U.S. CUSTOMS PROPOSES PROCEDURES FOR BRASS PROGRAM

U.S. CUSTOMS PROPOSES PROCEDURES FOR BRASS PROGRAM    U.S. Customs has proposed to amend its regulations to cover an improved automated system that will replace its aging Line Release program.
   Line Release was implemented as a DOS (Disc Operating System)-based program that interfaced with Customs’ umbrella system, the Automated Commercial System. It has been used widely over the years by Customs and import industry along the U.S./Canadian border.
   In the mid-1990s, Customs began developing the Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) program. “Like the present Line Release program, the proposed BRASS program will continue to provide for the expedited processing, through the use of computers and bar-code technology, of certain high-volume, repetitively-shipped merchandise that is imported at designated locations,” Customs said.
   The biggest change with BRASS is that it introduces a Windows-based program to make it more efficient to use for Customs inspectors at land-border ports.
   Other proposed changes to the program include a centralized processing of applications for BRASS processing privileges and the development of administrative appeals rights to applicants who are either denied participation in the BRASS program or had their privileges in the program revoked by Customs.
   Customs said it would take comments from the industry on its proposed rulemaking for the BRASS program through April 2. For more information, contact Enrique S. Tamayo of Custom’s Cargo Release Branch in Washington at (202) 927-3112.