On October 13, 2006, President Bush signed into law the conference version of H.R. 4954 (Public Law 109-347), entitled the "Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006" (SAFE Port Act), a measure intended to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes.
CBP CROSS Rulings
CBP issues binding advance rulings in connection with the importation of merchandise into the United States. They issue the rulings to give the trade community transparency of how CBP will treat a prospective import or carrier transaction. Common rulings include the tariff classification, country of origin, or free trade agreement applicability of merchandise, among other things. These rulings are available in CBP's Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) database.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) frequently asked question (FAQ) document on electronic manifests (e-Manifests).
In the October 25, 2006 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin)(Vol. 40, No. 44), CBP published a notice revoking two rulings and a treatment as follows:
The State Department has issued a proposed rule that would set forth the format and requirements for obtaining PASS Cards (also referred to as passport cards), which would serve as a lower cost means of establishing identity and nationality for U.S. citizens in the following limited situations: (1) when crossing U.S. land borders, and (2) when traveling by sea between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda.
In the October 25, 2006 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin)(Vol. 40, No. 44), CBP published a notice modifying a ruling and revoking a treatment as follows:
American Shipper reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to release the first draft of security criteria being prepared for customs brokers participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). American Shipper notes that CBP officials recognize that brokers don't have the ability to control the operations of shippers and overseas intermediaries; however, CBP expects brokers to play a role in screening companies shipping product to the U.S. (American Shipper Pub November 2006, www.americanshipper.com)
In the October 25, 2006 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin)(Vol. 40, No. 44), CBP published a notice revoking four rulings, modifying four rulings and revoking treatment as follows:
(Will Not be Provided in Tucson)
In the October 25, 2006 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin)(Vol. 40, No. 44), CBP published a notice revoking a ruling and treatment as follows:
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is focusing on obtaining advance business data and developing next-generation radiation and imaging technology instead of the development of an electronic security device that can alert inspectors to possible tampering with a container's contents. JoC explains that CBP has shifted focus as the "smart box" initiative is facing technological, economic, and policy challenges. (JoC Pub November 2006, www.joc.com)