U.S. CUSTOMS TO HOLD CAFES MEETING

U.S. CUSTOMS TO HOLD CAFES MEETING    U.S. Customs will hold two public meetings regarding the upcoming implementation of its new Customs Automated Forms Entry System to improve the efficiency of clearing trucked imports.
   The system, known as CAFES, will use a redesigned in-bond form with a two-dimensional barcode (PDF-417). This type of barcode, which resembles a checkerboard, is able to contain larger amounts of data than traditional vertical-lined barcodes used for land-border clearance documents.
   The plan is for shippers in Canada and Mexico to produce the in-bond forms (Customs Form 7512) with the 2-D barcodes. Truckers will carry these forms with them as they transport their shipments to the border. The Customs inspector will scan these barcodes to verify the shipments with information in the agency’s system, and to determine whether to move it along. The agency said CAFES should help to eliminate some congestion at the land borders.
   The first CAFES public meeting is scheduled for March 21 in Port Huron, Mich., and the second meeting is set for March 28 in Laredo, Texas. For more information about the meetings, contact Don Kozacki of Customs at (202) 927-0618.