CP Notice: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Lacey Act Blanket Declaration Pilot Program

(CP Rail)

This is further to our Customer Bulletin of March 24, 2009, concerning USDA APHIS implementation of the Revised Lacey Act Provisions.

This update will be of particular interest to Shippers and U.S. Importers who:

a) Ship / Import goods to the U.S. subject to Lacey Act provisions b) Participate in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (USCBP)

Automated Line Release (ALR) program The USDA is introducing a blanket Declaration Pilot Program for shippers using the USCBP ALR program.

The Pilot Program allows importers and shippers currently using ALR codes to continue doing so provided they participate in the Pilot. Those who do not participate in the program will have their ALR C4 code inactivated effective June 1, 2009.

The Lacey Act Blanket Declaration Pilot Program is open only to those entities currently participating in one of Customs and Border Protection's expedited border release programs, Automated Line Release (ALR) or Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS). This pilot program will test the feasibility of collecting the information required through the use of a periodic "blanket" declaration, with subsequent reconciliation reports.

Eligible importers who wish to participate in the pilot must send a letter to APHIS (to the address provided below) specifically requesting participation in the program. The letter must contain the importer's C4 code and the name and telephone number of an individual who will serve as a point of contact should APHIS require additional information.

The blanket declaration must be submitted in paper form and mailed to:
Lacey Act c/o U.S. Department of Agriculture
Box 10 4700 River Road • Riverdale, MD 20737

Canadian Pacific strongly encourages shippers and U.S. importers to review the details of this program. Participation will protect your Automated Line Release reporting privileges and help facilitate the cross border fluidity of your Lacey Act eligible goods.

Details on the USDA APHIS Program are available at the USDA website. Specific questions should be directed to your customs broker or the USDA APHIS.