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 is expected to provide additional information soon about the delay to the deployment of post-release capabilities in ACE (see 1706270049), Stuart Schmidt, compliance manager at UPS Supply Chain Solutions, said during a June 27 webinar. "We do not know the new date yet," Schmidt said. "My understanding is that there will be a Federal Register notice that will be published hopefully Friday announcing more information about this." Stuart said the delay is the result of some problems with "false positives" found while testing. "They elected to delay the deployment rather than deploy and install some quick fixes," he said. "So they felt that was the right thing to do and I think I agree with that decision." CBP didn't comment.

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.

International Trade Today is providing readers with some of the top stories for June 19-23 in case they were missed.

CBP again postponed its last major ACE deployment for post-release capabilities that was scheduled for July 8, it said in a June 27 CSMS message (here). "We have been conducting ongoing, rigorous testing to ensure these capabilities will operate successfully," said CBP. "Our latest efforts have revealed areas specific to collections that are in need of further testing before these capabilities can be deployed. Consequently, we are postponing the July 8, 2017 deployment, and are in the process of replanning. We will communicate further information as soon as possible."

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

AUSTIN, Texas -- CBP remains committed to implementing drawback changes in ACE by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act’s February 2018 deadline, but contentious issues remain as the agency considers concurrent regulatory changes to its drawback program that are required by the same date, government officials and industry representatives said at the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) annual conference on June 21.

AUSTIN, Texas -- CBP Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan will raise the need for a worldwide unique facility identifier when he travels to Brussels in early July for a meeting of the World Customs Organization policy council, Valerie Neuhart, acting director of CBP’s Office of Trade Relations, said on June 21. McAleenan will be joined in the effort by representatives from Canada and Mexico, who have also been in discussions with CBP about harmonizing unique facility identifiers, she said, speaking during a panel discussion of upcoming ACE priorities at the American Association of Exporters and Importers annual conference.

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

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau will begin enforcing its tariff flags in ACE on June 22, CBP said in a CSMS message (here). Beginning on that date, “all entry filings with HTS codes regulated by TTB must either have an accompanying TTB Message Set, or provide an electronic disclaim code indicating that the filer is opting to meet TTB data requirements through other approved means, CBP said. More information on TTB ACE requirements is available in CBP’s TTB implementation guide (here).