A year ago, the agency issued a rulemaking notice to eliminate some of the duplication in recordkeeping for brokers. Specifically, the rule would allow brokers to store records relating to customs transactions at any U.S. location so long as documents are quickly produced when requested. And it would allow brokers, except for importers processing their own entries, to retain all records electronically for five years.
Under current rules, paper documents must still be maintained for several months if paper is used in the declaration to CBP. Other records already can be electronically stored.
Cynthia Whittenberg, director of trade facilitation and administration for CBP, took responsibility for the delay in publication of the final rule. In response to a question at a conference of customs brokers in Phoenix, she said she was drawn into several other major projects and had to address all the comments filed to the rulemaking docket.
The Office of Regulations and Rulings has been reviewing the draft rule since January. CBP leaders should soon be able to sign off on the document and send it to DHS for approval, she said.
The White House is also likely to take a look at the rulemaking before it is published in the Federal Register. ' Eric Kulisch
