The below was taken in part from the NCBFAA:

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials held a call with the trade community at 11:30 AM EDT on October 6 to answer questions regarding CBP’s operations during the government shutdown. The agency emphasized that all offices, both at headquarters and at the ports, are fully staffed and operational.

CBP officials stated that no refunds of any kind, including drawback, ACH, and others, are currently part of the excepted functions allowed by the agency during the government shutdown, as these activities are tied to appropriations. The agency has scheduled meetings this week to confirm that this approach aligns with current shutdown guidance. Typically, CBP certifies and validates refunds every Tuesday, with payments received by trade members two (2) to three (3) days later. As a result, Tuesday, September 30th, marked the first instance during the shutdown when this process did not occur. CBP officials noted that if the agency receives new instructions, it will immediately resume the refund process.

CBP also reiterated that the trade community should consult the PGA websites or their contacts for the agencies in the local ports with their operational questions or concerns.

Here are other key Q&As from the meeting with the trade community:

1. Is everyone at CBP still working?
   • CBP said “yes,” and that there is no reduction in its workforce that has impacted CBP at this time.
2. Are there still examinations and holds for imported ag-related shipments?
   • CBP Ag Specialists are on the job in the ports. The agency said it could not speak for the USDA staff involved in these inspections.
3. Are CTPAT security profiles still mandatory to submit during this time?
   • CBP said yes, they are still mandatory to submit.
4. Are CBP seizures still functioning normally during the shutdown?
   • CBP said yes, that there is no impact on FP&F.
5. What about interests due? Are billing receipts due on the date on the invoice?
   • CBP said that all collections are due on time, without exception.
6. What about ACE support availability?
   • CBP said that all ACE support staff are still working.
7. Are supplemental duty bills in response to prior disclosures being processed?
   • CBP said that FP&F is still open for business.
8. Will CBP pay interest accrued for refunds delayed for 30+ days?
   • CBP said yes.
9. Is OR&R processing ruling requests and protests during the shutdown?
   • CBP said yes.
10. Are there bond sufficiency impacts?
    • CBP said no, and that those notices are still being processed. 
11. Is there any further impact on the reciprocal tariffs on furniture and lumber that is scheduled for October 14th?
    • CBP said there is no delay and that the agency is still on track to send guidance through CSMS to the trade community.
12. Will CBP be operational for the entire shutdown?
    • CBP said that if there are any major changes in its operations during an extended government shutdown, it will schedule a call with the trade community.

RIM logistics, ltd. will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and provide updates as necessary. Please reach out to your RIM representative if you have any further questions.