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CBP, COAC Pushing for More Participation in EEM Pilot

CBP’s Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee is urging more members of industry to participate in CBP’s electronic export manifest pilot (see 2205060015) before the process becomes mandatory. During a Sept. 14 COAC meeting, the Export Modernization Working Group presented a paper outlining the benefits for shippers who participate in the pilot, saying participants “will be prepared for the new rule and will experience minimal business disruption when the EEM goes into effect.”

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The working group said the pilot, and the eventual mandated use of EEM, will improve cargo processing efficiency, streamline reporting, eliminate redundant data elements and “reduce costly repacking” through advanced screening, which will lead to “more rapid notification of inspection.” The group also said EEM will be “extended into additional modes of transport and more ports in order to create a robust environment for testing the needs of various supply chain entities.” This extension is “important for both the government and trade because it will ensure limited business disruption of exports when the pending regulations requiring EEM are implemented,” the paper said.

CBP hopes to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on EEM this year (see 2207290035) but has seen limited participation in its pilot program (see 2110180038). Even if the agency publishes an NPRM before 2023, it could take several months or years before it issues a final rule to officially mandate the use of EEM.