CSMS 42092162·Operational·March 20, 2020·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBPs National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD)

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 42092162 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on March 20, 2020. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBPs National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD)". CSMS messages are the operational layer between Commerce determinations and at-the-border collections: when Commerce publishes a new rate, scope ruling, or instruction, CBP turns it into a CSMS that ACE/ACS systems and brokers act on.

Message body

Full text as published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CSMS #42092162 - Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBP’s National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 03/20/2020 10:58 AM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS #42092162 - Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBP’s National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) The National Commodity Specialist Division is still accepting requests for binding rulings. However, the evolving situation regarding the declared national emergency on the novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) has affected the processing operations of our Customs Information Exchange branch. Please be aware that paper binding ruling requests and requests that include or necessitate a sample may be delayed in processing and/or issuance. During this time, it is recommended that all ruling requests be made through the use of eRulings ( https://erulings.cbp.gov/s/ ), and include detailed photographs or short videos of the product to be submitted in lieu of samples. However, we recognize that certain commodities require a sample in order for a determination to be made. In such cases, delays may occur. The National Import Specialist assigned to work on your ruling will reach out to you to discuss your options and whether a determination can be made without a sample. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page . You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com . This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Customs and Border Protection . Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes. Powered by Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help

Frequently asked questions

What is CSMS 42092162?

CSMS 42092162 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBPs National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD)". CSMS bulletins are the operational instructions CBP issues to brokers, importers, and ACE filers covering rate changes, system updates, scope guidance, and other day-to-day customs-operations changes.

When was CSMS 42092162 published?

CBP published CSMS 42092162 on March 20, 2020. The bulletin's instructions are typically operative as of the publication date unless the body specifies a different effective date.

Is the CBP CSMS the legally binding instruction?

Yes — for at-the-border filing and entry collection. CSMS messages translate Commerce's Federal Register determinations into operational CBP instructions that ACE/ACS systems and brokers execute. The Federal Register notice is the underlying legal authority; the CSMS is the operational implementation. Both should be read together when reconciling a rate or scope change.

Learn more

Tandom guides relevant to CBP CSMS messages

Subscribe to and triage CBP CSMS messages

How to subscribe to CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service and triage the messages that change broker filing behavior, without losing the ones that matter.

Open resource

Real-time alerts when a CSMS message changes a duty rate

Set up alerts when a CBP CSMS message changes a duty rate on an HTS code you depend on. Built for brokers, forwarders, and importer compliance teams.