In This Issue:

US Import Policy; Tariffs and Import Restrictions; Preferential Duty Programs; Country of Origin; Classification; Procedures; Consumer Product Safety; and, Miscellaneous.

Excerpt from "US Import Policy"

CBP Commissioner Announces Focus and Leadership Changes

CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin announced at a 9 March 2011 hearing of the US House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security that CBP intends to re-emphasize trade enforcement and the importance of trade functions. Bersin stated that CBP would be focusing on industries such as textiles and “the defrauding on the basis of [North American Free Trade Agreement] distinctions.” Bersin further stated that both CBP and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be increasing their attention on intellectual property rights enforcement. Bersin also indicated that a primary objective of CBP is to work with the trade community to enhance benefits to trusted shippers.

On 13 April 2011, Commissioner Bersin announced at CBP’s 2011 trade symposium the need to balance CBP’s security obligations with trade facilitation. Bersin emphasized it is time to recognize that increased economic competiveness through trade is essential to national security. Through this “paradigm shift,” CBP would develop programs and policies that benefit not just security, but also economic competitiveness. CBP would seek input from the private sector regarding ways to facilitate trade in an efficient manner without disregarding security.

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