Monday Morning eBriefing

On Jan. 14, NCBFAA President Jan Fields formally requested that Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Kevin Shea allow the trade to continue using the Document Image System (DIS) to upload phytosanitary certificates as an alternative to providing a paper document.

Here is a summary of the latest legislative and regulatory transport, logistics and trade sector updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Transportation Counsel firm Venable:

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Feb. 1 released Harmonized System Update (HSU) 2203, which contains 215 ABI records and 46 harmonized tariff records.

Every customs broker knows that interacting with Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) can be the most challenging part of their job. The PGA data requirements are often demanding. And, on top of that, there are just so many agencies!

The NCBFAA Transportation Committee’s Logistics Subcommittee is regularly collecting data on the nation’s rail delays and port congestion that are impacting the supply chain and your business operations.

If you haven’t already registered to attend the 49th Annual Conference at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in beautiful Tucson in Tucson, Arizona, on May 1-4, then what are you waiting for?

The Federal Maritime Commission on Feb. 4 approved an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) asking the industry if a new rule governing demurrage and detention billing practices would be beneficial and should apply to marine terminal operators and NVOCCs in addition to vessel-operating common carriers.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have continued to postpone their “Container Dwell Fee,” and said they will reconsider its possible imposition on Feb.11.

When the Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) filing in ACE becomes mandatory later this year, customs brokers will be required to have a single corporate eDecs filer account. Many customs brokers have over time created multiple eDecs filer accounts. It is important for a customs broker to track down these “rogue” accounts now and work with FWS to cancel them, rather than waiting until the last minute.

NCBFAA, in conjunction with other trade associations, recently commented on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ITS amendment which directly affects our members.

On behalf of NCBFAA's Board of Directors, Leadership and Staff, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and welcome the following member who has recently joined our association:

Here is a summary of the latest customs and cross-border trade regulatory updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Customs Counsel firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg:

The rules for fumigating imported wood can be confusing. For example, wood packaging (such as pallets, crates, containers) must be heat treated to 56 degrees Celsius for 35 minutes. By contrast, imported lumber must be heat treated to 71 degrees Celsius for 75 minutes.

It has come to NCBFAA’s attention that some of our members (particularly our smaller members) are encountering attempts by ocean carriers to amend, alter or otherwise deviate from agreed-to terms and conditions in valid service contracts. We understand in some cases, carriers are seeking to cancel existing contracts, as well.

January’s trending topics on Guidance on HR, Business Management and Operational Risk brought to you by Paychex:

The NCBFAA Transportation Committee’s Logistics Subcommittee is regularly collecting data on the nation’s rail delays and port congestion that are impacting the supply chain and your business operations.

B&H Customs Services Inc. is a small family-run operation. Started by Benjamin Park in 1989, B&H Customs Services has focused on compliance specifically in the food industry. We are well-versed in the rules and regulations dealing with USDA, FSIS, APHIS, and FDA. We also consult for many Korean government agencies to assist in promoting Korean food products in the U.S. market. Now transitioning to a new generation, Timothy Park has taken the lead to guide the company through the ever-changing landscape of broader import industry. For more information, check out the company’s website.

It has come to NCBFAA’s attention that some of our members (particularly our smaller members) are encountering attempts by ocean carriers to amend, alter or otherwise deviate from agreed-to terms and conditions in valid service contracts. We understand in some cases, carriers are seeking to cancel existing contracts, as well.

Here is a summary of the latest legislative and regulatory transport, logistics and trade sector updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Transportation Counsel firm Venable:

Mexican transportation companies must now generate an accurate “Carta Porte Supplement” or bill of lading with the corresponding “CFDI” or Digital Fiscal Document via the Internet. The Carta Porte Supplement, along with the CFDI of Revenues and other associated import documents, must be in the driver’s possession while hauling the related merchandise across the Mexico-U.S. borde