CBP issued a CSMS message announcing the issuance of Harmonized System Update 1208 on changes to the 2012 Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This update contains 27,420 ABI records and 4,835 harmonized tariff records. The changes were made to adjust the Cotton Board’s supplemental assessment on imports. Adjustments required by the authentication of the 2012 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are included. The modified records are currently available to all ABI participants and can be retrieved electronically via the procedures indicated in the CATAIR. Contact Jennifer Keeling via email at Jennifer.Keeling@dhs.gov for all other questions.
A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the International Trade Administration posted to CBP's website Aug. 31, along with the case number(s) and CBP message number, is provided below. The messages are available by searching for the listed CBP message number at http://addcvd.cbp.gov. (CBP occasionally adds backdated messages without otherwise indicating which message was added. ITT will include a message date in parentheses in such cases.)
Suzanne Barr, chief of staff at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reportedly resigned on Sept. 1 amid sexual discrimination allegations at the agency. ICE didn't return a request for comment. "The resignation of Suzanne Barr raises the most serious questions about management practices and personnel policies at the Department of Homeland Security," said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) in a statement. "The Committee on Homeland Security will continue and intensify its review of all the facts regarding this case and DHS personnel practices across the board."
In the Aug. 29 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (Vol. 46, No. 35), CBP published two notices that propose to revoke a ruling and similar treatment regarding the tariff classification of chili powder blends.
CBP has posted an updated version of its points of contact document for Interagency Requirements. The contacts are as follows:
CBP released the detailed agenda for the 2012 East Coast Trade Symposium at the Renaissance DC Downtown Hotel, Washington, D.C., Oct. 29-30. It includes general sessions at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29, as well as 9 a.m. Oct. 30. Breakout sessions are set for 2 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Oct. 29.
A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the International Trade Administration posted to CBP's website Aug. 30, along with the case number(s) and CBP message number, is provided below. The messages are available by searching for the listed CBP message number at http://addcvd.cbp.gov. (CBP occasionally adds backdated messages without otherwise indicating which message was added. ITT will include a message date in parentheses in such cases.)
CBP announced modifications to the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test regarding the simplified entry functionality in the Automated Commercial Environment. It modified the test's participant selection criteria to reflect that the C-TPAT status of an importer for whom a customs broker files a Simplified Entry is no longer an eligibility criterion. The test is no longer limited to nine participants and CBP is accepting applications from interested parties wishing to participate in the test. Prior unsuccessful applicants must reapply to be considered, it said.
CBP said it had assets on the ground ready to mobilize the minute Hurricane Isaac dies out, activating its Lead Field Coordinator construct and an incident command post in Hammond, La. Region VI Lead Field Coordinator Rosendo Hinojosa said: "Once the storm pushes through, our focus will not only include employee accountability and safety but business resumption activities as well as supporting requests from FEMA." Eight CBP employees have deployed to support Emergency Support Function 13 Force Protection and Security Support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CBP said.
CBP issued an information notice Aug. 29 soliciting applications to operate a Centralized Examination Station at the Port of Tacoma, Washington. Applications are due by Oct. 27. It anticipates that the successful applicant will run the CES for three to five years, it said, though the final details will be determined by the Area Port Director.