CBP cracks down on late duty payments via ACE

CBP cracks down on late duty payments via ACE U.S. Customs and Border Protection last week announced new penalty guidelines for importers who are late paying estimated duties through the periodic monthly account process.
   The Automated Commercial Environment trade processing system under development has enabled importers to create national accounts for their trade activity and pay fees on a monthly rather than per-transaction basis. The previous rules allowed CBP to hold merchandise in cases when the periodic monthly payment is more than two business days late until the entry summary with estimated duties and fees is filed.
   Under the new rules, effective immediately, CBP said it will assess liquidated damages against the importer’s customs bond and block the importer’s access to its own ACE account. Going forward, the importer will have to pay fees on an entry-by-entry basis. Customs brokers who are responsible for late or non-payment of duties may face sanctions, including loss of license or suspension.
   To read the entire notice in the Federal Register, go to edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-24696.pdf.