CBP Operations During Government Shutdown

CBP Operations During Government Shutdown

CBP is fully operational: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on October 1st that it remains “open for business” despite the government shutdown.

• Ports of Entry are staffed: All ports of entry are fully staffed and functioning to clear cargo and handle other trade-related tasks.
• Communication with trade community: CBP will continue to issue CSMS (Cargo Systems Messaging Service) notices as usual.
• Partner Government Agencies (PGAs):
  • CBP is operational but cannot speak on behalf of PGAs involved in trade (e.g., FDA, USDA).

It was confirmed during the call yesterday with CBP the following.

• No impact on CBP Permit and Corporate Permit Payments.

• ITC – CBP will check if HTS will be updated during the shutdown. 
• Permits will be processed as normal. 
• COLA Waiver applications – TTB Is furloughed, although CBP will verify. 
• Refunds will be processed but questions remain whether the Treasury Department will issue the refunds.
• CBP has “toolbox” to handle PGA holds – Conditional Release and or contacting the Agency directly to release cargo and get it into the U.S.
• ACE Support is still available to trade.
• Does not impact CBP Ag, although CBP cannot speak to other agency furlough plans, such as USDA, but said to check the PGA webpages for shutdown protocols.
• For overtime, CBP Office of Trade (OT) is authorized but check with CBP at the local port.
• CBP trade webinars may be paused during shutdown.
• CBP FP&F/Revenue divisions will continue as normal, and any change will be communicated to the trade.
• AGOA is currently expired. CBP does not allow retroactive quota or visa processing under any circumstances. 
• Trade Remedy Branch, Trade Remedy email inbox, and EAPA will continue as normal.
• CBP will continue to provide import entry guidance as it relates to Executive Orders issued from the White House during the shutdown.  

It was stated during the call that any further questions from the trade may be emailed to CBP at tradeevents@cbp.dhs.gov.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Western Overseas Representative.