goods imported during the lapse period.  JAS will continue to indicate GSP on all eligible entries after expiration in preparation for a retroactive renewal.

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Read more on the GSP expiration

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"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the submission period for the 2018 Customs Broker Triennial Status Report and fee for all licensed customs brokers will open December 15, 2017," stated an article by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Every licensed broker is required to file a Status Report with CBP every three years."

This year, CBP is encouraging all brokers to submit the report electronically via Pay.gov. Pay.gov is the fastest and most convenient way to make secure electronic payments to Federal Government Agencies. Pay.gov accepts credit card, debit card and digital wallet (i.e. PayPal and Amazon Pay) payments with no additional fees for any payments. All receipts are provided electronically.

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CBP is hosting a webinar on December 13 at 3:00 EST to help clarify the paperless submission process.

​Read more here.

(Registration no longer available).

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Many importers which purchase goods from Chinese vendors are unaware that some of those products (especially those made in factories in northern China) are made/assembled by laborers from North Korea "working" in China.  However, that labor pool can consist of prisoners, indentured workers who perform labor pursuant to "contracts" that pay them next to nothing, or laborers otherwise forced to work against their will.  Thanks to legislation passed by Congress in August (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or "CAATSA"), importers will have to ramp up their "due diligence" of potential and actual vendors to prevent items manufactured with prohibited forms of labor from entering the U.S. - even though the applicable law in this area (19 U.S.C. § 1307) has been on the books since passage of the Tariff Act of 1930.

CBP recently updated its "Reasonable Care" Informed Compliance Publications with a new section on "Forced Labor" - and is now sending out Requests for Information (Customs Form 28) to obtain confirmation from importers that reliable procedures are in place to address this law, and that periodic audits of vendors in this area are taking place.

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To read on the updates in the Informed Compliance Publication, please see the link below:

(Link no longer active).

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Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date:  January 23-24, 2018

Location:  Houston, TX

This two-day program is led by BIS's professional counselling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/compliance-a-training/current-seminar-schedule

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ITAR Defense Trade Controls

Date:  February 5-6, 2018

Location:  Orlando, FL

This seminar series provides both novice and experienced export compliance professionals with a comprehensive education on complying with United States export regulations.

http://www.learnexportcompliance.com/Seminars/Seminar-Schedule/Orlando-2018.aspx

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On November 19, 2017, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) celebrated 16 years of safeguarding and protecting the nation’s citizens and transportation systems. Created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, TSA is constantly evolving and becoming more agile in protecting more than 2 million travelers daily.

"Steps taken this year to strengthen security included mandating new security measures for international last-point of departure flights bound for the U.S. and new domestic screening procedures for carry-on baggage at airports nationwide," stated an article by TSA.

“TSA is working aggressively to raise the baseline for aviation security worldwide because aviation remains a high value target for terrorists,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “By strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network, we are doing our very best to keep flying a secure travel option for everyone.”

Read more on TSA

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This festive season, or simply the holidays, is a time for gathering and celebrating with family, friends, gift-giving, reflections, and giving thanks!  Did you know that for the Fiscal Year 2016 the value of U.S. imports of Christmas ornaments from China was $1.5 billion dollars!  China led the way by 92.0 percent of U.S. Imports of Christmas ornaments into the United States.

Happy Holidays to you and your families!

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Customs and Border Protection requires a minimum of 16 data elements on a commercial invoice for entry processing.  Please review the commercial invoice requirements to see a full detailed description of what the requirements are.

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Download the Commercial Invoice Requirements Document

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