CBP released a new “job aid” for customs brokers Oct. 20 on powers of attorney, as part of its broader effort to inform brokers of changes to the Part 111 regulations published two days prior (see 2210170027). The document includes a checklist of requirements for how brokers should execute a POA, and notes that the broker modernization final rule changed POA requirements by mandating that brokers execute POAs directly with an importer or drawback claimant, without going through a third party, such as a forwarder. The final rule also says compensation agreements between forwarders and brokers cannot forbid or prevent direct communication between an importer or claimant and the broker.
Drawback
A duty drawback is a refund by CBP of the duties, taxes, or fees paid on imported goods, which were imposed upon importation as prescribed in 19 U.S.C. 1313(d). More broadly, a drawback also includes the refund or remission of other excise taxes pursuant to other provisions of law.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
CORONADO, Calif. -- CBP is still about 1,800 officers short of a full cohort, and with more staffing needs on the horizon, the agency is looking to efficiency gains to make up for the shortfall, said Pete Flores, executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, in Oct. 8 remarks at the Western Cargo Conference.
Imported jewelry that is held on consignment by retailers but never sold is eligible for substitution unused merchandise drawback, CBP said in a ruling released Oct. 3. Though customers of the retailers may try on the jewelry, that doesn’t constitute use of the jewelry for its intended purpose, and the importer retains title to the unsold jewelry unless sold, CBP said in ruling HQ H292054.
African Growth and Opportunity Act benefits for Kenya need to continue as any trade partnership is formed, commenters said, especially the third-country fabric rule of origin.
The Part 111 broker regulations in the works for five years are about to be released (see 2209140051) and National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Customs Committee Chair Mary Jo Muoio that said there are aspects of the rules that the group welcomes, and others that it dreads.
Some companies said in recently submitted comments they used to benefit from Section 232 tariffs but no longer do. Others said they previously were able to mitigate the cost impact of Section 301 tariffs through exclusions, finding other suppliers or other trade benefits but can't anymore.
Inconsistent documentation cost a manufacturer of plastic pallets, trays and lids duty-free treatment on returned items, CBP said in a June 13 HQ ruling addressed to the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise, directing it to deny a protest by ZF TRW Canada (ZF).
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters: