House Panel Urges 10+2 Test

(Journal of Commerce Online – R.G.Edmonson)

Leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee have urged Customs and Border Protection to take an intermediary step that would allow real-time testing of the importer security filing rule known as 10+2 before it becomes final.

The letter, signed by Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., and other senior committee members of both parties, called for Customs to issue an interim final 10+2 rule, and carry out a pilot program.

Lawmakers said Customs could use the pilot to test compliance with 10+2 with a small number of importers, and correct any technical problems. All other companies would be encouraged to comply on a voluntary basis.

Interim rules allow another round of public comment before an agency publishes a final rule. Comments on Customs’ proposed importer security filing rule ended on March 18.

See also: CBP Makes Late Push for “10+2,” Rejects Pilot Concept (from American Shipper) here.