June 2014: ISF Enforcement Update

For non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), compliance with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of doing business legally and avoiding steep penalties. During our recent webinar, Avoid Costly FMC Penalties, industry expert Mauricio Larenas of AP Tariffs reminded participants that compliance begins with a simple but critical question: does your business qualify as an NVOCC? Who Qualifies as an NVOCC? According to the FMC, any company that offers ocean shipping services is considered an NVOCC. That definition is broad—so broad that even a small storefront advertising “Ship to Colombia for $50” or a Facebook post offering to move […]

Over the past several days, many of our customers may have experienced difficulties processing eBonds when using the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Our service representatives strive to keep you up-to-date on these issues so we then can convey this information to you. However, the fastest way to receive this information is directly from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via their Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS). CSMS is one of CBP’s methods of communicating to their trade partners news and updates on automated systems such as ACE. The registration process is quick and easy. Simply enter your email address and […]

Resources to Help Brokers Battle the Trade War While it’s no longer front page news fodder the tariff-centered trade wars continue. Change – if not outright volatility – continues to be an understatement as it relates to tariffs on goods imported to into the United States these days. Unfortunately businesses who have import activities and the customs brokers who assist them are caught in the middle, and they can become casualties of the ongoing trade wars. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is publishing plenty of resources, the dedicated people on the Customs Bond team at Roanoke are here […]