10 Predictions in 2014 for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

My annual prediction list for CBP for the coming year includes:

1. President Obama will nominate and the Senate will confirm a new, permanent Commissioner;

2. CBP's annual budget will increase to continue its pattern ever since being created as an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2003;

3. The "do nothing" United States Congress will finally pass the Customs Reform bill providing more emphasis to CBP's traditional international trade enforcement mission;

4. There will be a record number of importer audits by CBP's own Office of Regulatory Audit focused on companies which attempt to avoid the payment of antidumping duties;

5. The continuation of enforcement of intellectual property rights laws as a primary focus, especially the examination and seizure of counterfeit merchandise attempting to enter the United States;

6. CBP locating more officers overseas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and continuing its narcotics enforcement activities in foreign countries with its Air and Marine operations;

7. The U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) will issue another critical report of CBP's cargo selectivity program;

8. A record number of licensed customs brokers getting counseled by CBP Broker Management officers at ports around the country, and being assessed penalties for "failure to supervise" among various other violations of 19 USC 1641 and 19 CFR Part 111;

9. The expansion of categories of companies that may apply for membership in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and better, practical benefits for members, especially at Tier 2 and 3 levels; and

10. A significant increase in annual pay for CBP employees rather than none or insultingly low increases that have occurred the past few years during the "Great Recession".

Peter Quinter, Chair
Customs and International Trade Law Group
GrayRobinson, P.A.
1221 Brickell Ave.
16th Floor
Miami, Florida 33312

office (305) 416-6960
mobile (954) 270-1864

email Peter.Quinter@Gray-Robinson.com
www.GrayRobinson.com

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For any questions on import, export, customs, or international trade compliance or enforcement generally, feel free to contact me.

To all my friends, colleagues, co-workers, CBP employees, and clients, let's have a great New Year in 2014!