CSMS 42231420·Operational·April 1, 2020·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

Launching of CBPs COVID-19 Updates and Announcements Webpage

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 42231420 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on April 1, 2020. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "Launching of CBPs COVID-19 Updates and Announcements Webpage". 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 #42231420 - Launching of CBP’s COVID-19 Updates and Announcements Webpage U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 04/01/2020 03:26 PM EDT 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. COVID-19 Guide (004).pdf 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 42231420?

CSMS 42231420 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "Launching of CBPs COVID-19 Updates and Announcements Webpage". 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 42231420 published?

CBP published CSMS 42231420 on April 1, 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.

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