CBP Offers Information on the Processing of Imported Charitable Contributions
CBP sent out information about processing goods "imported for relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey" in a Sept. 1 CSMS message. The information applies "both for gifts accepted by [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] FEMA via the international assistance system (IAS)…
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concept of operation (CONOPS), and those being imported by U.S. charities (or other private entities) to assist with disaster relief," it said. "Under the IAS CONOPS, the importation has been sanctioned by the State Department as an approved shipment after FEMA exercises [its] gift acceptance authority, and the goods are eligible to be entered without the payment of duty or taxes." Advanced electronic filing may also be waived, though "a paper cargo manifest must be provided by the arriving carrier and screened by the port for high-risk factors in accordance with CBP policy," it said. Shipments identified by CBP has having State Department approval will be allowed to proceed without Food and Drug Administration review or prior notice data filed. The agency won't "remit the duty on the entry of any goods imported for disaster relief by a private group or individual," but "CBP personnel may verify an organization’s tax-exempt status," it said. Merchandise that doesn't meet the "criteria for the IAS CONOPS or donations to charities can still be entered under established entry procedures," CBP said.