US CUSTOMS and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a rule change on imported merchandise which allows cargo to move without duties being paid to another US port before re-export under bond.

CBP requests for comments from trade to be submitted by April 23.

In-bond movements allow freight to move under a bond that provides for liquidated damages if the conditions of the bond are not met but the system has been exploited through smuggling of restricted or high duty items.

To tighten the system, the CBP rule would compel agents to file electronic in-bond applications instead of paper documents, reports American Shipper, adding that it would also require information on the safety and security of the goods and its six-digit Harmonised Tariff Schedule number.

Any diversion of merchandise from intended destination port to another would need permission from CBP and be within a 30-day maximum to transport under bond between US ports. Arrival and location of merchandise would need to be filed within 24 hours of arrival at the destination port, it said.



Source Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News