Customs & Logistics News
Recent Editions
U.S.
August 01, 2016
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Dashboard and Slowdown Issues
U.S. Customs (CBP) Chief Information Officer Phil Landfried advised that CBP is “headed in the right direction” as they work to resolve ACE system performance issues. CBP will be deploying a performance dashboard on its website to allow filers to see if issues they are experiencing are system wide. The Trade community has seen system slowdowns more frequently than expected.
Asia Ports Facing Challenges
Moody’s reports that Asia ports will struggle to deal with industry issues over the next two years. Slow global growth and carrier overcapacity combined with high capital investments planned will all result in challenging operating conditions. Transshipment ports are more sensitive to competitive pressure while gateway ports such as Shanghai are protected by demand due to high population. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/industry-turmoil-means-testing-two-years-asia-ports-warns-moodys_20160728.html
New Inland Port for Georgia
The second of six planned new inland ports will begin construction in order to develop the port of Savannah’s intermodal reach. The port will be in Chatsworth, Georgia, will be served by CSX Transportation Rail and is planned to be completed in September 2018. This new inland port is expected to reduce truck traffic by 40,000 moves per year. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/port-news/second-inland-port-supporting-savannah-moves-forward_20160725.html
FAST Lane Usage for Ports of Detroit and Port Huron
U.S Customs (CBP) in a recently issued Information Notice provided clarification as to carrier use of the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) Lanes at Detroit and Port Huron. Per CBP, FAST lanes can be used when goods are electronically manifested, driver is FAST approved, Importer and carrier are C-TPAT (Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and the carriers Customs User Fee Decal is paid and up-to-date.
Brokers May be Required to Report Possible Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Evasion
The Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Working Group has posted its 14th term recommendations. The COAC recommends that U.S. Customs consider adding a regulatory provision to enable and require customs brokers to report evidence and/or incidents of evasion as defined by the ENFORCE Act when it comes to their attention.
Canada
August 01, 2016
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) New Verification Targets
CBSA has posted its verification priorities list. New items added for July include cell phone cases, mountings, fittings and similar articles, stone table and counter tops, prepared meat of swine, live plants, interchangeable tools, air brakes and parts thereof, and handkerchiefs, towels and related paper products. The complete CBSA verification priority list is available at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/verification/menu-eng.html
Proposed Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
The Safe Food for Canadian Regulations when put into force are designed to provide more modern and consistent requirements for all foods imported, exported and traded between the provinces. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted Fact Sheets on this matter, and are available at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-initiatives/sfca/food-safety-systems/resources/eng/1427299500843/1427299800380
