On September 26, 2017, US Customs and Border Protection issued Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) #17-000611, outlining the processing of merchandise for charitable donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
The guidance covers "gifts accepted by FEMA via the international assistance system (IAS) concept of operation (CONOPS), and those being imported by U.S. charities (or other private entities) to assist with disaster relief." CBP states in the guidance that gifts accepted by IAS CONOPS are "eligible to be entered without the payment of duty or taxes pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1322(b) or 19 U.S.C. 1318(b)(2)," and "the requirement for advanced electronic filing of cargo information may be waived for these shipments.†According to the guidance, these shipments “must be logged and tracked locally by the port in accordance with existing policies to document the following:
- Port of Entry
- Importer
- Consignee
- Description of Goods
- Quantity
- Country of Origin of the Goods
- Destination of the Goods
- Certification that the Goods were Approved for Importation under the IAS"
The CSMS further states that these shipments "will be allowed to proceed without FDA review or PN data being submitted."
For those cargos imported by U.S. Charities, "CBP may not remit the duty on the entry of any goods imported for disaster relief by a private group or individual pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1322(b), unless the recipient is a recognized tax-exempt charitable organization."
These private groups or individuals must provide a letter from the charity, on the charity's letterhead, with the charity's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) number(s), and a statement that they are willing to accept the imported goods."
The full CSMS may be found here:
