CBP provides update on U.S. Virgin Islands cargo automation process

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing its efforts to incorporate the U.S. Virgin Islands into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to expedite the cargo importation process.

At a meeting in Washington D.C. last week, CBP officials updated the U.S. Virgin Islands trade community on the implementation the cargo automation initiatives that began two years. Implementation of the cargo automation initiatives was disrupted by hurricanes Irma and Maria that hit in 2017. Currently, the USVI Cargo Office facility remains closed.

“Only through a continued commitment to a collaborative approach with the local trade community will we truly accomplish our automation objectives” Todd Bellew, area port director for the US Virgin Islands, said.

At the meeting, members of the entry specialist team a live demonstration of the electronic submission process using ACE. The ACE is the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility.

“Stakeholder input continues to be the key to the success of automating the cargo process in the USVI,” Marcia Murrell Assistant, area port director for trade, said. “We look forward to the continued support of our trade community as we simplify the cargo process.”

CBP Agriculture Specialist Carmen Rodriguez also advised stakeholders on how to clear imported shipments efficiently by using the APHIS Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) database. The database allows customers to search for fruits and vegetables by commodity or country, providing an easy way for users to determine basic entry requirements for their specific products.

Further, efforts to combat the importation of counterfeit prescription and other counterfeit merchandise were discussed.

“Purchasing prescription medicine can be dangerous and pose a great risk to your health,” Latisha Cannings of the CBP explained. “Proceeds from the sales of illicit and counterfeit goods can have a negative impact on the economy.”