On June 12, CBP released its operational update for May 2020. The update focused on CBP’s efforts to prevent the cross-border spread of COVID-19, facilitate essential trade and travel and ensure the security of U.S. borders. Below are some highlights of the update:
Trade and Counterfeit Seizures
- CBP’s COVID-19 Cargo Resolution Team (CCRT) helps to facilitate critical shipments of personal protective equipment (PPE) and resolve cargo admissibility issues for legitimate trade. The CCRT has responded to 2,200 questions from the trade community and facilitated clearance of 400 FEMA-arranged flights full of critical medical supplies.
- President Trump’s April 19 Executive Order gave the Administration the flexibility to allow for a 90-day deferment period on certain payments for entries that occurred during March and April. More than 2,600 importers have deferred payment on $574 million in applicable duties.
- CBP remains vigilant in guarding against the entry of counterfeit and unapproved goods. Since the beginning of the pandemic, CBP has seized
- 107,300 FDA-prohibited COVID-19 test kits
- 750,000 counterfeit face masks
- 2,500 EPA-prohibited anti-virus lanyards
- 11,000 FDA-prohibited chloroquine tablets
Drug Seizures
Drug seizures rose sharply in May compared to April. Cocaine interceptions more than doubled and seizures of methamphetamine rose by 66 percent.
