6165 Barfield Road
Atlanta GA, 30328
United States
Tel: +1 (770)688-1206
Fax: +1 (770)688-1229
Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists (CBPAS) are tasked with preventing the introduction of invasive species and toxic substances into American agriculture and natural resources. To accomplish this task, a CBPAS will utilize targeting, detection and interception techniques while examining passengers returning to the United States and commercial cargo arriving into U.S. ports of entry. CBPAS’ also work to identify and prevent any attempts at agro-terrorism via the intentional introduction of disease or the contamination of food products with toxic substances. The diversity of passengers and cargo attempting to enter the United States on a daily basis can lead to some interesting interceptions by agriculture specialists.
One recent example took place at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport in early October. CBPAS’ inspected a small box carried by a passenger returning from Kenya. To the specialists surprise, the box contained giraffe fecal material. The passenger then advised that she had obtained the droppings in Kenya and planned to make a necklace with them, also stating that she had used moose feces at her home in Iowa in the past for the same purpose. The box was then seized and destroyed.
Another recent example occurred at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Two passengers returning from Congo were referred for inspection. Inside their baggage was found an unknown meat along with 15 pounds of raw goat viscera including, among other things, the heart, lungs and entire digestive system of a goat. The items, of course, were confiscated. Never a dull moment in the life of a CBPAS!
On February 1, 2025, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the administration is implementing 10% additional tariff on imports from China.
Originally, Canada and Mexico were to have 25% tariffs imposed, however after late meetings between the President of Mexico and the Canadian Prime Minister, news outlets are reporting there will be a 30 day pause on these potential tariffs.
More details include that goods admitted to FTZs must be admitted under privileged foreign status, no duty drawback will be allowed, and there will be no section 321, or de minimis shipments allowed for products of China.
Additional details will be shared as soon as available. As this is a fast-changing situation, all details are subject to change.
Check out our Client Advisory:
For January, we are highlighting Ivel Martinez, our Air & Ocean Manager/FTZ Administrator in the JAS Miami office. Ivel joined JAS in November 2021 and has been instrumental in helping manage the MIA Foreign Trade Zone operations. She is very meticulous in keeping records and validating inventory control.
Ivel's parents owned one of the first CFS warehouses in Miami. Ivel has been in the industry for many years and remembers typing 7512's on a huge brown typewriter.
Ivel has been happily married for 28 years and her family is extremely important to her. She has 2 sons, and 3 puppies. Ivel loves getting together with family and enjoying good food.
Ivel is yet another great example that People Make the Difference!
Census has published the Harmonized Tariff Codes that are not valid for AES filing for 2025. The US Census department issues a list of HTS codes each year that are not valid for use when filing an AES. Those numbers for January 1, 2025 are listed in the link below.
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