Update: Monday, October 2, 2023 - Shutdown Averted
The federal government shutdown, which was anticipated to begin at 12 a.m. on October 1, was avoided late Saturday when Congress successfully passed a stopgap bill. President Biden promptly signed the legislation just hours before the midnight deadline. This stopgap measure ensures the continued funding and operation of the federal government until November 15. We will remain watchful and monitor the situation for any further updates.
In light of the impending U.S. government shutdown on October 1, 2023 and its potential impact on trade activities, it is crucial for importers to proactively prepare for potential disruptions to the flow of their cargo. Importers should also be cognizant of the operational impacts of a potential government shutdown on other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) involved with processing imported merchandise, including the EPA, USDA, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, which may result in slower clearance of shipments.
CBP plays a crucial role in facilitating the importation of goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and safeguarding the integrity of international trade. In the event of a government shutdown, it is likely that activities including tariff exclusion request processing, antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations, and various regulatory and administrative functions may temporarily cease or experience delays. We recommend taking proactive measures to address any pending import-related matters and assess potential impacts on your supply chain and compliance procedures.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to maintain normal operations at U.S. ports, ensuring the continued flow of trade, cargo processing, and inspections, security screenings, and revenue collection, along with enforcement activities related to alleged antidumping duty and countervailing duty evasion as authorized by the Enforce and Protect Act.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your specific shipment, please contact our office. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.