CBP Directive No. 3240-034A
ORIGINATING OFFICE: FO:TP:CC
DISTRIBUTION: S-01
CUSTOMS DIRECTIVE NO. 3240-034A
DATE: MAY 26, 1999
SUPERSEDES: 3240-034, 1/7/88
REVIEW DATE: MAY 2001
1 PURPOSE. To establish guidelines for administering the requirements of 19 CFR 18.24 concerning time limits for exportation.
2.1 In order to provide consistency and uniformity in the application of this part of the regulations (18.24), merchandise may be permitted to remain on the dock or in carriers custody, without written notification to the port director, for 15 calendar days after arrival of the shipment at the port of exportation provided that the delivering carrier has properly reported its arrival.
2.2 15 days after report of arrival, unclaimed shipments shall be subject to General Order. In the case of direct exportation movements, under the Transit Air Cargo Manifest provisions, the time limit is reduced to 10 days.
2.3 Extensions under 19 CFR 18.24 should not be granted in ports where approved general order facilities exist. Otherwise, the port director, after having received notice of the presence of unentered merchandise or baggage in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall direct the storage of the merchandise by the carrier or by other appropriate means.
2.4 In all cases, the bonded carrier or, in the case of direct exportation, the party filing the entry remains liable until all applicable Customs requirements have been met.
3 AUTHORITIES/REFERENCES. Lay order period TD 98-74. Exportation time limits regulations 19 CFR 18.24, Bond liability compliance regulations 19 CFR 18.25(b). Direct exportation TACM movements regulations 19 CFR 122.118 - 120. Other references: 19 CFR 122.50, 123.10, 4.37.
4.1 Customs supervision: This is properly satisfied when the delivering carrier properly reports the arrival to Customs. The physical presence of a Customs officer at the location of the shipment is not required.
4.2 Dock: The term is to be interpreted in general terms. Shipments can be allowed to be placed at other than the exporting carrier's facility ( i.e., Bonded carrier's facility, freight forwarder's facility, bonded container station, etc.) provided the Director, Field Operations approves an alternate placement.
5.1 All Directors, Field Operations at the CMC will ensure that port directors within the jurisdiction of the CMC have in place procedures addressed in this directive.
5.2 The port director will ensure that local control procedures are modified, if necessary, to reflect these guidelines.
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Field Operations