Advisories ::
U.S. Customs Operations Update
Friday, September 14, 10:15 AM EDT
Acting Customs Commissioner Winwood issued a statement regarding the events of September 11, 2001, which took place in New York and the Washington, DC metropolitan area. According to the statement, Customs had many of its own employees stationed in and around the World Trade Center complex. The Acting Commissioner states that Customs was able to evacuate its building and the vast majority of its people are accounted for. The Commissioner stated that Customs is working diligently to account for those from whom it has not yet heard. As for the U.S. Customhouse, Winwood states that not much more than a shell remains.
Customs Remains at "Level-One Alert" Until Further Notice
According to Commissioner Winwood, as a result of the events of September 11, 2001, Customs remains at Level-One Alert until further notice. Although this mandates the highest level of inspection activities, Commissioner Winwood states that all border facilities and ports of entry will remain open and Customs will continue to process normal flows of travelers and trade.
Commissioner Winwood also stated that Customs is working closely with its fellow law enforcement agencies in the ongoing investigation taking place, contributing assets and personnel wherever needed. According to Commissioner Winwood, some Customs employees may be called upon to assist directly in that effort.
According to one source, under a Level-One Alert, Customs employees continue to work in their individual program areas, but could be pulled away at any moment to work on another project as needed.
In addition, Deputy Treasury Secretary Ken Dam released a statement on September 12, 2001 in which he stated that all Customs air and marine assets have been put on alert, all Customs investigators have been put on alert to support the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its efforts. Customs air assets have been brought in to assist other government agencies in the movement and deployment of personnel around the country. In addition, the Deputy Treasury Secretary states that Customs is coordinating with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) with respect to monitoring U.S. borders. In his statement, the Deputy Treasury Secretary emphasizes that Customs has never closed the U.S. borders and that although the highest level of security has the effect of slowing border crossings, commercial cargo continues to flow into the U.S.
ABI Currency Rates May Not be Available for an Extended Period
Customs has issued an ABI administrative message advising all ABI filers that daily currency rates may not be available for an extended period and that until further notice, filers should use the published currency rates for September 10, 2001. Customs states that as soon as the daily rates are available, they will be issued in a normal manner. (Adm: 01-0969, Dated 09/12/01).
Customs Announces Snow Day(s) for All Ports and New York Ports
Customs has issued an ABI message announcing that due to the Customs has designated September 11, 2001 as a national snow day in all ports. Customs states that any entries or payments that were due on September 11, 2001 will be granted one additional day, without penalty, for filing. (Adm: 01-0968, Dated 09/12/01). In addition, Customs has issued an ABI administrative message stating that due to continuing events, a snow day has been granted for entries due to be paid in the Port of New York (1001, 4601, and 4701) on September 12, 2001, in addition to the September 11, 2001 snow day previously announced.
Entry Filing Procedures Once New York Airports and Customs Reopen Outlined
Customs' Director of Field Operations for the Port of New York has issued an ABI administrative message which states that once the New York area airports and U.S. Customs reopen for business, brokers and importers may file Customs entries at either of two locations:
- Building 77, JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY
- The Sealand Building, 1210 Corbin Street, Elizabeth, NJ
