International TradeNewsletter - May 14, 2002
In this Issue...
U.S. Customs Service
May 14, 2002
- U.S. Customs has issued a notice announcing its plan to
conduct a National Customs Automation Program test of the first phase of the
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This test will allow importers and
authorized parties to access their customs data via a Web-based Account Portal
and is the first step toward the full electronic processing of commercial
importations in the Automated Commercial Environment with a focus on defining
and establishing the importer's account structure. Customs plans to initially
accept approximately 40 importer accounts for participation in this test, and
may expand the universe of participants during the test. The test will
commence no earlier than October 28, 2002, and run for approximately two years
with the possibility of extension or modification. Applications to participate
in the test may be submitted at any time; however, in order to be eligible as
one of the initial participants, applications must be received by June 1,
2002. Comments concerning this notice and all aspects of the announced test
may be submitted at any time. A description of the test, the development and
evaluation methodology to be used, the eligibility requirements for
participation, and how to apply for participation are available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-10777-filed.
- U.S. Customs has announced that it intends to terminate
the Importer Compliance Monitoring Program (ICMP), effective May 30, 2002.
The ICMP, which allows interested importers to assess their own compliance
with customs laws and regulations, was introduced on a test basis. However,
participation has remained below the level envisaged, and customs has
determined that the ICMP test should be replaced by a new program that
continues the self-assessment principles of the ICMP, but using new
methodologies. The new program, which is called the Importer Self Assessment
Program, will be the subject of a separate notice to be published in the
Federal Register in the near future. All testing procedures, reporting
requirements and other obligations assumed by importers by virtue of their
participation in the ICMP test, and all benefits accruing to importers as a
result of their participation in the ICMP test, will cease to apply upon
termination of the ICMP test. However, importers are reminded that termination
of the ICMP test has no effect on an importer's continuing obligation to
comply with all applicable customs laws and regulations. For further
information, contact Russell Ugone, Director, Trade Agreements Branch,
Regulatory Audit Division 202-927-0728.
- U.S. Customs has published new guidelines for claims for
liquidated damages established against holders of International Carrier Bonds
for failure to redeliver to customs custody merchandise which has been
exported in violation of export control laws; against importers for failure to
file NAFTA duty-deferral entries; against Trade Fair Operators for violation
of any of the conditions of the Basic Importation Bond relating to Trade
Fairs; regarding the cancellation of claims when petitions are filed after
established regulatory time frames have expired; and providing cancellation
standards for all carnet cases. These guidelines took effect April 19, 2002,
and are applicable to all cases that currently are open at the petition or
supplemental petition stages. More information and a copy of the regulations
are available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-9540-filed.