As U.S. funding cuts are implemented, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the U.S. has indicated that it is taking steps to reduce its work hours by the equivalent of over 5,000 border patrol agents and 2,750 inspectors. It plans to cut overtime immediately, followed by furloughs, which are lengthier to take effect.
Furthermore, CBP has warned that carriers, importers and exporters should expect border delays to double, from two to four or more hours as a result, and it could take five days or more for cargo exams.
Companies relying on cross-border shipments should make allowances for such delays in their business plans and processes. Importers are urged to contact their carriers to discuss staging cargo in advance, in the event of a shutdown.
CBP has said that security would not be compromised and that agriculture exams would continue.
Importers and exporters who take part in CBP’s efficient trusted trader and frequent trader programs will have an advantage over those who do not. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) participants will continue to have access to their respective CBP points of contact.
It appears that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) do not expect to resort to employee furloughs.
Importers, exporters, carriers should expect U.S. border delays
As U.S. funding cuts are implemented, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the U.S. has indicated that it is taking steps to reduce its work hours by the equivalent of over 5,000 border patrol agents and 2,750 inspectors. It plans to cut overtime immediately, followed by furloughs, which are lengthier to take effect.
Furthermore, CBP has warned that carriers, importers and exporters should expect border delays to double, from two to four or more hours as a result, and it could take five days or more for cargo exams.
Companies relying on cross-border shipments should make allowances for such delays in their business plans and processes. Importers are urged to contact their carriers to discuss staging cargo in advance, in the event of a shutdown.
CBP has said that security would not be compromised and that agriculture exams would continue.
Importers and exporters who take part in CBP’s efficient trusted trader and frequent trader programs will have an advantage over those who do not. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) participants will continue to have access to their respective CBP points of contact.
It appears that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) do not expect to resort to employee furloughs.