10/04/2024
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Adds New Entities to UFLPA
Check out this week's Customs Corner to read the latest about two new entities added to the UFLPA Entity list, new APHIS AQI user fees, and more.
1) U.S. Department of Homeland Security Adds Two New Entities to UFLPA Entity List
CSMS # 62495807 confirms that this action, effective October 2, 2024, raises the total number of entities on the list to 75 and is part of DHS’s efforts to address forced labor and human rights abuses, including genocide against Uyghurs and other minority groups in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Additionally, the name of an existing entity, Changhong Meiling Co., Ltd., was updated.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will enforce a rebuttable presumption, barring goods produced by these entities from entering the U.S. unless proven otherwise, as part of broader measures aimed at promoting accountability for forced labor practices tied to the region. Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi is involved in iron ore mining and steel manufacturing, Changzhou Guanghui produces aspartame, and Changhong Meiling manufactures household appliances.
2) New APHIS AQI User Fees Effective October 1, 2024
The AQI program, jointly managed by APHIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serves to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests and animal diseases by inspecting agricultural commodities at U.S. ports of entry.
A key aspect of the changes is the removal of the small aircraft exemption, which will take effect on April 1, 2025. This adjustment means that small aircraft, previously exempt from certain user fees, will now be subject to the same AQI fees as other conveyances. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the new regulations, which are available on the APHIS website. These changes are part of the program’s efforts to enhance safeguards and ensure the safe trade of agricultural products.
3) Revised Deadline for Vague Merchandise Descriptions in ACAS
CSMS # 62490006 states that starting October 2, 2024, testing for vague cargo descriptions has been made available in the certification environment, allowing filers to ensure their systems are ready for the upcoming enforcement. CBP has also rolled out nationwide cargo messaging through the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program to notify filers of shipments that lack clear, compliant cargo descriptions, helping improve overall compliance and safety measures in the cargo transportation process.
A list of unacceptable cargo descriptions can be found on the CBP website at:
4) Comment Period for CSPC Proposed Ruling on Toys Containing Button Cell Batteries
This Federal Register Notice provides an update on the proposed toy safety standard regarding button cell and coin cell batteries, as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. The proposal aims to enhance safety measures by aligning toy safety requirements with the more stringent standards for consumer products containing such batteries. Originally, the public comment period was to end on October 15, 2024, but due to a delay in the release of incident data relevant to the proposed rule, the comment period has been extended to November 14, 2024. This extension allows stakeholders sufficient time to review and provide feedback on the data.
5) CARM Portal is Expected to Go Live 3AM EST on October 21, 2024
Importers and Trade Chain Partners are urged to register in the CARM system by October 3, 2024, to avoid potential shipment delays.
Here are key details:
- CARM Client Portal (CCP) will not be accessible during the cutover period.
- Release processing will generally not be impacted, except for maintenance from October 5 (evening) to October 6 (morning).
- Release Notification System (RNS) will remain operational, while CADEX Release Notification messages will be discontinued from October 4.
- Submission of electronic accounting documents (B3s) must wait until October 21, when the new Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) functionality is available.
GEODIS is offering continued support throughout the transition, including assistance with CARM setup and managing recalculations due to exchange rate changes after October 21.
For more help, importers are encouraged to contact the GEODIS team.
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