ANDEAN PACT DEADLINE PASSES; IMPORTERS MUST PAY DUTIES, FEES

ANDEAN PACT DEADLINE PASSES; IMPORTERS MUST PAY DUTIES, FEES    Since Congress has yet to renew or extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, importers who formerly qualified for duty-free treatment under the act must pay all applicable duties and fees, U.S. Customs said.
   Customs published a temporary rule Wednesday giving those specific importers the option of not depositing estimated duties and fees until yesterday.
   “If Congress does not renew or extend ATPA prior to May 16, all deferred duties, Merchandise Processing Fees and Harbor Maintenance Fees must be paid,” Customs said Tuesday. “There is no extension of time beyond the May 16 deadline.”
   Importers may issue a single check to each port for all duties, taxes and fees due to that port for all entries filed there using the deferred payment program. A hard copy spreadsheet and a diskette containing the required detail, broken down by entry summary, must accompany each submission. Customs stressed the need for accuracy when paying the dues.
'    “Any differences between the check, spreadsheet and entry summaries will result in the check being returned for correction,” Customs said.
   Customs added that importers can issue a separate check for each individual entry summary to the port where the entry was filed.
   Customs said questions from the importing community could be referred to their local Customs port of entry, or to Richard Wallio, of Customs’ Trade Agreements Branch, at (202) 927-9704.