Purpose of the CBP Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers)
Prior to the implementation of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processed imports on a port-by-port basis. Due to CBP’s port-by-port trade processing authority, importers claimed disparate processing treatment for similar goods entered at different ports of entry, causing trade disruptions, increased transaction costs, and information lapses. In response, CBP established 10 Centers with broad, centralized decision-making authority to facilitate trade, reduce transaction costs, increase compliance with applicable import laws, and achieve uniformity of treatment at the ports of entry for identified industry sectors. The Centers focus on nationwide entry summary processing and other trade oversight on a per-importer account basis through a single assigned Center, replacing traditional post-summary processing for each entry at each port of entry. The port directors continue to retain sole authority over the control, movement, and release of cargo.
The Centers are managed from strategic locations around the country, permitting CBP to focus its trade expertise on industry-specific issues and provide tailored support for importers. The Centers and the cities wherein each management office is located are as follows: (1) Agriculture & Prepared Products, Miami, Florida; (2) Apparel, Footwear & Textiles, San Francisco, California; (3) Automotive & Aerospace, Detroit, Michigan; (4) Base Metals, Chicago, Illinois; (5) Consumer Products & Mass Merchandising, Atlanta, Georgia; (6) Electronics, Long Beach, California; (7) Industrial & Manufacturing Materials, Buffalo, New York; (8) Machinery, Laredo, Texas; (9) Petroleum, Natural Gas & Minerals, Houston, Texas; and (10) Pharmaceuticals, Health & Chemicals, New York, New York. For a more detailed discussion of the scope of industries covered by each Center, please refer to the Interim Final Rule discussed in further detail in 81 FR 92978), amending title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR).
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
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