News Entries

Cyber Security - Fake Browser Beware

Researchers have been seeing a trend in fake browser updates being used as a method for delivering malware to unsuspecting users.

Claims Talk - FMCSA New Rules

On November 16, 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published their final rule, amending regulations relating to broker and freight forwarder’s financial responsibility.

Ask An Attorney - Section 301 Exclusions

In late December, the USTR extended the remaining exclusions from the Sec. 301 tariffs from January 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024.

Canadian Importers Must Register with CARM

All shippers into Canada will soon be required to have their own Canadian Customs Bond, also known as D-120. The bond amount calculation will be based on an importer’s actual or estimated 12-month history of duties and taxes.

Recapping Cyber Security Awareness Month

October was Cyber Security Awareness month, however awareness is a daily necessity. Think you are not worthy of being an online predator’s target? Think again!

Products Containing Aluminum Extrusions Beware

As widely reported throughout the trade community, a coalition of domestic aluminum extrusions producers has filed expansive antidumping duty petitions against fifteen (15) countries:

Shippers Cannot Rely on Carrier’s Coverage

A recent decision in September 2023 judgment of the London High Court in JB Cocoa SDN BHD & Ors v Maersk Line AS [2023] EWHC 2203 (Comm) further supports shippers need for All Risk Cargo insurance.

PROCRASTINATORS BEWARE - CBPs STANCE ON LATE FILINGS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increasingly taken an unyielding stance when it comes to various late filing scenarios.

THE AIRPORT SECURITY BOND

Discover the essential Airport Security Bond needed for businesses and individuals working behind the lines of the secure zones within US airports. Learn the common violations associated to this Customs bond to ensure compliance when working in the dynamic US airport environment.

THE FCC & WHITE HOUSE HAVE UNVEILED A NEW CYBER PROGRAM

More than three decades after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the Energy Star program, to help consumers find energy-efficient gadgets, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is doing something similar to steer people towards safer internet-connected devices.

A BRIEF LOOK BACK AT RECENT CAR CARRIER FIRES

The fire on the car carrier Fremantle Highway in the North Sea is just the latest in a long and ever-growing list of fires involving vehicles on roll-on/roll-off car carriers.

ADD/CVD Best Practices

After a spike in new petitions filed in FY 2020, new filings have been dropping in recent years, with 35 reported filings in FY 2022

LACEY ACT REQUIREMENTS TO COVER ALL PLANT PRODUCTS

Lacey Act Requirements To Cover All Plant Products

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We are regularly bombarded with AI in all manners of communications.

DOCUSIGN PHISHING SCAMS

Business Email Compromise (BEC) occurs when threat actors impersonate company executives to scam employees into sending confidential information or wire transfers to bank accounts controlled by criminals

CHINA FORCED LABOR POSTAL CODE REQUIREMENT

On March 18, 2023, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) region alert enhancement will come into effect through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.

THE OFFSHORE OIL BUSINESS IS GUSHING AGAIN

The hunt for offshore petroleum is on again, fueled by a surge in global demand for energy, supply disruptions

ISF PENALTIES ISSUED BY CBP

IB&M has seen an increase in ISF penalties issued by U.S. Customs & Border Protection

BONDING THE MODERNIZATION OF DRAWBACK

While duty drawback isn’t new as it’s been around since 1789, drawback has had a major facelift in recent years

CYBERSECURITY - SMiShing: Robotext Scams on the Rise

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warned of a rise in SMiShing attacks sent via automated text messages in which robocallers or robotexters use a sense of urgency and fear to get people to respond.

USTR Opens Importer Section 301 Four Year Review Comment Period

USTR has announced the beginning of the process for importers and interested parties to comment on whether or how to continue the Section 301 duties

CONTAINER SAFETY IN MOTION AS INDUSTRY MOVES TO CUT LOSSES

In an unprecedented period of container stack collapses between November 2020 and February the following year, some 5,762 boxes were lost from five major incidents, mainly in the Pacific.

THE COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BOND SUFFICIENCY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has just issued your importer a Bond Insufficiency Letter. This letter states the bond will need to be terminated and replaced with a larger bond that is sufficient and satisfies CBP’s minimum bonding requirements

CYBER SECURITY - SOCIAL ENGINEERING TRENDS

According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of analyzed breaches involved the “human element,”

THE UYGHUR FORCED LABOR PREVENTION ACT

CBP is focusing more intently on imports shipped from China containing cotton from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) now that the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is in effect.

CONTAINER SHIPPING LINES SET TO SMASH PROFIT RECORD

The world’s biggest container lines are on course to post profits in 2022 that will top last year’s record by 73%

SHIPPING BOTTLENECKS HIT PORT OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

The cargo surge swamping U.S. ports for almost two years is starting to overwhelm the Port of New York and New Jersey.

SECURITY FIRST - World Password Day

Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are Critical

Ask an Attorney - UPDATE ON SECTION 301 LITIGATION

USTR ANNOUNCES SECTION 301 FOUR YEAR REVIEW & UPDATE ON SECTION 301 LITIGATION

The End of the IBEC Bond

The In-Bond Export Consolidator (IBEC) Program and Associated Bond will be phased out over the next year

E-COMMERCE & FOREIGN IMPORTER CHALLENGES

E-Commerce makes it possible for businesses around the world to deliver their products directly to U.S. consumers with lightning speed.

PRIVACY – WHATS THE BIG DEAL?

Your data is a commodity, and companies are amassing money and power by accumulating and storing it.

UPDATE ON COURT CHALLENGE TO SECTION 301 (CHINA) TARIFFS

The briefing has concluded on the lead Section 301 challenge case, In Re Section 301 Cases, CIT Case Number 21-52 and oral arguments were scheduled to take place on February 1, 2022,

WHY THE WORLD’S BIGGEST OCEAN SHIPPING LINES ARE BUYING CARGO PLANES

The world’s biggest shipping lines, flush with cash, are buying their own fleets of cargo planes and adding airlifts for big clients willing to pay extra to get around supply-chain snarls at sea resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT BOND

Importers are increasingly looking for shortcuts when purchasing bonds but the old adage still applies—you get what you pay for.

Cyber Security - Go Phish

October was cybersecurity awareness month. In light of this, phishing remains the number one way to breach a network. Protect your business by staying up to date on these widely used tactics by scammers.

Santa gets duty free treatment?

Take a closer look at Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 9505, which provides duty free treatment for festive Christmas articles and more.

Paying Higher Freight Costs? - Marine Insurance Has Your Back

Our industry in the spotlight like never before

Ask an Attorney - Vietnam Tariffs Off the Table

By Taylor Pillsbury, Esq., MS Customs

Bond Spotlight - ADD/CVD Reform Could Be Coming Soon

ADD/CVD Reform could be Coming Soon

Ask an Attorney - Challenging The So-Called "List 3 and List 4A Duties

Question: Last fall, over 3,700 importers filed cases at the Court of International Trade (CIT) challenging the so-called “List 3 and List 4A” Section 301 duties

The Biden Era of Bonds

In the month of April 2021, IB&M saw its highest level of monthly bond increases since former President Trump was in office.

Too Hot to Handle - The Hottest Summer Ever for Freight

This could be the hottest summer ever, for freight!

Industry Veteran Lee Barther Joins IB&M as V.P. of Operations

Lee Barther has joined International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd. ("IB&M"), a market-leading brokerage providing risk management solutions to the international trade industry, which was recently acquired by Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions

Cyber Security - Managing Off-Site Access

COVID-19 may have changed the corporate workplace structure as companies evaluate the necessity of office space. With a high percentage of employees working from home, cyber security again takes the center stage

The Marine Layer- Lost at Sea

Thousands of containers are lost at sea every year, but the exact number is tough to say since not every lost container is reported. In the last 3 months alone, we’ve seen significant cargo lost at sea in three separate events:

Broker Compliance Corner - Broker Responsibilities

With 2021 underway, customs brokers find themselves again balancing the needs of their importing clients on unsettled ground. With tariff-relief legislation hanging in the balance and a new administration ramping up to take the helm, brokers continue to be relied upon to manage importer expectations and provide cutting edge solutions in a competitive market.

Ask an Attorney - By Taylor Pillsbury, Esq., MS Customs

Question: Like many businesses and agencies, CBP’s decision-making process has been slowed significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic. Have the applicable liquidation and statute of limitations deadlines been extended or tolled in response to this?

Bond Spotlight (Benny’s Clues)

Bond Increase Letters continue to roll in monthly from CBP and time is crucial. CBP allows importers up to 30 days to terminate an existing bond from the date of the letter. This is not a substantial window of time once you factor in busy schedules, vacations, and internal approvals often needed to release company information such as financials.

James Reiss Appointed President of International Bond & Marine Brokerage

James Reiss has been appointed President of International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd. ("IB&M"), a market-leading brokerage providing risk management solutions to the international trade industry, which was recently acquired by Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, a brand of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC). Reiss will now report to Peter Weightman, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Specialty Solutions, North America.

OneBeacon Acquires International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.

OneBeacon Acquires International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.

Duty Deferrals, ACH Wire Payments, CargoWise Bond Partnership, and Other Industry Updates

Duty Deferrals, ACH Wire Payments, CargoWise Bond Partnership, and Other Industry Updates

IB&M COVID-19 Response to Customers and Industry Updates

As COVID-19 continues to have an impact on the trade community, IB&M stands with our clients and partners to ensure consistent service during this difficult time. We will continue to underwrite and approve bonds as well as insurance requests without interruption.

Announcing the opening of our newest office in Manhattan Beach, California

With IB&Ms continuous growth in the Greater Los Angeles Area, this new milestone solidifies our commitment to customers in the region.

International Bond & Marine Brokerage Welcomes Back Greg Horun

IB&M is pleased to announce the return of 25-year industry veteran Greg Horun to its management team. In his new role as Vice President, Greg will oversee Marine Division Operations and focus on expanding IB&Ms insurance product offerings. He will also be involved with the development of new business opportunities across allied lines.

Don’t Let Bond Increases Spook You. It’s an Opportunity in disguise!

Customs Brokers are generally busy and don’t have a lot of time to explain why financials are needed just to get a bond. Things get a little tricky when importers with low limit bonds in the range of 50k-60k all-of-a-sudden need a bond for 500k-600k due to newly imposed tariffs. Don’t be worried, this a great opportunity to show off your customer service skills, dressed for Halloween as a problem.

Cut-Rate Direct Marketing Bond Companies Show Large Lapses in Coverage

Have you recently lost bond business to cut-rate direct marketing companies? The tide may be shifting back to quality service. With CBP tightening the straps on bond sufficiency, it’s never been more important to have a licensed customs broker overseeing your bond.

Bond Sufficiency – Not Quite Business as Usual

With the increasing discussion of tariffs, so has the conversation surrounding bond sufficiency. To be clear, the formulas for determining bond amounts have not changed. What has changed is the game around that formula. Tariffs have become a moving target and the way CBP is approaching bond sufficiency appears to be moving with it.

Don’t Procrastinate on Cyber Security

Back in 2005, the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) released minimum security requirements for customs brokers. Since then, the industry has far exceeded these minimum requirements and new standards introduced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in July are putting cybersecurity back at the forefront of discussion.

U.S. Inventory Supplies Around the U.S. See Effect Due to New Tariffs

Cargo steamed into U.S. ports at a rapid rate this past June as importers stocked up inventory ahead of looming new tariffs between the U.S. and China.

New Tariffs Spawn Consulting Risks for Customs Brokers

As many of you know, on August 23, 2018, 25% duties will be imposed on Chinese goods identified on List 2 of the Section 301 sanction list. The newly implemented tariffs have caused many in the import industry to act fast and think later. Importers are settling with the fact that the new tariffs are here to stay. The question for importers now is, how do they adapt to incur as little financial burden as possible? Many importers are turning to their customs brokers to offer creative solutions on the best way to move forward.

Beware the Quota

We live in uncertain times. Now more than ever, trade has moved to the forefront of the 24-hour news cycle with new policies and a looming trade war - it’s hard to keep up. As if it wasn’t enough work staying on top of new tariffs being threatened daily by the current administration, customs brokers must also be aware of new quotas being enforced and the liability exposure involved. Regardless of what side of the isle you are on, customs brokers are all in the business of catering to their clients. Brokers need to protect client interests as much as they need to protect their own

scheduled network maintenance

We will be performing scheduled network maintenance on Thursday, 10/18/17, between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM. The website may be unavailable during some or all of this period.

Memorial day 2017

In observance of Memorial day, our offices will be closed on Monday, May 29th and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 30th.

Office Closed

Due to inclement weather expected in New York & New Jersey on Tuesday, March 14th - IB&M will operate with limited staff throughout the day. Bond inquiries should be sent to bond@Intlbondmarine.com and insurance inquiries to maria.liloia@intlbondmarine.com Our San Francisco office will be available to answer and phone inquiries throughout the day at 650-692-3578.

Presidents Day

International Bond & Marine will be closed  Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents Day. Inquiries should be sent to bond@intlbondmarine.com or marine@intlbondmarine.com

IB&M News Release - AD/CV Duties, The Challenge Continues

The way the system works is as follows: The Department of Commerce sets an initial AD/CVD rate at the time of entry. The DOC then determines a final duty rate based on the ITCs investigation results about two to three years later. CBP is then responsible for collecting the increased duty amounts owed many years. This collection effort comes many years after an importer has sold the merchandise, taken profits, and is potentially in much different financial shape then at the time of entry. Billing a client for something that happened two or three years ago is never a pleasant conversation. With 2.3 billion in uncollected AD/CV duties between the entry years 2001-2014, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was recently asked to review CBPs efforts to improve the collection of these duties.

IB&M News Update - Hanjin

As Hanjin court proceedings continue to unfold, many questions have been raised regarding differing Hanjin scenarios that have caused cargo delays, additional freight charges, and damage to the cargo itself.

Scheduled Maintenance for Thursday June 16th

Please be advised our website will be down for scheduled maintenance this Thursday, June 16, from 8 PM until approximately 11 PM Eastern Standard Time. Please refrain from logging into the system during that time and plan accordingly for any bond submissions.

Ace Cancellations & eBond FAQ

As part of our ongoing effort to improve the IB&M web tool experience for our clients, we have compiled the following helpful hints when processing eBonds. The FAQ represents our customer feedback nationwide

Updated Timeline for Mandatory Transition to ACE for Electronic Entry and Summary Filing

Updated Timeline for Mandatory Transition to ACE for Electronic Entry and Summary Filing Working in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Interagency Executive Council, and the White House, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been actively tracking ...

RLF Capabilities Available August 8, 2015 for ACE Cargo Release

Customs Brokers for the first time will have the ability to file single transaction eBonds (e-STBs) electronically via ACE for RLF entries that are certified for ACE Cargo Release

Important CSMS message from CBP regarding eBond.

Important CSMS message from CBP regarding eBond.

eBond Update

eBond Update

CBP ACE Monthly Trade Update

CBP ACE Monthly Trade Update

Important Bulletin - Winter Storm

IB&M Important Bulletin - Winter Storm

EMERGENCY ACE OUTAGE TONIGHT, JANUARY 7, 2015

EMERGENCY ACE OUTAGE TONIGHT, JANUARY 7, 2015

CBP bond changes in January - What you need to know.

CBP bond changes in January - What you need to know.

A myth and the facts about eBond from IB&M

eBond Myth: This is going to be hard, eBond Fact: The hard part is already done. We have been working with Customs for months on the programming and requirements for eBond. Beginning with CBP’s anticipated eBond roll-out on January 3, 2015, IB&M will be ready to submit eBonds for processing via our BEARS premium portal.

Bond Filing Delays Expected

We received the following message from CBP today. We strongly recommend advising your continuous bond customers that delays should be expected during this period.

Update - CBP Revenue Division Activities

Through our participation with the International Trade Surety Association (ITSA), IB&M has been made aware of the below message released by CBP regarding the Revenue Division operations during a government scale back of operations. It would be prudent to advise your continuous bond clients to expect some delays in the processing of new continuous bonds, riders, and terminations as a result of limited staff. We will keep you posted of any further updates as they become available.

FMCSA Map-21 update

On October 1st, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that bonds for domestic property brokers and freight forwarders be increased from $10,000 to $75,000.

ISF Penalty Enforcement Update

In an effort to maintain Homeland Security, importers and carriers are required to submit 10+ 2 Data Elements to CBP 24 hours prior to lading for all ocean shipments. Since 2009 CBP has requested 100% importer/carrier participation. Through a series of public statements, CBP reported compliance rates had reached the mid 90 percentile through the end of 2012, only to backslide into the lower 80 percentile in early 2013. This decline is the basis for CBPs decision to begin enforcing compliance through the use of liquidated damage penalties for all violations on or after July 9, 2013.

ISF Enforcement Update

Through our participation with the NY/NJ Freight Forwarders Association and the NCBFAA, IB&M has ascertained the following update regarding ISF Enforcement which is scheduled to begin July 9th 2013.

Hurricane Season

Tropical Storm Andrea was a reminder that hurricane season is in full swing. Experts at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms over the next 6 months, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes.

ISF NONCOMPLIANCE UPDATE

CBP has released the following announcement today regarding the next phase of Importer Security Filing (ISF) enforcement

CBP POSTS NEW MITIGATION GUIDELINES FOR LATE FILED PETITIONS

The new guidelines took effect on January 9th 2013

Please view this updated message from cbp regarding the port of ny and nj

Please view this updated message from cbp regarding the port of ny and nj

Message from CBP regarding vessel diversions in NY/NJ

Please take note of this important message from CBP regarding vessel diversions in NY/NJ.

Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations

As you are well aware, CBP continues to target AD/CVD circumvention attempts throughout U.S. ports.

Bond & Insurance Requirements for Domestic Property Brokers

The attached bill was signed into law on July 6 2012 and contains changes to how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates domestic property brokers.

Single Entry Bond Enhancements: Outport Entries

IB&M is proud to announce a new enhancement to our online SEB issuance screen.

CBP security update for dealing with suspected Anti-dumping and Countervailing entries

CBP memorandum requires addition security in the form of a single transaction bond, in conclusion to an existing continuous bond, or cash payment to Customs, for entries suspected of Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duty.

New CBP Form 301 FAQ

IB&M Frequently Asked Questions

New 301 form release!

IB&M is pleased to announce the Web release of the new CBP 301 bond form beginning Tuesday, December 6th.

IB&M Online Carnet Bond released!

IB&M is pleased to announce the release of our new Carnet Online!

New 301 Form required By CBP effective 01/01/12

New 301 Form required By CBP effective 01/01/12

8/19/10 THE ONLINE MSBAR IS HERE!

IB&M is pleased to announce the release of our All New Web Feature. The Online MSBAR! The Management Surety Bond Analysis Report - generally referred to by its acronym – MSBAR was pioneered by IB&M almost 20 years ago allowing Brokers ACCESS for the first time TO crucial customs entry data involving their importers.

ISF Bond BEARS Update (May 11, 2010)

Intl Bond is pleased to announce that our ISF online Software has been updated to print your account signatures.

Delayed Continuous bond filings

Delayed Continuous bond filings

2/17/10 – ISF Bond News Flash

IB&M is pleased to announce completion of Phase 2 for Online ISF Bond Issuance.......

ISF Errors thru ABI and AMS

ISF Errors thru ABI and AMS

ISF News Flash

ISF News Flash

ISF/10+2 Update

On Dec. 24, 2009, CBP released a Federal Register notice pertaining to the issuance of ISF single Transaction Bonds. This announcement confirms CBP will be accepting ISF Appendix D Bonds on a single transaction basis.

Bond Filing Instruction

General Instructions for Filing US Customs bonds As of June 20, 2005, all import (activity code 1) bonds are to be filed with the Revenue Division (RD) in Indianapolis, IN. The RD will accept bond submissions via ...

10+2/ISF FAQ

Last Updated: September 30, 2009, 10+2/ISF FAQ document has been released

Insufficient bonds

Since July, 2005, the Revenue Division, Office of Finance has worked diligently to obtain corrected, valid addresses whenever the U.S. Postal Service returns mail to CBP as ‘undeliverable’. Currently, the Revenue Division policy in this area is as follows: Upon receipt of mail returned as ‘undeliverable’ by the U.S. Postal Service, the Revenue Division renders the continuous bond insufficient immediately. The Trade Community may have the continuous bond returned to sufficient status by complying with the instructions posted at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/priority_trade/revenue/bonds/pilot_program/insufficient_bonds.xml

AN UPDATE ON 10+2/Security Filings

AN UPDATE ON 10+2/Security Filings from IB&M

Change Surety Code in ABI System

Confirm Surety Code is 856 in ABI System for Single Entry Bond Transactions

A BRIEF PRIMER ON ANTIDUMPING

Antidumping bonds are extremely risky. The unknown and unpredictable magnitude of this risk would normally make this type of risk a non-insurable or non-bondable event.

Terminating and Replacing Continuous Bonds

Problem: When the termination of an existing continuous bond is not synchronized with the approval of the replacement bond, ‘gaps’ in continuous bond coverage can result for parties listed on the bond. Bond filers find it difficult to avoid these ‘gaps’, especially when the replacement bond submission is rejected, but the termination request has been processed.

CUSTOMS SYSTEM

Customs system is currently being updated because of ACE, they are having many issues updating and keeping information in the system