Cargo Systems Messaging Service
CSMS #42231420 - Launching of CBP’s COVID-19 Updates and Announcements Webpage
On March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency concerning the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. In response, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has enacted an agency wide approach. Specifically, CBP’s Office of Field Operations and Office of Trade are working to make sure our partners and stakeholders in the trade community have the updates and information needed to continue operations. CBP is committed to providing transparent and relevant updates and responding to incoming questions in a timely manner.
In order to streamline communications and support the trade community, CBP launched the CBP COVID-19 Updates and Announcements webpage specifically dedicated to the most recent trade-related information and messaging on the impacts of COVID-19. Information found on the webpage includes Federal Register Notices and Cargo Systems Messaging Service communications related to COVID-19, as well as updates and announcements in trade programs and cargo security. Additionally, as many agencies are involved with enabling legitimate trade, the webpage includes links to partner government agencies’ COVID-19 response websites. The page will be updated regularly to reflect the most current information available.
In an effort to coordinate inquiries regarding the import of medical supplies and personal protective equipment, CBP’s Pharmaceuticals, Health and Chemical Center of Excellence and Expertise has established the COVID-19 Cargo Resolution Team (CCRT). This team is a multidisciplinary team to triage incoming inquires, coordinate with affected ports, and respond directly as appropriate. CCRT can be contacted at COVID19_RELIEF_IMPORTS@cbp.dhs.gov. This email address will be used as CBP’s coordinating mechanism for receiving and responding to inquiries concerning the items below items. Assigned staff will also coordinate with the ports and other government agencies to ensure that legitimate shipments are not unnecessarily delayed.
Types of inquires that should be sent to the mailbox are:
- Facilitation requests from other government agencies and private industry
- General inquiries regarding the import of medical instruments (See attached list)
To assist CBP in expediting the release of COVID-19 relief materials, please include as much data about the shipment as possible. Ideally, this will include the following:
- Shipment information: manifest or air waybill numbers, tracking numbers, entry numbers, mode of transport information
- Conveyance information: carrier name, mode of transportation, flight number, vessel/voyage number, port of arrival, port of entry
- Cargo description: complete description of the goods being shipped
- Country information: country of manufacture, country of export
- Parties involved: names and locations of manufacturers, shippers, importers, and consignees
The webpage also includes contact information for CBP’s CCRT. Please note that the CBP COVID-19 Updates and Announcements webpage does not serve as a substitute for official trade notice websites, such as the Federal Register, CBP’s Cargo Systems Messaging Service, Customs Bulletins, etc. The information on this webpage is subject to change as new information becomes available and is meant as an additional resource for the trade community.
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