The Census Bureau July 19 emailed tips on how to address the most frequent messages generated this month in the Automated Export System. Response code 531 is a fatal error for when the “Foreign/Domestic Origin Indicator” is not allowed. Census said the Foreign/Domestic Origin Indicator should not be reported when the Export Information Code is HH for household goods. The filer should verify the Export Information Code and Foreign/Domestic Origin Indicator, correct the shipment and resubmit.
Several changes to Schedule B numbers took effect July 1 as part of the International Trade Commission’s mid-year update of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (see 2107060053). According to the Census Bureau’s list of obsolete codes, new Schedule B numbers were created for protein concentrates and protein isolates, including pea protein and textured soy protein concentrates and isolates, as well as soy and wheat protein isolates. New numbers were also created for N95 respirator and other face masks, as well as aluminum plates, sheets and strip made to various specifications. Finally, new Schedule B breakouts were also added for “sound suppressors, silencers, mufflers and similar devices” of shotguns, rifles and other military weapons.
Mexico recently amended notes to its tariff schedule to clarify descriptions for imported boys’, girls’ and infants’ footwear, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported July 8. The revisions change the descriptions for shoe sizes. Mexico issued the clarifications because it had not “formally provided size parameters to enable importers to properly classify their goods,” HKTDC said. Many of the tariff lines are subject to prices that “vary significantly,” depending on their classification, the report said.
The Census Bureau May 18 emailed tips on how to address the most frequent messages generated this month in the Automated Export System. Response code 138 is a fatal error for when the port of unlading code is missing. The code must be provided along with all vessel and air shipments between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Census said users must report a valid port of unlading code -- which is for the foreign port where the exported merchandise is unloaded from the exporting carrier -- and resubmit.
The United Arab Emirates updated its tariff schedule after adopting amendments made to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Unified Customs Tariff that passed on Oct. 25, 2020. In a Jan. 21 customs notice, Dubai Customs said the amendments were implemented effective Jan. 1. The UAE modified the description column of two tariff codes, created four new tariff headings and made 65 changes to existing tariff subheadings, KPMG said Feb. 8. The affected commodities are tobacco-related products; electronic products; cocoa powder and other instant preparation drinks with added sugar or sweetener; water, milk and cocoa beverages with added sugar or sweetener; and miscellaneous chemical products.
Mexico announced changes to its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to offer customs-related benefits for maquiladora factories. One of the largest changes allows tariff relief for a period of 36 months for items imported temporarily into Mexico or with regard to maquiladora factories, merchandise transferred to companies not operating under the IMMEX (Industria Manufacturera, Maquiladora y de Servicio de Exportación) regime, KPMG said in an alert Feb. 2. Mexico also added two additional digits to its commercial identification numbers to exert more statistical control over its import and export transactions, along with eliminating certain low-volume tariff items and subheadings -- changes made effective at the end of 2020. Other changes include the possibility of canceling value-added tax certifications if companies did not timely submit their renewal request at the end of 2020. Also, firms must now evaluate the implications of “subcontracted” personnel for VAT certification purposes, as the information from suppliers must be updated, due to labor reforms in USMCA.
The Census Bureau updated the Schedule B and Harmonized Tariff Schedule tables in the Automated Export System to “accept changes” to the new Jan. 1 codes, the Census Bureau said in a Dec. 30 email. Census said AES will accept shipments with “outdated codes” during a 30-day grace period beyond the Dec. 31 expiration date, but reporting an outdated code after the grace period will result in a “fatal error.” Census also said it updated the Automated Commercial Environment AESDirect program with the 2021 codes, adding the program will also accept outdated codes during the grace period.
The Commerce Department published its fall 2020 regulatory agenda for the Bureau of Industry and Security, including new mentions of rules to amend Hong Kong under the Export Administration Regulations, releases of controlled technologies to standards setting bodies and a range of new technology controls.
The World Customs Organization on Nov. 13 released correlation tables comparing the upcoming 2022 version of the Harmonized System tariff schedule with the 2017 version. “While not legal instruments, the Correlation Tables have become essential tools for Members and the wider trade community in preparing for the introduction of a new edition of the HS. These tables provide guidance on the correlations between the Seventh Edition of the Harmonized System (HS), which comes into force on 1 January 2022 and the current HS 2017 (Sixth Edition) of the HS,” the WCO said. One of the two tables correlates the 2022 version with the 2017 version, and includes explanations of any changes. The other sets the correlation starting from the 2017 version to the 2022 version, the WCO said.
The Canada government issued the following trade-related notices as of Sept. 23 (some may also be given separate headlines):