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Good afternoon and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Please note that Customs and Border Protection will observe Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 25, 2021, with the following hours of operation:
Northbound 8-2 pm FAST and Perishable entries only.
Southbound 9-2 pm CTPAT certified exports only.
Our office and warehouse will be CLOSED, please contact us if you need special accommodations.
Please read the attached Notice for details.
Have a great day.
Good afternoon,
Please note that Customs and Border Protection will be observing Veterans’ Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Below are hours of operation.
Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021:
Northbound 8-2 pm FAST and Perishable entries only.
Southbound 9-2 pm CTPAT certified exports only.
Please read attached Port Notice 2020-005 for details.
RL Jones’ warehouses and offices will be open regular hours.
Have a great day.
Eduardo Acosta.
Release Date: October 29, 2021
Starting Monday, November 8, 2021, new requirements will go into effect for travelers entering the United States at land ports of entry (POEs) and ferry terminals.
For the first time since March 2020, non-citizen travelers will be permitted to enter the U.S. through a land border or ferry terminal for a non-essential reason (i.e., tourism), provided they are fully vaccinated and can present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. Unvaccinated travelers may continue to cross the border for essential travel, including lawful trade, emergency response, and public health purposes.
Los Angeles & Long Beach Port Emergency Fee
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach announced that effective November 1, 2021, an “emergency fee” will be assessed on ocean carriers for cargoes remaining on port Terminals in excess of specified periods:
- For truck cargoes remaining on port 9 or more days after discharge
- For rail cargoes remaining on port 6 or more days after discharge
The fee of $100 per container increases in increments of $100 per container per day (i.e., the fee will be $200 per container on Day 10, $300 per container on Day 11), and is compounded each day.
These fees were developed in coordination with the White House’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and a number of supply chain stakeholders. The purpose is to improve cargo movement amid congestion and record volume. The Ports will collect these fees directly from Ocean Carriers and the revenue will be re-invested by the Ports for programs designed to enhance the efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity, and address the impact of congestion throughout San Pedro Bay.
Los Puertos de Los Ángeles y Long Beach Imponen una Tarifa de Emergencia
Los puertos de Los Ángeles y Long Beach anunciaron que a partir del 1 de noviembre de 2021, se cobrará una "tarifa de emergencia" a los transportistas marítimos por las cargas que permanezcan en las terminales portuarias en exceso de los períodos especificados:
- Para las cargas de camiones que permanecen en el puerto 9 o más días después de la descarga
- Para cargas ferroviarias que permanecen en el puerto 6 o más días después de la descarga
La tarifa de $100 por contenedor aumenta en incrementos de $100 por contenedor por día (es decir, la tarifa será de $200 por contenedor el día 10, $300 por contenedor el día 11) y se capitaliza cada día.
Estas tarifas se desarrollaron en coordinación con el “White House’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force,” el “U.S. Department of Transportation,” e interesados en la cadena de suministro. El propósito es mejorar el movimiento de carga en medio de la congestión y el alto volumen. Los puertos cobrarán estas tarifas directamente al “Ocean Carrier” y los puertos reinvertirán los ingresos en programas diseñados para mejorar la eficiencia, acelerar la velocidad de carga y abordar el impacto de la congestión en toda la bahía de San Pedro.
Dear Friends and Customers:
We would like to inform you that as the border is about to re-open, CBP announces the resumption of standard business hours at Calexico, expecting an increased traffic volume in the turistic ports.
Beginning November 8th, hours will resume to the following:
- 6:00A.M. - 10:00 P.M.: Calexico East port of entry
Hours at the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico West ports of entry will continue to be 24 hours. Also, all pedestrian processing at San Ysidro will continue at the Pedestrian east facility.
This is the information we have so far. There´s no official announcement from CBP´s Local Port yet, so this schedules may be subject to change. We will do out best to keep you updated.
For more details, please visit: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/resumption-hours-operation-california-ports-entry
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
The Department of Homeland Security has released guidance for vaccination proof when crossing the border starting November 8. Basically, they will be following CDC Guidance.
Accepted Vaccines: FDA approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization.
FDA has approved Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines. In addition to these three, WHO listed AstraZeneca and Sinopharm for emergency use. Please review the CDC guidance for additional information.
Travel Restrictions Lifted for Fully Vaccinated Foreigners in Land Ports starting Early November
Legal Resident Alien and Commuter Card Holders have until January to be Fully Vaccinated to Continue Crossing the Border
That’s right! Unless some clarification is issued by DHS, legal resident alien card holders, known as green card holders and any other foreigner (including Mexicans) with a valid work visa that have been crossing the border without a problem, will NOT be able to do so as of January 2022 unless they are fully vaccinated. This includes foreigners crossing for essential and non essential functions. For example, Mexican truck drivers will have to be fully vaccinated as of January to continue crossing.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
So, please note workers will need to have their second dose vaccine (or one shot J&J) by December 17, 2021 to cross January 1, 2022.
Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce
October 28, 2021
Dear ZIM Customer,
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have announced that effective November 1st, an “emergency fee” will be assessed against cargoes dwelling on port Terminals in excess of specified periods:
- For cargoes designated for movement by truck remaining on port nine (9) or more days after discharge
- For cargoes designated for movement by rail remaining on port six (6) or more days after discharge
- The fee of $100 per container increases in increments of $100 per container per day (i.e., the fee will be $100 per container on Day 9, $200 per container on Day 10, $300 per container on Day 11…), and is compounded each day (i.e. total fees on Day 9 is $100, total fees on Day 10 is $300, total fees on Day 11 is $600) *see charge table below*
The announced fees were developed in coordination with the White House’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and a number of supply chain stakeholders. The announced purpose of the “emergency fee” is to incent timely removal of cargoes from the San Pedro Bay terminals, improving fluidity of the supply chain and reduce the critical level of congestion in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Ports will collect those fees directly from Ocean Carriers and the revenue will be re-invested by the Ports for programs designed to enhance the efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity, and address the impact of congestion throughout San Pedro Bay.
The specifics of the fees have not yet been published; we will share those details with you – and publish an implementing Tariff Rule – as soon as they are available. To be clear, assessment of the ‘emergency’ fee will be in addition to previously published demurrage charges and will be invoiced to you. Given the short-term notice of the change in charges for terminal services – which fall well outside ZIM’s control - we understand that the assessment of this fee will put your company in a difficult position. We will continue to identify solutions that might help mitigate the impact of the Ports’ action; given the fact that your cargoes are typically manifested for discharge at Los Angeles or Long Beach and are identified for Merchant Haulage, this notice is forwarded so that you might take steps to remove your cargoes from the Terminal before they are subject to the fee.
We appreciate your continued support and will keep you informed of developments as they occur.
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
Ocean carriers to be charged daily fee for containers that linger on terminals
Oct. 25, 2021
In an effort to improve cargo movement amid congestion and record volume, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will begin assessing a surcharge to ocean carriers for import containers that dwell on marine terminals.
Under the new policy, the ports will charge ocean carriers for each container that falls into one of two categories. In the case of containers scheduled to move by truck, ocean carriers will be charged for every container dwelling nine days or more. For containers moving by rail, ocean carriers will be charged if the container has dwelled for three days or more.
Beginning Nov. 1, the ports will charge ocean carriers with cargo in those two categories $100 per container, increasing in $100 increments per container per day.
“We must expedite the movement of cargo through the ports to work down the number of ships at anchor,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Approximately 40% of the containers on our terminals today fall into the two categories. If we can clear this idling cargo, we’ll have much more space on our terminals to accept empties, handle exports, and improve fluidity for the wide range of cargo owners who utilize our ports.”
“With the escalating backlog of ships off the coast, we must take immediate action to prompt the rapid removal of containers from our marine terminals,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The terminals are running out of space, and this will make room for the containers sitting on those ships at anchor.”
“I support the actions taken by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach today to charge ocean carriers for lingering containers on marine terminals. These actions aim to expedite the movement of goods and reduce congestion in our ports,” said John D. Porcari, Port Envoy to the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force. “As our economy continues to grow, increased demand and disruptions caused by the pandemic are putting our supply chains to the test. While we’ve seen new records set in terms of throughput this year at West Coast ports, we need more players throughout the supply chain to keep stepping up. The federal government will continue to bring together private companies and stakeholders from across the supply chain and serve as an honest broker helping to surface solutions like this to address supply chain disruptions.”
Before the pandemic-induced import surge began in mid-2020, on average, containers for local delivery sat on container terminals under four days, while containers destined for trains dwelled less than two days. Those numbers have increased significantly, making it difficult to clear cargo off the terminals and bring in ships at anchor.
Fees collected from dwelling cargo will be re-invested by the two ports for programs designed to enhance efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity, and address congestion impacts throughout the San Pedro Bay.
The policy was developed in coordination with the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, U.S. Department of Transportation and multiple supply chain stakeholders.
The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are the two largest container ports in the nation, first and second respectively, and combined are the ninth-largest port complex in the world. Trade that flows through the San Pedro Bay ports complex reaches every Congressional district across the country and generates more than 3 million jobs nationwide.
Media Contacts: Lee Peterson, Port of Long Beach Media Relations Manager, lee.peterson@polb.com.
Phillip Sanfield, Port of Los Angeles Director of Media Relations, psanfield@portla.org.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, anticipating that there will be increased traffic volumes at local ports of entry, are announcing the resumption of standard business hours at three ports of entry between California and Mexico.
Hours were temporarily limited in response to decreased traffic volumes because of COVID-19 and restrictions against non-essential travel.
Beginning November 7, hours will resume to the following:
- 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Tecate port of entry
- 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Andrade port of entry
Beginning November 8, hours will resume to the following:
- 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Calexico East port of entry
Hours at the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico West ports of entry will continue to be 24 hours. All pedestrian processing at San Ysidro will continue at the Pedestrian east facility (the original pedestrian crossing area at San Ysidro.) There continue to be no changes to cargo/commercial processing.
Anticipating increased traffic volumes, CBP will scale staffing based on anticipated workloads in an effort to expeditiously process permitted travelers into the U.S.
Dear Friends and Customers:
In response to continued interest by the Calexico and Mexicali Trade Community for expanded hours for southbound in-bond processing, the Calexico Cargo Facility will extend for an additional 60-days the pilot program expanding by two hours the operation for southbound in-bond processing.
In coordination with the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), U.S. Customs and Border Protection Cargo Facility will implement the addition of two hours Monday through Saturday for processing of Southbound in-bonds. This pilot program will continue in effect from October 1, 2021 and conclude on November 29, 2021. The 60-day pilot program will serve as means to assess the Trades need for expanded hours and overall traffic volumes for in-bond exportations during said period.
Southbound in-bond hours during 60-day pilot as follows:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am. – 5:30 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 3:30 pm
An analysis will be conducted at the conclusion of the 60-day pilot to determine if extended hours will be adopted beyond the additional 60-day pilot timeframe.
There are currently no changes to any other previously approved hours of operation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices
Sincerely,
Dear Friends and Customers:
The following is to inform you about the upcoming " Columbus Day " Holiday Schedule observed Monday, October 11, 2021. U.S. Customs will be open for business and will follow the holidays schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mexicali-Calexico
6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All empty and laden trucks.
6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bulk Merchandise (Non-Hazmat) and Scrap Material.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Primary gates will be closed; however, the cargo offices will remain open to finish processing entries and field inquiries from trade.
Calexico-Mexicali
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Laden trucks
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Inbond shipments
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Empty trucks
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Vehicle Exportation (Self Propel Only)
As usual, please keep in mind that the below listed commodities will not be allowed entry on this day:
- Textiles (Northbound/ MX-US)
- Commodities requiring visa or special permits
- Hazardous Materials (Northbound/MX-US)
| RL Jones Calexico Office: | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| RL Jones Calexico Warehouse: | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Servicios Jones office: | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Freight Office: | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
Dear Friends and Customers,
We would like to inform the main points from the meeting between CBP- Calexico and representatives of Chambers and Associations from Baja California:
1. The joint inspection between Mexico and United States continues from Monday to Friday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
2. A Whatsapp group and an app will be created in order to have better communication in case of any contingency and to forecast future activities.
3. Due to the migrants at this border, authorities will implement changes on CBP operation and dedicate resources to improve its flow by the end of the month. It is not known in what way the operation of the commercial area will impact.
4. The schedule for In- Bond operations that from August 2 is Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm, extends 60 additional days from September 30 as a result of the successful pilot. The increase of these operations were from 200 to 300, being a great help for the commercial flow. (Find attachment "Change in Hours of Operations").
5. Regarding the contingency plan in the systems, CBP is prepared to continue processing operations with three systems, as well as plants when a power failure occurs. To support the companies, the hours have been extended when they have had a contingency.
The SAT does not have an alternate power system in case of any failure.
6. Due to the high agricultural season of Mexicali in September- October, a fast line was proposed for companies that manage perishable products. This line is in Tijuana- Otay, so a replicate model was proposed in Mexicali.
For more details and themes of interest, please find attached the INDEX e- mail.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
Requirements are:
1. That the goods are returned to USA without having been advanced in value, improved in condition by any process of manufacture, or other means while they were outside the USA.
2. That the merchandise has been exported from the United States. (Send evidence of the US export to Mexico, Ex: EEI and Mexican pedimento if possible).
3. Indicate program 9801.00.10 on invoice.
4. Complete and signed “Foreign Shipper/Importer Declaration.” It must be prepared and signed by both, the foreign exporter that returns the merchandise, and the owner, consignee or importer of the merchandise where they state that it is only a return in the same condition where no value or process is added.
5. Does not apply to products subject to AD/CVD duties.
6. Does not apply if the merchandise was exported from the US with benefit of Drawback
7. For foreign goods, that the return of merchandise takes place within 3 years after being exported from U.S.A. For American return products there is no deadline if you have evidence of USA origin such as: Manufacturers Affidavit or USMCA/TMEC/CUSMA certificate.
8. The 9801.00.10 program does not exempt the requirements, licenses, or compliance with other government agencies such as (USDA, EPA, FDA, APHIS, etc)
9. The 9801.00.10 program may exempt additional duties from Section 301 of products of Chinese origin if the above requirements are met.
Note: There are good practices for the control and use of tariff benefit programs. You can find them as Focused Assesment (FA) program. We remind you that as an importer, you must exercise reasonable care, staying informed, checking that you qualify for the programs for which you apply and periodically reviewing your internal controls.
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/audits/focused-assessment
Questions or comments please send mail to: compliance.clx@rljones.com
Dear Friends and Customers,
We would like to inform that starting from Monday August 23, the Joint Merchandise Inspection Program in the Mexican and US Customs, has been oficially resumed, which was suspended since December 18 2020 due to the COVID19 health emergency.
Please keep in mind that the operation schedule of the program will be from 12:00pm to 8:00pm from Monday to Friday.
At the moment, we have not received a bulletin from CBP, only the attachment from Aduana Mexicana SAT.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
Dear Friends and Customers:
The following is to inform you about the upcoming " Labor Day " Holiday Schedule observed Monday, September 06, 2021. U.S. Customs will be open for business and will follow the holidays schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mexicali-Calexico
6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All empty and laden trucks.
6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bulk Merchandise (Non-Hazmat) and Scrap Material.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Primary gates will be closed; however, the cargo offices will remain open to finish processing entries and field inquiries from trade.
Calexico-Mexicali
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Laden trucks
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Inbond shipments
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Empty trucks
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Vehicle Exportation (Self Propel Only)
As usual, please keep in mind that the below listed commodities will not be allowed entry on this day:
- Textiles (Northbound/ MX-US)
- Commodities requiring visa or special permits
- Hazardous Materials (Northbound/MX-US)
| RL Jones Calexico Office: | 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Export staff available only) (with limited personal) | |
| RL Jones Calexico Warehouse: | Closed. Overtime schedule only. Please call in advance for overtime service requirement. |
|
| Servicios Jones office: | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | |
| Freight Office: | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Dear Friends and Customers:
The following is to inform you about the upcoming "Washington's Birthday" Holiday Schedule observed Monday, February 15, 2021. US Customs will be open for business and will follow the schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
Calexico-Mexicali: |
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Laden trucks |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
In bond Shipments |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Empty trucks |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Vehicle Exportation (Self-Propelled Only) |
|
Mexicali - Calexico: |
6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Laden trucks (Maquila & Perishable), FAST included. |
|
|
6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Bulk merchandise (Non-Hazmat) and Scrap Material. |
As usual, please keep in mind that the below listed commodities will not be allowed entry on this day:
- Textiles (Northbound/ MX-US)
- Commodities requiring visa or special permits
- Hazardous Materials
|
RL Jones Calexico Office: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
RL Jones Calexico Warehouse: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Servicios Jones office: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Freight Office: |
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Dear Friends and Customers:
The following is to inform you about the upcoming " Mexican Constitution Day " Holiday Schedule observed Monday, February 01, 2021. US Customs will be open for business and will follow the schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
Calexico-Mexicali: |
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Laden trucks |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
In bond Shipments |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Empty trucks |
|
|
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Vehicle Exportation (Self-Propelled Only) |
|
Mexicali - Calexico: |
6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Laden trucks (Maquila & Perishable), FAST included. |
|
|
6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Bulk merchandise (Non-Hazmat) and Scrap Material. |
As usual, please keep in mind that the below listed commodities will not be allowed entry on this day:
- Textiles (Northbound/ MX-US)
- Commodities requiring visa or special permits
- Hazardous Materials
|
RL Jones Calexico Office: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
RL Jones Calexico Warehouse: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Servicios Jones office: |
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Freight Office: |
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Dear Friend and Customer,
Hoping you, your family, and colleagues are all doing well,
The US Department of Commerce is delaying the effective date of the final rule, titled "System of Analysis and Monitoring of aluminum import ", from January 25, 2021 to March 29, 2021.
This delay means that licenses will no longer be required for imports of covered aluminum products as of January 25, 2021, as previously stated in the final rule.
The final rule was published on December 23, 2020 and can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-28166.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any comments or questions.
Compliance.clx@rljones.com
Sincerely,
Compliance Department
Dear Friends and Customers,
This Withhold Release Order will direct CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry to detain cotton and tomato products grown or produced by entities operating in Xinjiang. These products include apparel, textiles, tomato seeds, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and other goods made with cotton and tomatoes. CBP issued the WRO based on information that reasonably indicates the use of detainee or prison labor and situations of forced labor. Importers are responsible for ensuring the products they are attempting to import do not exploit forced labor at any point in their supply chain, including the production or harvesting of the raw material.
We strongly urge you to get manufacturing affidavits or any written proof from your vendors confirming that they do not manufacture in this region.
Federal statute 19 U.S.C. 1307 prohibits the importation of merchandise produced, wholly or in part, by convict labor, forced labor, and/or indentured labor, including forced or indentured child labor. CBP detains shipments of goods suspected of being imported in violation of this statute. Importers of detained shipments have the opportunity to export their shipments or demonstrate that the merchandise was not produced with forced labor. For further information please see: CBP Issues Region-Wide Withhold Release Order on Products Made by Slave Labor in Xinjiang | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Please contact us at the following email if you have any questions: Compliance.clx@rljones.com
Sincerely,
Dear Friends and Customers,
Below please find a listing of Federal Holidays for Calendar Year 2021. CBP schedules for each Holiday will be notified accordingly.
|
Friday, January 1 |
New Year’s Day |
|
Monday, January 18 |
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
|
Monday, February 15 |
Washington’s Birthday |
|
Monday, May 31 |
Memorial Day |
|
Monday, July 5 |
Independence Day |
|
Monday, September 6 |
Labor Day |
|
Monday, October 11 |
Columbus Day |
|
Thursday, November 11 |
Veterans Day |
|
Thursday, November 25 |
Thanksgiving Day |
|
Friday, December 24 |
Christmas Day |
For more information please access the following link: CSMS #45157088 - 2021 Federal Holidays
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
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