US Customs to simplfy air cargo process
November 15, 2011
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced plans to streamline the entry process for air cargo.
During the “Simplified Entry Pilot”, the importer or broker will provide 13 data items and 3 optional data items, instead of the 27 currently required.
Part of the Simplified Processes trade initiative, the pilot was developed in coordination with representatives from the National Retail Federation, National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, American Association of Exporters and Importers, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and Business Alliance for Customs Modernization.
CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin said: “The Simplified Entry pilot expedites cargo release into the stream of commerce. The trade industry and CBP will both realize significant efficiencies while enhancing security with more accurate information provided earlier in the import process.”
Participants must have an ACE Portal Account and hold a Tier 2 status or higher in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. To be considered for the pilot, applicants must contact CPB within five days of the federal register notice publication.
The pilot is scheduled to begin at the end of December. CBP is also planning similar pilots in the ocean and rail environments in early to mid-2012.
Courtesy of IFW
