CUSTOMS TO FOCUS ON SMALL IMPORTERS

   U.S. Customs says it wants to do more to reach out to the country’s
small importers.
   There are about 400,000 importers in the U.S., with about 1,000 of them
controling 60 percent of imported goods. Although most large importers are
familiar with Customs’ rules, many smaller importers may not be.
   "My office is developing a small business initiative to reach out to
these businesses with resources and information to help smooth the way
through the import process," said Joseph Rees, trade ombudsman for Customs at a recent meeting of the Washington Customs Brokers and Freight
Forwarders Association.
   Prior to his recent appointment to trade ombudsman, Reese represented
the interest of numerous small businesses as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill.