CUSTOMS TO CLOSE THREE DRAWBACK CENTERS

CUSTOMS TO CLOSE THREE DRAWBACK CENTERS    U.S. Customs has finalized plans to close its drawback centers in Boston, Miami and New Orleans.
   “The closing of the three drawback centers is part of a planned consolidation and is intended to promote operational efficiency in the processing of drawback claims,” Customs said.
   A drawback is a refund of customs duties paid on imported materials that are either exported or used in the manufacture of exported articles.
   Since 1996, Customs has experienced a decrease in both the number of drawback claims and the amount of drawback payments. The agency said it verified its claims through both an internal evaluation and a study conducted by an independent contractor.
   The New Orleans drawback center will close on Feb. 24, while the centers in Boston and Miami close on July 23.
   Five Customs drawback centers will remain open. They are located at the ports of New York/New Jersey, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.