| Effective Monday, November 8,2004, Phase V enforcement
of the BTA prior notice (PN) program will begin. What this means is that
if the PN data is not transmitted within the time guidelines, CBP will not
release the merchandise. The shipment will be subject to seizure and moved
to a secure facility at the importer's expense until such time as the PN
number can be obtained through the FDA web site. Considering the effects
this can have on the timely release of merchandise, not to mention cost,
it is imperative that importer's make sure documents are in our possession
prior to the arrival of the vessel or conveyance. We are sorry for the late
notification of such an important issue. However, last week CBP and FDA
postponed the enactment of Phase V enforcement and gave the indication it
might be some time before it was implemented. Even now, there is little
evidence on their web sites that this is taking place. |
