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CBP to Relay Updates and Set Up Command Center as Potential Ports Strike Nears

As a potential strike by International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) members looms at East and Gulf coast ports on Oct. 1, the trade community should keep an eye on CBP's Cargo Systems Messaging Service for any changes in import and export procedures, agency officials said on a Sept. 26 call.

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The messages that might go out via CSMS may provide further details on a number of items, including how to address vessel arrival bills of lading, how to treat date of arrival, and what will be required for manifest updates. CBP also is working with partner government agencies on how they will treat import requirements, including those that might have their own permitting processes. CBP also may alert the trade on those adjustments.

CBP also expects to be communicating with the port staff on how to respond to cargo currently on bond, including what will happen to goods that cannot be exported within an allotted time frame.

"We'll be issuing messaging to the ports [that they should] have a very strong enforcement discretion -- essentially meaning that the clock to get the cargo exported from your port of export, your port of departure [will] have leniency there," a CBP official said on the call. The clock for departure will be among the factors taken into consideration during the strike.

Meanwhile, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism partners should expect to continue to receive front-of-the-line treatment when it comes to clearances, CBP officials said.

CBP officials on the call said that the agency has set up a command center at CBP headquarters to monitor the situation between the labor union and the terminal operators and to provide guidance as needed.

The command center will ensure consistent messaging across all CBP offices, and it will help CBP, PGAs and other stakeholders to resume cargo flows as quickly as possible once the strike ends, CBP officials said on the call.

The ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance have been at odds over reaching a new labor agreement to replace the one that expires on Sept. 30. ILA members have pledged to go on strike on Oct. 1 if the parties can't resolve issues over pay and the use of automation at the ports (see 2409120046).