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• Funeral Services for Darrell J. Sekin Jr. Set for April 12
• If Your Plans Change, Let NCBFAA Know Before Cancelling Your Group Rate Hotel Reservation!
• NCBFAA Mourns Passing of Randy Ferguson
• Baltimore Begins Painstaking Operation to Remove Downed Bridge from Ship Channel
• CBP Provides Operational Update in the Port of Baltimore
• Seeking Your Input for GAO Air Cargo Throughput Challenges Analysis!
• John S. James Co. Hosts Rep. Burchett Visit at Knoxville Office
• ACE Collections REV – 603 Trade Refund Report Update for Brokers/Filers
• CBP Proposes Adding Required Data Fields to Form 7501
• CBP Publishes Updated Cargo Release Condition Codes Document
• CBP Releases Updated ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process Document
• CBP Wants Importers and Brokers to Ask: ‘Do You Know Your Supply Chain?’
• Funding Secured for Laredo Checkpoint 29 Project
• BIS Announces Updated Freight Forwarder Guidance and Best Practices
• Updated NCBFAA Shipper’s Letter of Instructions Now Available!
• New BIS License Types for Export License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC)
• NCBFAA Welcomes New Members!
• 2024 G▪TEC Scholarship Available to First Timers!
• Follow NCBFAA on Social Media!
• NCBFAA Seeks Regular Members to Join Media Committee
• Contribute to the MMeB Member Forum!
• Transport, Logistics and Trade Sector Updates of The Week
• Customs and Cross-Border Trade Regulatory Updates of The Week
• Reminder: Ignore Questionable Communications
• Events Calendar

Funeral Services for Darrell J. Sekin Jr. Set for April 12

Funeral services for past NCBFAA President (2012-2014) and Senior Counselor Darrell J. Sekin Jr. will start with a mass at 1 p.m. CT on Friday, April 12, at Good Shepherd Catholic Community, 1000 Tinker Rd., Colleyville TX, 76034. A reception will follow (beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT) at Timarron Country Club, 1400 Byron Nelson Parkway, Southlake TX, 76092.

For more than 50 years, Darrell had the reputation as small business pioneer who operated one of the most respected customs brokers in the United States. He passed away Saturday, March 23, at the age of 74.

Until recently, Darrell served as chairman of DJS International Services in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, a customs brokerage firm which he founded in 1985 after starting his career with his father’s company in the mid-1960s. DJS International Services was acquired by BDP International in April 2021.

Darrell was an active member of NCBFAA since the late 1970s and served on and/or chaired numerous committees. He served as NCBFAA president from 2012-2014 and chairman from 2014-2018. Since then, he was among the NCBFAA senior counselors.

Darrell was also active within the industry in his home state of Texas, including the North Texas Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association and the Houston Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association over the years. Internationally, he once served as a U.S. director of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association.

NCBFAA leadership asks members to please keep Darrell’s widow, Marty, along with his children and grandchildren, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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If Your Plans Change, Let NCBFAA Know Before Cancelling Your Group Rate Hotel Reservation!

If unfortunate circumstances require you to cancel your attendance at the NCBFAA 51st Annual Conference at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa on April 14-17, please contact Kim O’Beirne at kobeirne@ncbfaa.org immediately! Do not cancel your hotel room reservation at the NCBFAA group rate, since we can transfer those rooms to someone who might need them.

Also, the Annual Conference is nearly sold out, but there is still availability to attend this important industry event. Register today!

Keep in mind that our conference hotel group rate rooms, as well as exhibit space, are sold out, but that should not preclude any association member from attending this leading industry event.

Meanwhile, there are hotels within the vicinity of our conference location, such as the next-door B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale. Click here for room rates and availability at the B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale. We also encourage you to check out hotel booking sites, such as Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, and Trivago.

We encourage our members to attend the action-packed NCBFAA 51st Annual Conference and learn about the latest hot topics—regulatory, operational, and legislative—impacting our customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and NVOCC industry. Check out the 2024 Annual Conference agenda here.

Meanwhile, enjoy this video, courtesy of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (FCBF), welcoming NCBFAA 51st Annual Conference attendees to Florida.

[Be aware of companies soliciting mailing lists for our Annual Conference. These emails are spam! Ignore and delete them!]

NCBFAA wholeheartedly thanks our 2024 NCBFAA Annual Conference Sponsors!

Diamond Sponsor

Avalon Risk Management

Platinum Sponsors

Roanoke Insurance Group

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

Gold Sponsors

Affiliated Presidents Network (APN)

Co/Action

GDLSK

International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.

WCAworld

Silver Sponsors

e2open, LLC

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

Louisiana Maritime International Chamber of Commerce Inc.

Raft

Venable LLP

Bronze Sponsors

Alba Wheels Up International, Inc.

Altana Technologies

Descartes Systems (USA) LLC

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NCBFAA Mourns Passing of Randy Ferguson

Randy Ferguson, who served as a Managing Partner of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. and was known to many within the West Coast customs brokerage and freight forwarding industry, passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 79.

Born on Sept. 1, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Randy grew up in the Pacific Palisades on the west side of Los Angeles. After graduating from Harvard Military Academy, he attended Georgetown University and returned to the West Coast to complete his studies at Stanford University, majoring in English literature and creative writing. He obtained his MBA at UC Berkeley and then his JD at University of San Francisco. He represented various Northern California Indigenous tribes. In the 1970s Randy moved to Hamburg and worked for the Max Planck Institute as a consultant in international conflict of European law.

Upon his return to the U.S., Randy became deeply involved in international trade law. From 2009 to 2024, he served as managing partner to STR Trade in San Francisco.

Outside of practicing law, Randy was an accomplished sailor and surfer, cook, golfer, musician, reader, and storyteller. He also enjoyed world travel with his wife and family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brooke Anderson; children, Julia Ferguson Rockwell (husband Carter) of Belvedere and Tommy Ferguson (wife Elaina) of Sebastopol; stepchildren, Ashley Wyatt (husband Kevin) and Liz Young (husband Court); and six grandchildren.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held on Friday, April 26, at 1 p.m. PT, at the Cove House of the San Francisco Yacht Club.

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Baltimore Begins Painstaking Operation to Remove Downed Bridge from Ship Channel

Early Tuesday morning, March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after it was struck by a containership exiting the nearby marine terminal. The containership, under charter to Maersk, lost power before veering off course and colliding with the bridge. Two nighttime bridge workers were pulled from the water, but six other workers were killed when the bridge collapsed.

The Maryland Port Administration, which oversees the Port of Baltimore, said the Seagirt Marine Terminal stopped export operations until further notice, while vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice.

Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels on Friday, March 29, hosted a call to update local business interests on the status of the channel closing due to the Key Bridge collapse. He emphasized that the top three priorities are to get the shipping channel open, secure the vessel, and conduct the salvage operation. 

At the current time, there are 3,000 to 4,000 tons of the fallen bridge alone sitting on the vessel. Engineers have been on-site and are working to determine how best to cut the steel without causing further damage to the ship or dropping the pieces into the channel.

The containership has been breached, but these breaches are above the water line. There are 56 hazardous material containers on the vessel. There is also a high-pressure gas line beneath the vessel and salvagers must be careful to avoid it, Daniels said.

The Army Corp of Engineers must determine how wide a swath in the channel is necessary to reopen the port to vessel traffic. The agency is also evaluating channel alternatives to possibly allow, at some point, smaller vessels to access the channel. There are three salvage companies on site, including several Corp of Engineers vessels, and on-barge cranes either on-site or on the way. Daniels said it is too early to determine if any draft restrictions will be put in place and what that will entail.

The Maryland Port Administration will hold regular calls to update the trade. The next call will be Monday (April 1) or Tuesday (April 2).

NCBFAA leaders and staff are meanwhile keeping our Baltimore area members, especially those who are active in the Baltimore Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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CBP Provides Operational Update in the Port of Baltimore

Until further notice, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said ocean carriers originally planning to unload at the Port of Baltimore must proceed to another U.S. port in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26. Vessel arrival notices and manifest updates, including updating the port of unlading, would be required, the agency said.

CBP instructed vessels already in the Port of Baltimore with cargo destined for subsequent U.S. ports to consider whether to hold the cargo onboard or discharge the cargo in Baltimore. “For cargo not originally intended for Baltimore, manifests will need to be updated and either entry or in-bonds filed to move the cargo from Baltimore via truck or rail to the subsequent destination,” CBP said in a March 29 CSMS.

The agency said for export cargo, vessel agents/operators will need to determine if unloading cargo from the vessel would be preferred and feasible. Export carriers are allowed to submit export manifest post departure. Carriers are required to submit their export documents, either 1302A or EEM, from the updated port. “For affected EEI submissions, the port and date of export would need to be updated,” CBP said.

To avoid delays with perishable and other agricultural cargo, CBP said importers and customs brokers importing agriculture cargo under a USDA import permit should review their import permits, since they may need to contact the USDA Permit Unit to update the approved arrival ports.

Contact gmb-BaltimoreSeaport@cbp.dhs.gov with any further questions.

On April 2 from 2-3 p.m. ET, CBP leadership will hold a call with the trade regarding Baltimore operations. Dial into the call at (844) 867-6163 or (409) 207-6969, Access Code: 9160019. 

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Seeking Your Input for GAO Air Cargo Throughput Challenges Analysis!

The combined efforts of the NCBFAA and Airforwarders Association (AfA) have reached a tremendous milestone for the air cargo industry. To all beneficiary cargo owners – we are now seeking your input for GAO Air Cargo Throughput Challenges Analysis.

With urging of three U.S. Senators, we have successfully solicited a General Accountability Office (GAO) study for the air cargo industry to review the inefficiencies, causing additional cost, of air cargo throughput at major airports throughout the United States. We are specifically asking Congress to consider direct funding for air cargo to include, but not be limited to five focus areas. AfA and NCBFAA undertook a lengthy review of issues adversely affecting air cargo throughput at airports and the impacts of those delays. A nationwide survey of nearly 400 stakeholders in the public and private sector identified the critical issues and the airports where the challenges are greatest. A multidisciplinary committee of public and private sector experts reviewed the results and developed a set of recommendations. The full white paper containing the challenges and our suggested solutions can be found at SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF AIR CARGO.

Members of the AfA Air Cargo Congestion Committee and the NCBFAA Air Freight Subcommittee—both chaired by Donna Mullins—met with the GAO review committee members to discuss our executive summary, Safeguarding the Future of Air Cargo: Its Economic Importance and Critical Need for Investment, that we submitted to members of congress outlining some of the challenges and the high cost to both the economy and the environment due to long wait and dwell times at air cargo handling facilities for the drop off and pick up of cargo transport by air.

This why we are also reaching out to the Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs), as these high costs for truck wait times, and other delays caused by poor infrastructure, lack of technology, and other operational disruptions, are likely passed on to you. As a result, you may need to absorb these costs or raise pricing, making your product less competitive in the market. Along with the high costs, there are negative effects on the environment with trucks idling and burning excess fuel.

The GAO committee is looking for individuals who would be willing to be interviewed as part of this case study. If you have been impacted (seen “wait time,” “dwell time,” or “attempted p/u or delivery” on your invoice) we asked that you submit your name and contact details as soon as possible to NCBFAA Executive Vice President Megan Montgomery at mmontgomery@ncbfaa.org.

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John S. James Co. Hosts Rep. Burchett Visit at Knoxville Office

From left to right: Martha Fischer (JSJ KNX Branch Manager), Jeanne Sanderson (KNX Import Manager), Rep. Tim Burchett, Len James (CFO), Kit Johnson (Director of Trade Compliance). Photo courtesy of John S. James Co.

NCBFAA member John S. James Co. leaders hosted Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and his deputy chief of staff Jennifer Linginfelter at their Knoxville office on March 28 to provide the congressman a brief overview of customs brokerage and freight forwarding operations, even showing him how data is processed with various agencies. Other discussion points during the congressman’s visit included the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on trade in the area and the East Coast in general, the de minimis issue, and need for a single window/efficiency in data exchange.

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ACE Collections REV – 603 Trade Refund Report Update for Brokers/Filers

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on March 26 deployed an update to the ACE Collections REV – 603 Trade Refund Report in ACE Reports. Customs brokers/filers now have visibility into their importer’s refunds through the Broker’s ACE Portal Account. Brokers/filers can access the REV – 603 by navigating to the following folders in their ACE Portal: ACE/TRADE/BROKER/REVENUE/REFUNDS/REV – 603 TRADE REFUND REPORT.

“The REV – 603 Report allows you to search for refunds by Refund Date search parameters. The report will not have adhoc abilities,” CBP said.

The REV – 603 Report may populate with any of the following refund statuses:

For any issues or questions related to the REV – 603 Trade Refund Report, contact CBP’s ACE Reports Helpdesk at ace.reports@cbp.dhs.gov.

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CBP Proposes Adding Required Data Fields to Form 7501

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a March 25 Federal Register notice has proposed adding required data fields to Form 7501 pertaining to certain Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification of steel and aluminum imports.

In the new Form 7501 data fields, importers will be required to report the steel country of melt and pour and aluminum countries of smelt and cast for imports under those steel and aluminum HTS classifications subject to the Commerce Department's steel and aluminum import license applications, and where applicable, the section 232 steel and aluminum measures.

“These data fields will substantially align the Form 7501 reporting requirements with the Commerce Department's existing reporting requirements for steel melt and pour and aluminum smelt and cast countries for steel and aluminum import license applications under 19 CFR 360.103(c)(1) and 19 CFR 361.103(c)(1),” CBP said in the notice.

CBP Form 7501 data is used by the agency to determine when imports are entered for consumption; the proper amount of duties, applicable fees, taxes; and imports subject to quota.

The NCBFAA Customs Committee plans to respond to the Federal Register notice by the April 24 comment deadline.

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CBP Publishes Updated Cargo Release Condition Codes Document

Customs and Border Protection on March 28 said its Cargo Release Condition Codes document was updated with changes to recently added validations related to Section 321 - Does Not Exceed $800 in Aggregated Shipments. The descriptions of error codes 281 and 282 have been updated to include Delete transactions.

For any technical questions regarding this update, contact your assigned CBP Client Representative.

Other questions regarding Cargo Control and Release should be directed to CREM@cbp.dhs.gov.

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CBP Releases Updated ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process Document

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in a March 28 CSMS that an updated version of the ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process Document, Version 12.0, has been posted on CBP.gov and can be accessed here.

Version 12.0 was originally published Dec. 14, 2023, and includes the following updates:

• Chapter 1 (Entry Summary) – Added antidumping and countervailing duties rejection time period exception to Section 1.14.
• Chapter 2 (Non-ABI/Manual Entry Summary) – Clarified information on importer filer codes in Section 2.2.
• Chapter 3 (Bonds) – Updated Sections 3.1 through 3.4 and 3.6 through 3.9 to reflect current bond policies and procedures.
• Chapter 4 (Blanket Declarations) – Updated the list of permitted blanket declarations to match current ACE functionality. Added a link to the Blanket Declaration Records Quick Reference Guide.
• Chapter 6 (Post Summary Correction (PSC)) – Made minimal grammatical corrections for clarity.
• Chapter 7 (Quota) – Added clarifying language to Section 7.14 Quota PSC, removed section 7.18, updated the PSC flowchart, and made grammatical/formatting changes throughout.
• Chapter 8 (ADCVD) – Updated Section 8.10 regarding what fields are searchable in an advanced search. Updated the message subtypes listed in section 8.11.
• Chapter 10 (Reconciliation) – Removed several repetitive sections of the Reconciliation External Guidance. Section 10.2 changed to "Policy and Processing Updates."
• Chapter 11 (Protest and 520(d)) – Made minor grammatical changes to Sections 11.2 and 11.4.
• Chapter 12 (Warehouse Entries and Withdrawals) – Added reference to Chapter 7 (Quota) and added section 12.7 for Warehouse Resources.
• Chapter 14 (ACE Reports) – Added links for the ACE Reports Catalog for Trade Users and the ACE Reports Data Dictionary.
• Chapter 15 (Defense Contract Management Agency) – Made general updates for clarity and added a link to 19 CFR 10.102 (a) Duty Free Entries.
• Chapter 17 (Foreign Trade Zones (Entry Type 06)) – Updated the broken link for the FTZ Admission (e214) CATAIR.
• Chapter 18 (Trade Fair Foreign Exhibits (Entry Type 24)) – Added the Department of Commerce team group inbox, Tradeevents@trade.gov, for inquiries regarding Trade Fair designation.
• Chapter 19 (Collections) – Added a new link for priority trade issues to Section 19.5.
• Chapter 20 (Informal Entries) – Added reference to CSMS #12-000019 Memorandum Bond Requirements.
• Chapter 23 (Create Update Importer Identification Form (CBP Form 5106)) – Removed a hyperlink from Section 23.5, updated a hyperlink in Section 23.6, and added Importer of Record status update in Section 23.8.

All ACE Entry Summary Business Process document related questions, comments, and suggestions should be emailed to otentrysummary@cbp.dhs.gov.

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CBP Wants Importers and Brokers to Ask: ‘Do You Know Your Supply Chain?’

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit on March 26-28 provided attendees with this insightful handout which asks importers and customs brokers: “Do You know Your Supply Chain?” This question has become increasingly important with ecommerce shipments. Importers and customs brokers should share this handout with their compliance staff.

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Funding Secured for Laredo Checkpoint 29 Project

This past Friday, March 22, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) secured $15 million for the Border Patrol Checkpoint 29 Project in the FY24 Homeland Security government funding bill. The project will expand the checkpoint, which will strengthen international commerce, improve public safety, and reduce drug and human trafficking in South Texas. This is considered a “big win” for the Laredo port of entry.

C29 temporary relief. Photo courtesy of Office of Rep. Henry Cuellar (R-TX).

C29 long-term project. Photo courtesy of Office of Rep. Henry Cuellar (R-TX).

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BIS Announces Updated Freight Forwarder Guidance and Best Practices

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod announced March 28 during the agency’s 2024 Update Conference on Export Controls and Policy in Washington, D.C., that BIS has published updated Freight Forwarder Guidance and Best Practices.  

“Over the past year, we met with trade associations, consolidators, and others within the global supply chain to discuss issues specific to the freight forwarding and express carrier communities,” Axelrod said. “The updated guidance provides an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and best practices for freight forwarders in export transactions. It includes red flags specific to freight forwarders and exporters, as well as a discussion of how the antiboycott regulations apply.”

The BIS Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) reached out to the NCBFAA Export Compliance Subcommittee about the Forwarder Guidance document in late 2022 to request assistance with updating the document. The Subcommittee collaborated with OEE over a few months to draft a new forwarder guidance document. “We were honored to have the opportunity to work on the document and are excited to review the final version that BIS published,” said NCBFAA Export Compliance Subcommittee Chair Kim Calicott, who attended the 2024 BIS Update conference.

Axelrod also highlighted on the BIS website an updated version of “Don’t Let This Happen to You,” which is a compendium of case examples highlighting the agency’s criminal and administrative enforcement efforts. The document was last updated by the BIS in October 2022.

“As its title implies, the publication provides useful illustrations of what not to do, of the type of conduct that gets companies in trouble. We put this guide out because we mean it – we want to help make sure you literally don’t let this happen to you,” Axelrod said. “The case examples span the globe, from Michigan to Singapore, as well as technology areas, from UAV and missile components to ghost guns.” 

Another significant announcement at the BIS Update for freight forwarders was the recent release of BIS’s modified boycott reporting form which requires those reporting boycott requests to list not just the requesting country but also the identity of the actual requesting party. “With this modification to the form, we’ve been able to compile a list of entities who have been identified in these reports as having made a boycott-related request,” Axelrod said.

On March 28, BIS published on its website a list of entities that have made boycott requests as a resource for companies, financial institutions, freight forwarders, and others.

“By publishing this list, we aim to raise awareness of the sources of past boycott requests, facilitate fulfillment of the antiboycott reporting requirements, and deter foreign parties from imposing – and U.S. parties from acquiescing to – boycott-related requests and conditions,” Axelrod said. “We encourage you to diligently review transaction documents from all sources, but especially transaction documents with these parties, given that they’ve been identified by others as a source of boycott requests.”

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Updated NCBFAA Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI) Now Available!

The NCBFAA Export Compliance Subcommittee has updated the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) model and instructions available on the association’s website.

The update reflects the recent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Census Bureau announcement that the Forwarding Agent party record name will be changed to Authorized Agent in AESDirect.

Changing the party record name to Authorized Agent will harmonize the record in the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing with the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR). The Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR) appendices and commodity record format will also be updated to replace the terms “Forwarding Agent” and “FWRD AGT” and “Authorized Agent” and “AUTH AGT.” This change will take effect April 1.

As an advocate for the entire industry, NCBFAA provides key resource documents for shippers and forwarders that are available to members and non-members. The association’s SLI Model and its SLI Model Instructions companion document help simplify the reporting process for shippers and forwarders.

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New BIS License Types for Export License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on March 22 announced new license types C67 (notification required) and C68 (no notification required) for exports authorized under License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC).

BIS on Oct. 25, 2023, published an interim final rule, effective Oct. 17, 2023, establishing a new License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC) in § 740.8 of the Export Administrations Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. parts 730 - 774. This license exception as specified under the paragraph (a) (Eligibility requirements) authorizes the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of any item classified in ECCNs 3A090, 4A090, 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z, except for items designed or marketed for use in a datacenter and meeting the parameters of 3A090.a.

Exports and reexports authorized under License Exception NAC to Macau or a destination specified in Country Group D:5 (in Supp. No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR), or to an entity headquartered in, or with an ultimate parent headquartered in, Macau or a destination specified in Country Group D:5, wherever located, must meet the notification requirements under § 740.8(a)(2) of the EAR and identified by License Type C67 – (NAC) Notified Advanced Computing (Notification required).

License Exception NAC also authorizes exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to or within any destination specified in Country Groups D:1 or D:4, and transfers (in-country) within Macau or any destination specified in Country Group D:5, provided the export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) meets all of the applicable criteria identified under paragraph (b) of this section.

The required changes to be made in AES are explained in this CSMS. A complete list of all of the AES License Codes and reporting instructions for these types can be also be found here.

Freight forwarders should check with their software providers/programmers if they use software to file EEIs and do not see these license types available in their system.

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NCBFAA Welcomes New Members!

On behalf of NCBFAA's Board of Directors, Leadership and Staff, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and welcome the following members who have recently joined our association:

• CrimsonLogic (U.S.), Inc., Irvine, California; Sarah Fang, Senior Product Marketing Manager (email: sarahfangzhien@crimsonlogic.com)
• UUL Global US LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina; Josh Foster, GSO Branch Manager (email: jlfoster@uulglobal.com)   

Please join us in giving CrimsonLogic (U.S.) and UUL Global US a warm welcome! We're so excited to have these firms join our organization and we are happy to assist in any way we can! 

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2024 G▪TEC Scholarship Available to First Timers!

NEI and Avalon Risk Management are pleased to announce our 4th scholarship to the annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G▪TEC). In 2024, the conference will be held from July 28-30 in Chicago, IL. It is our intention to offer this scholarship on an annual basis to promote education and industry involvement.

NEI’s annual scholarship help cover the following cost:

• Coach Airfare
• Three nights of accommodations at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel in Chicago
• Full Conference Registration fee

NEI is most appreciative of Avalon Risk Management’s generous support of this G▪TEC scholarship program to the international trade community.

To be eligible, the candidate must be a first-time G▪TEC conference attendee, have a minimum of two years of experience in the international trade and logistics industry, and submit an essay. The essay question is on the application form. For consideration, applications must be received on or before May 20, 2024. The scholarship recipient will be notified by May 30, 2024. At that time, the scholarship winner will be provided with all the necessary information for redeeming their scholarship award. The recipient must agree to submit a written essay after attending the G▪TEC conference summarizing their experience at the conference and explaining how their attendance will benefit them and further their career goals. Click here for more information, as well as for the scholarship application form.

If you have any questions, please email NEI Director of Media and Marketing at neimedia@ncbfaa.org.

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Transport, Logistics and Trade Sector Updates of The Week

Here is a summary of the latest legislative and regulatory transport, logistics and trade sector updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Transportation Counsel firm Venable:

Baltimore Bridge Crash May Disrupt Supply Chains

Various news sources on March 27 reported on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a containership collision. The bridge covered the entrance to one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. Maritime traffic through the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice, which could impede car exports and shipments of other cargo such as coal and farm and construction machinery. However, competing East Coast ports, including ports in Norfolk, Savannah, and Brunswick, are reportedly prepared to handle more cargo volumes. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed reporters that a federal supply chain task force met to assess the port’s closure and that the U.S. Government is working expeditiously to reopen the port.

U.S. House of Representatives Pass OSRA 2.0

The U.S. House of Representatives on March 21 passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (OSRA 2.0) which prohibits U.S. ports from using Chinese state-sponsored software like LOGINK, expands the definition of a “controlled carrier,” authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to investigate the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and other foreign shipping exchanges, allows U.S. shippers to file complaints against shipping exchanges for market manipulation, establishes advisory committees for ocean carriers and marine terminal operators, and authorizes the FMC to establish streamlined data standards for maritime freight logistics.

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Customs and Cross-Border Trade Regulatory Updates of The Week

Here is a summary of the latest customs and cross-border trade regulatory updates brought to you by our NCBFAA Customs Counsel firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg:

CBP, Trade to Examine Improvements to Centers of Excellence

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is collaborating with the trade community in an effort to evaluate and improve the performance of CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise. The Centers are industry-focused and account-based operational organizations processing post-release trade activities. They are aligned by 10 key industry sectors in strategic locations at ports of entry across the U.S. and are the point of connectivity between the trade community and CBP operations. The Centers are intended to increase the uniformity of practices across ports of entry, facilitate the timely resolution of trade compliance issues nationwide, and strengthen CBP’s ability to protect the U.S. economy. See full article here.

New Import Restrictions on Food Products with Chemical Contaminants

The Food and Drug Administration issued March 20 a new import alert through which the FDA can bar imports of human food products with detectable levels of a broad range of chemical contaminants that may present a safety concern to human health, including benzene, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This action could affect a wide range of imported goods. See full article here.

CBP, Trade Community Working to Improve CTPAT

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing to work with the trade community to further improve administration of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Now in its 23rd year, CTPAT has more than 11,400 members accounting for more than half (by value) of all cargo imported into the U.S., including importers, exporters, customs brokers, carriers, ocean transportation intermediaries, foreign manufacturers, and others. The Senate approved last year a bill to create a pilot program allowing third-party logistics providers to participate as well, and similar legislation has been introduced in the House. See full article here.

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Events Calendar

• CBP Webinar: Combating Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs, April 3, 1:30 p.m. ET. Register here.

• CBP Webinar: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Cargo (AD/CVD) Messages – Project Harvest, April 3, 3 p.m. ET. Register here.

• CBP NCSD Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Branch 4th Annual Virtual Trade Forum, April 3-4. More details available soon.

• Missouri District Export Council and BIS Complying with U.S. Export Controls Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, April 9-10. Register here and details here.

• NCBFAA 51st Annual Conference, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, April 14-17. Register here.

• CIFFA’s 75th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show, Westin Toronto Airport, Toronto, Canada, April 23-24, 2024. Registration and Details here.

• LACBFFA Webinar: Overview of Recent Trends in CBP Country of Origin Enforcement, April 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PT. Register here.

• AIFBA CBP PGA Roundtable, Holiday Inn & Suites, Atlanta Airport – North, May 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ET. Register here.

• Diaz Trade Law—Navigating CBP Regulations: Essential Practices for Import Success, World Trade Center Miami, Miami, Florida, May 23 · 9 a.m.-12 p.m. ET. Register here.

• CBP 2024 Chicago Trade Day—Forging Partnerships, Empowering Commerce, Four Points by Sheraton, Schiller Park, Illinois, June 11, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For registration and details, email 2024ChicagoTradeDay@cbp.dhs.gov.

• USCS-Philadelphia ACE Exports Compliance Webinar, June 11-12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET. Register here.

• CESAC, In-Person Only, USDA APHIS Conference Center, Riverdale, Maryland, June 25-26 (June 25 - Trade Only).

• AIFBA TSA Day, Murrow Center, Murrow, Georgia, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET. Register here.

• VMA24: International Trade Symposium, Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 8-10. More details here.

• CESAC, In-Person Only, USDA APHIS Conference Center, Riverdale, Maryland, Oct. 22-23 (Oct. 22 - Trade Only).

As a service to our members, NCBFAA Leadership engages in an enormous amount of internal work and external engagement with the U.S. government and other members of our trade community. We report these meetings as an FYI to our membership. All meetings with an asterisk (*) are for Leadership or invite-only. For more information about other meetings, please contact us.

• Monday - *Officers Call, *Legislative Committee Leadership Call, *Customs Committee Leadership Call
• Tuesday - NCBFAA Staff Meeting
• Wednesday - *APN Committee Call
• Thursday - *21CCF Task Force Call
• Friday - *Week in Review Board Leadership Call

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