New Modernized Customs Broker Regulations Effective in December
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published its final rules to modernize customs brokers regulations this week and they will be effective on December 19, 2022.
CBP says the regulations “align with contemporary business practices, allowing for greater efficiency in the customs broker process.” They include changes to broker fees and an expansion of the forms of accepted payment to include electronic options.
Read the new regulations, here and here.
AAEI Composes Majority of 21CCF Focus Group
The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee’s (COAC’s) 21CCF Focus Group participated in held meetings with CBP in Washington this week to hash out trade facilitation recommendations for CBP’s 21st Century Customs Framework project, focusing on changes to the law that will modernize U.S. Customs.
The focus group is dominated by AAEI members, making up 10 of the group’s 13 participants. 
AAEI is preparing its advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill for customs modernization. AAEI members can offer additional recommendations at the next AAEI Customs Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. AAEI meetings are for members only. Not a member? Learn how to join.
Expected Soon: Sanctions on Iran for Helping Russia in War
State Department officials said this week that the U.S. is planning to add economic sanctions and possibly some export controls on Iran for helping Russia in the war on Ukraine. One of the goals is to make it harder for Iran to sell military drones to Russia. Iran reportedly also plans to send Moscow missiles to use against Ukraine. Read more from Reuters.
