U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has issued CSMS 17-000531 providing guidance for parties interested in donating to recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
As written, customs broker handling is NOT REQUIRED for shipments imported properly under these guidelines.
Rather, those interested in “importing” the subject “Charitable Contributions” will need to work with “U.S. charities (or other private entities)” sanctioned by the US State Department.
Any merchandise that does not meet the outlined criteria for donations to charities can/must still be entered under established entry procedures.
Both U.S. State Department and CBP contacts are provided within the CSMS for those with questions on details.
Your general questions about this regulatory update may be directed to Livingston’s US Regulatory Affairs group: usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.