CBP puts brake on in-bond changes enforcement

Customs and Border Protection planned to start enforcing the in-bond changes on Feb. 6, but said the ongoing federal government shutdown forced its delay.    U.S. Customs and Border Protection said enforcement of changes to the in-bond regulations that was scheduled to start Feb. 6 are now on hold due to the federal government shutdown.
   CBP said a new enforcement date will be scheduled after full operations resume. 
   “This will allow CBP to reschedule the planned consultation and collaboration with the trade through the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) In-bond Working Group. At this time, enforcement is not expected prior to March 1, 2019,” the agency said.
   In-bond shipments are imported merchandise that’s allowed under bond to move within the United States without paying taxes and duties. Often, this cargo is held in bonded warehouses or a foreign trade zone (FTZ) until it’s cleared through Customs or re-exported to another country.
   CBP’s also had planned to begin issuing liquidated damages claims for violations of the Importer Security Filing (ISF)-5 requirements on Monday. However, it suspended this action until further notice due to the federal government shutdown.
   CBP published a rule on April 12, 2018, that expanded the definition of ISF Importer for certain types of shipments. The agency said the changes were needed to ensure that the ISF Importer included parties that have a commercial interest in the cargo and have best access to the required data.