On a Federal Register notice published on August 28, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced their plan to conduct a test which would provide centralized decision-making to four Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEEs), in an order to further develop this initiative.
According to the notice, "CBP’s goal is to incrementally transition the operational trade functions that traditionally reside with the ports of entry until they reside entirely with the CEEs. By focusing on industry-specific issues and providing tailored support for the participating importers, CBP is seeking to facilitate trade, to reduce transaction costs, increase compliance with applicable import laws, and to achieve uniformity of treatment at the ports of entry for the identified industries."
The processes which would change as part of this test are:
- Requests for entry cancellations
- Census Resolutions
- Responses to Requests for Information (CBP Form 28) and Notices of Action (CBP Form 28)
- Requests for Internal Advice
- Protests
The procedures mentioned will be handled by CEEs for test participants, and the Port Director will continue to handle them for all other importers. The notice also provides an overview of the application process, the requirements for voluntary participants, and guidelines for the test.
Applications will be accepted throughout the duration of the test; the initial selection will begin no later than September 27, 2012.
The full text of the Federal Register notice is available online here.
