Following the US Government shutdown last week, some consignments being moved into the US have felt the affects of the reduced services now being operated by many of the border agencies involved. What follows is a brief update on governmental services affecting the trade community after nearly one week of the government shutdown. The information provided is a general statement on the state of affairs within the mentioned organization–some government services are performed inconsistently throughout the nation depending on local circumstances.
CBP
Customs and Border Protection is retaining 88% of its personnel. There should be no impact on entry processing unless the merchandise is subjected to other agency approval.
CBP’s website is not actively being managed during the shutdown. Delays can occur in processing cancellations, deletions and corrections. Client representative offices are closed. The Revenue Division Bond Filing Section will continue to process bond requests but expect delays due to the reduced amount of personnel.
FDA
Most FDA offices report that processing import documents, examination and sampling of merchandise is unaffected by the government shutdown. Outreach programs is an area have been affected by the lack of funds.
APHIS
APHIS is only accepting select permits- Permits 525, 526, 546, 585, 586, 587, 588, and 621 through its ePermits website. USDA is not accepting mail at the current time so any permits sent through the mail will not be processed until the budget issue has been resolved.
EPA
EPA offices are closed.
Federal Maritime Commission
The FMC offices are closed. The FMC’s databases will not be accessible during shutdown. The Commission’s website will be available during the shutdown but will not be updated until operations resume. The Commission will not accept online filings or applications for Service Contracts, OTI applications or Tariff Registration Forms. The Commission’s online databases will not be accessible.
Fish & Wildlife
The eDecs system is down due to the lapse in appropriations. Therefore, all Fish and Wildlife documentation must be submitted in hard copy to the appropriate Fish and Wildlife office, including form 3-177. Delays will likely occur in processing the documentation.
BIS
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is no longer accepting license applications or classification requests
FSIS
FSIS will continue to operate as normal.
International Trade Commission
The website containing the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. is not accessible.
For more detailed and live information please e-mail info@pharmafreight.com