CBP Administrative Messages, Web Postings, Etc.

1. September 28 Opening of 180-Day Special Import Quota for Upland Cotton (Announcement Number 25)

According to CBP, the use of the "special import quota" is at the importer's option and is not subject to the tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) in HTS Chapter 52 Additional U.S. Notes (AUSNs) 5 through 10. CBP has previously stated that these 180-day quotas are established pursuant to a 1991 Presidential Proclamation, are "triggered" by high C.I.F Northern European cotton prices, and are provided for in HTS Chapter 99, Subchapter III, U.S. Note 6. (See notice for special instructions concerning the requirement for an original foreign government certificate and a certification by the importer.) (QBT-06-564, dated 09/21/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/textiles_and_quotas/qbts/qbt2006/06_564.ctt/06_564.doc)

2. Various Postings to CBP's Web Site

CBP has recently posted the following to its Web site:

Interim design guidelines for CBP seaport passenger processing facilities. CBP has posted to its Web site an updated version of its document announcing that the CBP technical design standards for all seaport passenger processing facilities (cruise terminals, ferry (passenger/vehicle), seaplane processing facilities, private craft facilities, etc.) are currently under revision. The updated version explains, in detail, the interim guidelines that apply to all new facilities and facility renovation projects. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/15/06 news, 06091545 2, for BP summary of original document.) (CBP document, dated 09/14/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/carriers/sea/ferry.xml)

Mobile radiation portal monitor, other anti-terror technology at Port of Baltimore on its 300th anniversary. CBP has issued a press release announcing that it has deployed a mobile radiation monitor, and has displayed gamma and X-ray inspection technology at the port of Baltimore on its 300th anniversary. CBP states that this mobile radiation monitor is only the sixth such device deployed at a U.S. seaport. CBP further states that the mobile radiation monitor enables screening technology to be mounted on a vehicle and moved throughout the port, or to other sites, making the screening process more efficient and enabling the monitors to be used for non-CBP related security. (CBP press release, dated 09/14/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09142006.xml)

Agricultural products seized at Tecate border station/port of entry. CBP has issued a press release announcing that during an unannounced agricultural inspection operation conducted over a five-day period at the Tecate border station/port of entry it confiscated a significant amount of prohibited agricultural products. CBP states that officers and agricultural specialists inspected almost 600 vehicles and over 800 pedestrians leading to the confiscation of prohibited poultry and pork products and prohibited plants and fruits. (CBP press release, dated 09/20/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09202006.xml)

NEXUS Highway program celebrates 100,000th member. CBP has issued a press release announcing the enrollment of the 100,000th member in the NEXUS trusted traveler highway border crossing program. According to CBP, NEXUS Highway is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and CBP program designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. (CBP press release, dated 09/21/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09212006_2.xml)

CBP partners with air carriers to help identify fraudulently documented passengers. CBP has issued a press release announcing that CBP has successfully partnered with international air carriers to provide airline staff around the world training in fraudulent document identification through the Carrier Liaison Program. CBP states that the Carrier Liaison Program enhances security by increasing carrier effectiveness in identifying improperly documented passengers destined for the U.S. To date, over 2,000 airline personnel have participated in the free training. (CBP press release, dated 09/19/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09192006_2.xml)

After 3 months National Guard helps apprehend more that 10,400 aliens, seize more than $85.4 million in narcotics, etc. CBP has issued a press release announcing that, since their deployment three months ago, National Guard troops have assisted in the apprehension of 10,479 aliens, the rescues of 45 aliens, and the seizure of 37,288 pounds of marijuana and 1,738 pounds of cocaine - at an estimated value of more than $85.4 million. (CBP press release, dated 09/14/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09142006_2.xml)

Information on the EAP posted. CBP has posted to its Web site a document regarding its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The document provides general information, along with information on how to access the EAP. (CBP document, dated 09/18/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/highlights/alerts/hurricane_info/cbp_employee_info/eap_faq.xml)

3. Miscellaneous CBP Messages on AD and CV Duty Actions

CBP has issued administrative messages on a number of antidumping (AD) and countervailing (CV) duty actions, many of which (marked by an * in the action column) were previously published in the Federal Register by the International Trade Administration (ITA) and summarized in International Trade Today.

(The administrative messages marked with an * cover much of the same information as the ITA notices; however, CBP's messages often list the 10-character case number specific to each listed company(s). ITA notices only list the 7-character master case number. In addition, sometimes the master case number for CBP purposes (in parentheses, below, where applicable) differs from the ITA master case number.)

Important! CBP will discontinue issuing administrative messages on AD and CV duty actions effective on approximately September 30, 2006. CBP's AD/CV searchable database on its Web site, http://addcvd.cbp.gov/ , will then be the sole CBP forum for these notices.

The administrative messages listed above are availablefrom http://www.brokerpower.net/admin_messages/ (and can be searched by message number, country, product, etc.).