Trans American

Enforcement and Focus on Compliance to Increase with Implementation of CEEs

David Forgue, a customs lawyer with Barnes Richardson, while speaking at the Georgetown Law Center International Trade Update on March 1, said that Importers can expect a more stringent enforcement environment and additional focus on compliance as U.S. Customs (CBP) expands its data collection and the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) program matures.  Mr. Forgue said, as more data is collected, and the industry expertise grows, CBP will better target Importers and discover compliance issues before the Importer has a chance to discover and correct.

Chassis Shortage

Chassis shortage is an industry wide issue that will involve support from all stakeholders in order to resolve.  The solution some ports are working towards is a “pool of pools” that allows truckers to use the same chassis for multiple customers. Even with a pool of chassis there are issues like certain terminals “hoarding” chassis, and ocean carriers allowing preferred customers to have longer free time with equipment.  Ocean carriers, terminals, and cargo owners will all need to make changes to their operations in order to create a better flow of chassis usage. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/port-news/port-equipment/chassis-shortage-solution-demands-change-all-involved_20170307.html

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Renegotiation Areas of Focus

The Commerce Department Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC) is preparing a list for Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for priority recommendations on areas of focus for NAFTA renegotiation.  Draft recommendations consist of cargo pre-clearance, cross-border trucking, trusted trader programs, regulatory reform and realignment, and border infrastructure security.  The draft alludes to the benefits of the current North American value chain, noting that NAFTA related exports have created 5 million new U.S. jobs, with nearly 40 percent of U.S. imports from Mexico originated with American companies.

THE Alliance

THE Alliance, consisting of Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, MOL, NYK Line, and K Line, has announced details on service offerings that will begin April 1, 2017.  THE Alliance has also disclosed a bankruptcy protection plan to ease beneficial cargo owner’s fear of a Hanjin situation.  A fund will be in place to make sure that operations continue even if a member of the alliance is in a financial crisis.  With the new ocean carrier alliance structure beginning April 1, there will be less direct services available than what is currently offered. Additional details are available at:

http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/container-lines/alliance/alliance-details-network-bankruptcy-failsafe_20170309.html

Canada Customs Reminder – eManifest “Declaration Accepted” Message Change

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a reminder notice TC177-034 that their “Declaration Accepted” message has changed for external clients.  Carriers should ensure that their eManifest is proper and is in “Declaration Accepted” status with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).  If not in accepted status, the corresponding PARS entry by the Customs Broker will not be accepted by CBSA to allow import of goods and shipment will be delayed until resolved.

Canada Launches Consultations on Possible Free Trade Agreement with China

The government of Canada is seeking views of all interested Canadians to determine how Canada should best proceed regarding a possible Free Trade Agreement with China.  Government of Canada Notice:  http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/consultations/china-chine/info.aspx?lang=eng