With sequestration cuts now in effect, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) Deputy Commissioner David Aguilar issued guidance
over the weekend about CBP's revised operations. Like
many other government agencies, CBP will be required to
significantly reduce expenses during the remainder of 2013.
In preparation for operating under sequestration, CBP has
redirected resources toward only its most critical, core functions,
and has discontinued or postponed certain important but less
critical activities in an effort to reduce budget
expenditures.
CBP has announced the sequestration cuts will be made equally
across the agency, with no preference by port of arrival. The
first, immediate cuts will reduce overtime beginning March 1, and
personnel furloughs may begin in mid-April. It is estimated
that CBP must reduce its work hours by the equivalent of over 5,000
border patrol agents and the equivalent of over 2,750 CBP
officers.
Sequestration will significantly impact service levels in
CBP's cargo operations. CBP estimates that there may be
delays up to several hours at land border crossings, significant
daily back-ups for truck shipments at land border ports, passenger
processing times may increase by about 50 percent, and there may be
up to an additional five days added to cargo inspections at ocean
ports of entry. CBP further notes that there could be some
eventual delays in providing advice and rulings, as well as an
impact on strategic initiatives such as the Automated Commercial
Environment (ACE) and the rollout of the Centers of Excellence and
Expertise (CEE).
CBP issued the following advice for importers as it continues to
manage the effects of sequestration:
- Pre-filing Entry Data – CBP strongly advises pre-filing an entry so that it, and other federal agencies, have an opportunity to conduct risk assessments and resolve outstanding issues before the cargo arrives in the U.S.
- Perishable Commodities – CBP will continue to process perishable commodities as a top cargo priority.
- Other Government Agencies – CBP will work with its partner government agencies that have oversight responsibilities for import and export shipments to minimize the disruption caused by sequestration.
- CBP Partnership Programs – At this time, there are no plans to eliminate or reduce trade facilitation benefits for CBP trusted trader participants. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) members will continue to receive priority ("front-of-the-line") treatment for examinations. Moreover, C-TPAT companies are 4-6 times less likely to undergo an inspection. During the first 30 days of the sequestration (March 1-30) CBP expects minimal delays. However, once the furloughs commence, delays will impact shipments for trusted partners that have been designated for examination.
Going forward, CBP maintains no individual ports would actually close and that the agency would not take shortcuts on security and safety. CBP will be reaching out to advise affected parties of any changes in their operations and procedures.
Originally published March 4, 2013
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