The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is calling for public input by December 23rd on the impending data requirements for imports of seafood and diamonds, specifically addressing the bans on these items originating from Russia. This request for comments is part of the preparatory steps before CBP forwards its information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for approval.
Recent years have seen the Treasury Department announce bans on Russian-sourced seafood and diamonds. A notable expansion of these bans in December 2023 extended the prohibition to include seafood and diamonds that, although harvested or mined in Russia, are processed in other countries. The inclusion of new data elements in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system is crucial for the enforcement of these updated bans.
According to the latest ACE development schedule, CBP plans to start mandating these new data elements from April onwards. For seafood, the required data will encompass the country of harvest, the name and flag of the vessel, the vessel’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, and the method of harvest. Additionally, if the seafood shipment contains no Russian seafood, a certification to this effect must be included. This certification has been a requirement by CBP for some time now through its Document Image System.
CBP’s move to solicit comments is part of a broader effort to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and can contribute to the refinement of the new requirements. This initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to transparent governance and effective regulatory enforcement, aiding in the clampdown on restricted imports while facilitating lawful trade. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in this comment period to help shape the implementation of these critical regulations.
