The U.S. Customs Service (Customs) has advised that due to the loss of certain original documentation (including Visas) and disruption of courier and mail service resulting from the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the importing community may be experiencing difficulty meeting the General Order (GO) time-frame of 15 days from date of importation.

With immediate effect, Customs has advised that no penalties or liquidated damages will be initiated against carriers UNTIL AN ADDITIONAL 15 DAYS HAVE PASSED. This applies to any shipments imported on or after September 11, 2001 and any shipment that would become GO eligible on or after September 11, 2001.

This suspension will be in effect indefinitely and reassessed as needed. From a practical point of view, the GO period is effectively 30 days from the date of importation. Please note that this temporary moratorium does not eliminate the GO program and all of its requirements, but serves only to provide an additional 15 days before a penalty action or liquidated damages case is opened.

If challenges occur with carrier partners pursuant to this issue or if questions arise concerning handling procedures at BDP bonded CFS stations, please contact me for assistance.

Thank you,

Adrienne Graddy
Director- Regulatory Compliance
BDP International
e-mail:Agraddy@bdpnet.com