The CBP User Fee Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Oct. 22 from 1-3 p.m., the agency said in a notice. The meeting will include discussion of work by two subcommittees that were established last month (see 14090217), it said. The Financial Assessment and Options Subcommittee will be responsible for providing CBP an "overview of current worldwide user fees being paid by industry, mapping how industry collects and transmits user fees," it said. It will also discuss initiating a third party study that would improve the committee and CBP's understanding of budget, costs, and funding sources, said CBP. "The Processes Subcommittee will be responsible for developing advice that would enhance CBP operational efficiencies," the notice said.
CBP posted a set of frequently asked questions for the planned Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program for exporters, called C-TPAT Exporter Entity. The agency is in the process of updating the automated system to allow applications for the program, it said. While C-TPAT importers that can now receive export benefits with Japan and European Union due to mutual recognition arrangements, this program "is being launched to enable 'export only' businesses to enjoy C-TPAT benefits as well," it said. CBP recently posted a list of exporter eligibility requirements for participation in C-TPAT (see 14070921).
A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website Oct. 1, 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.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General released on Oct. 1 its fiscal year 2015 Annual Performance Plan. The 32-page report is short on trade, instead focusing on the agency’s counter-terrorism and immigration-related responsibilities. But the plan does indicate CBP will keep up its efforts to assess whether its Automated Targeting System effectively targets and examines high-risk rail cargo from Mexico and Canada. It also says CBP will continue inspections at the Houston and Miami ports of entry to see whether they comply with CBP policies and procedures.
CBP on Oct. 1 announced the launch of its Donation Acceptance Program, under which the agency may accept donations from the private sector and other government agencies to develop its port infrastructure. Faced with “a growing demand for facilities and renovations at aging ports of entry,” the joint CBP-General Services Administration effort will allow for an alternative source of funding through donations from “private corporations, public entities, municipalities, port authorities, consortiums, and any other private sector or Government entity.” Donated money, property, and services may be used for activities related to the construction, alteration, operations, and maintenance of an existing CBP or GSA port of entry, including land acquisition, design, and the deployment of new equipment and technology. The program was authorized by the Consolidated Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2014 (see 14011423).
A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website Sept. 30, 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 Oct. 1 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 48, No. 39). While the Bulletin does not contain any ruling articles, it does include recent Court of International Trade decisions.
CBP scheduled a webinar to provide information on updates to the focused assessment program, the agency said in a CSMS message. The webinar, planned for Oct. 9 from 2-3:30 p.m., will detail the updates to the FA audit program that will effect such audits "started on or after" Oct. 1, the agency said. "The current update involves aligning risk assessment procedures with the audit risk model in accordance with current Government Auditing Standards, emphasizing the consideration of materiality and significance throughout the audit, and replacing the Worksheets for Evaluating Internal Control -- including the sample size matrices -- with more flexible guidelines," it said. The agency has been increasing it's outreach efforts on the subject in recent months (see 14071112). Registration for the webinar is (here).
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:
A listing of recent antidumping and countervailing duty messages from the Commerce Department posted to CBP's website Sept. 29, 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.