User Fee Increase Coming October 1
U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced an increase in user fees in a Federal Register Notice (FRN) issued on August 1, 2022. Cobra fees for 23 separate user fees will be increased. This includes Merchandise Processing Fees charged on Customs entries. For formal entries, the ad valorum rate of .3465% will not change, only the minimum and maximum amounts will change. The minimum amount will change from $27.75 to $29.66, and the maximum will change from $538.40 to $575.35.
There are other changes that will affect entries. The fee for informal entries will change to $2.37 and dutiable mail fees will go up to $6.52. These fees will go into effect on entries filed on or after October 1, 2022. The full list of all fees can be found on the FRN website.
FMC Setup an OSRA Page on Its Website
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has announced that it set up a page in its website that is dedicated to the implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA). It includes information on rule making and access to making comments. It has guidelines on the instructions on detention and demurrage billings and other important pieces of information. The page can be found on the FMC website.
U.S. and Taiwan Announce Negotiations on a New Trade Agreement
The office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a release that the United States and Taiwan have entered into formal negotiations for a U.S.-Taiwan Initiative. The negotiating mandate set out a broad objective shared by both sides. The announcement by the USTR can be found on its website.
FDA Food Facility Registration
The FDA Food Facility Registration renewals are required to be done between October 1 and December 31 on even numbered years. This registration is required for both domestic and international entities that manufacture/process, pack or hold food for consumption by humans and animals in the United States.
FDA will be sending out reminders, but if you are the owner, operator, or agent in charge of either a domestic or foreign facility that is engaged in manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding of food for human or animal consumption in the United States, you must register with FDA, unless you are exempt from this requirement to register under 21 CFR 1.226.
As owner or operator of a facility, you may authorize an individual to register on your behalf. Here is a link to the FDA 61-page document that explains the process and the rules for Food Facility Registration. FDA also put on a webinar to help explain the process which you can access it by clicking here.