CBP issued a final rule (here) that largely adopts the updates to the customs broker exam that the agency proposed last year (see 1609130032). The changes will help "modernize" the exam by allowing for automation, increasing the fee and adjusting the dates, it said. In response to some comments on the proposal (see 1611170030), CBP said it would maintain the ability to administer special licensing exams outside of the designated dates and would schedule exams for the fourth Wednesday, rather than Monday, in April and October.

CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:​

A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website June 27, 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://adcvd.cbp.dhs.gov/adcvdweb.

CBP recently updated its Centers of Excellence and Expertise Trade Process Document on responsibilities and procedures for filers, importers and brokers, it said June 28 (here). The updated document reflects the full implementation of the 10 CEEs and regulatory changes that codified the CEEs in a December interim final rule (see 1612190014), as well as changes to electronic filing procedures that have resulted from CBP’s rollout of ACE since the last version of the document was released in 2014. Changes include a statement that the CEEs will provide courtesy copies by mail or email of Requests for Information (CBP Form 28) and Notices of Action (CBP Form 29) to the broker contact listed in the relevant importer’s portal account. The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America said CBP officials agreed to notify brokers in late April (see 1705150011). The updated document also recommends that, though the trade community may submit prior disclosures to either a port or one of the CEEs, filers should only send the prior disclosure to one location. “CBP has internal procedures to route the prior disclosure to the proper Center team for collaboration, review and action with [Fines, Penalties & Forfeitures]."

CBP's plans for addressing unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties as part of President Donald Trump’s March 31 executive order (see 1703310076) are due to the White House this week. A CBP spokeswoman said the agency may provide a public update in coming days. Lisa Gelsomino, enforcement and revenue subcommittee chair on the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC), said "CBP has performed outreach with COAC Working Groups and various industries to collect information and understand challenges while also racing to meet the 90-day deadline required by the" executive order. CBP will need "to share its plan with the White House by the deadline before any public information can be shared," said Gelsomino, who is also CEO of Avalon Risk Management.

A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website June 26, 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://adcvd.cbp.dhs.gov/adcvdweb.

CBP released its June 28 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 51, No. 26) (here). While it does not contain any rulings, it does include recent CBP notices and Court of International Trade opinions.

CBP outlined its recent enforcement work related to antidumping and countervailing duties in an AD/CVD Update for March and April (here). CBP noted a recent court conviction of a chemical company and its owner over an illegal rebate scheme (here) and the Commerce Department's use of a "particular market situation" for calculating AD duties (see 1704120048). CBP also mentioned President Donald Trump’s March 31 executive order addressing unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties (see 1703310076).

CBP's latest delay to the deployment of post-release capabilities in ACE (see 1706270049) again leaves timing unclear for the new requirements. The agency said in a June 27 CSMS message (here) that it would delay plans to deploy drawback, reconciliation and duty deferral entries and entry summaries on July 8. CBP decided on the delay after it found "areas specific to collections that are in need of further testing before these capabilities can be deployed." CBP is working on a new schedule and will again provide 30-days' notice before deploying the capabilities, it said.

A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website June 23, 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://adcvd.cbp.dhs.gov/adcvdweb.