Updated ACE Agency Tariff Code AQX is now available for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, CBP said in a CSMS message Sept. 8. The flag is available in the certification environment. Starting Sept. 11, the AQX code will begin to be assigned to HTS codes in the production environment, the message said. The flag for this entry will be given a "warning" severity, meaning that you can still file a new entry even if there is no disclaim code related to the flag. Disclaim codes A and B will be usable with the AQX flag, the message said. Filers who submit an entry with HTS flagged AQX without APHIS data or a disclaim will receive the following message: PU2 – DATA MSNG ON HTS – NO ACTN RQD AQX. Questions about the APHIS Core Message Set filing can be sent to ace.itds@usda.gov or addressed by the APHIS help desk at 1-833-481-2102 or the APHIS website.
While the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and other factors have led to uncertainty and a "more complex risk environment" for imports, some companies have found strategies to "effectively navigate" this environment, law firm Bradley said in a new blog post. Some of those strategies included being "proactive" in engaging their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in developing "internal protocols" to monitor their supply chains, in incorporating "traceability audits," in finding "backup sourcing" and in shifting risk of "non-performance" to "downstream parties" or OEMs, Bradley said.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
CBP has released its Sept. 6 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 57, No. 32), which includes the following ruling actions:
A potential Indirect Source Rule that the South Coast Air Quality Management District is considering, which would affect the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, is necessary to avoid greater disruption from federal action should port emissions remain unaddressed, the district said in an email Sept. 1. It also said it is working with stakeholders to "come up with a proposed regulation that is feasible and can improve air quality without impacting cargo flows."
FDA recently finalized three guidance documents related to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act. A final guidance titled "DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs" identifies the standards that will be used beginning Nov. 27, 2023, when "electronic-based approaches are generally required to be used among all trading partners to meet the enhanced drug distribution security requirements" of DSCSA. Another final guidance focuses on “Enhanced Drug Distribution Security" at the package level under the DSCSA and clarifies the "enhanced drug distribution security requirements" listed under the new law. Finally, another final guidance recently released by the agency covers the "Wholesale Distributor Verification Requirement" for saleable returned drug products and the "Dispenser Verification Requirements" when investigating a suspect or illegitimate product. The new guidance extends the FDA's current enforcement policies by a year to Nov. 27, 2024.
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America sought more clarify from the FDA on a recently issued draft guidance document on upcoming registration and listing requirements for cosmetics facilities and products, in comments submitted to the agency on Sept. 1.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union on Aug. 31 officially voted to ratify the tentative labor agreement they reached with the Pacific Maritime Administration in June (see 2306150038), the ILWU said. The union said it voted 75% in favor of the new deal, which expires July 1, 2028, adding that it "protects good-paying jobs in 29 West Coast port communities, maintains health benefits, and improves wages, pensions and safety protections."
CBP released a new dashboard about the dangers of fentanyl, acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said in a press release Aug. 31. The dashboard "will better inform the public, our partners, and key stakeholders about the dangers of fentanyl -- which can ultimately save lives," Miller said. The goal of the new dashboard is to highlight "law enforcement’s ability to fight against fentanyl and other opioids" and also help provide science and treatment professionals with "crucial information" to communicate about the opioid epidemic more effectively, Miller said. CBP will continue to work with their partners to fight the opioid epidemic and "prevent more senseless deaths," he said.