June 2014: ISF Enforcement Update

Over the past several days, many of our customers may have experienced difficulties processing eBonds when using the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Our service representatives strive to keep you up-to-date on these issues so we then can convey this information to you. However, the fastest way to receive this information is directly from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via their Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS). CSMS is one of CBP’s methods of communicating to their trade partners news and updates on automated systems such as ACE. The registration process is quick and easy. Simply enter your email address and […]

By Matt Zehner, VP, Surety Information & Analysis, Roanoke Insurance Group Inc. Recently, my colleague Colleen introduced Tariffs and Bond Stacking Liability and the need for importers to monitor bond sufficiency on a regular basis, with the goal to avoid a short-notice demand from CBP to terminate and file a larger bond.  One significant reason to planning the timing of when to make use of a larger continuous bond is that by reducing the number of times the bond amount changes over time, the bond principal is able to minimize the accumulation of bond liability.  There are ancillary benefits to importers when […]

The “interim final” rule that became effective on January, 26, 2009 has now – for practical purposes – become the final rule as to a great many ISF filings. However, for some time CBP and the trade have been discussing an urgent need for limited changes to Part 149 of the Customs Regulations, primarily to eliminate confusion as to ISF-5* and certain other filing responsibilities. The result has been the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking in the July 6 Federal Register. The comment period expires on September 6, 2016. CBP has addressed the situation by drafting a new definition of […]