U.S. IMPORT ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NEW STEEL IMPORT LICENSING RULE

U.S. IMPORT ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NEW STEEL IMPORT LICENSING RULE    The U.S. Import Administration has added new rules implementing the government’s Steel Import Licensing and Surge Monitoring program.
   The program, which was outlined in a presidential proclamation on March 5, 2002, requires certain importers of steel products to obtain a license from the Commerce Department before completing their Customs import summary documentation.
   “To obtain the license, the importer, or the importer’s broker or agent, will fill out a form supplying certain statistical information to Commerce about the steel import,” the Import Administration said. “The license number will be generated immediately upon submitting the information.”
   The license number will be needed to complete the Customs entry documentation. The Import Administration will use the statistical information collected from the license forms as the basis for its surge monitoring program and “early warning system to alert the public about changes in the quantities, types or origins of steel imports.”
   This final rule is effective Feb. 1. Filers will be able to obtain their user identification numbers and apply for licenses on or after Jan. 6, the Import Administration said.
   More information about the steel import licensing process is available on line at https://www.ia.ita.doc.gov/steel/license/.