Oct. 23 CBP Bulletin Proposes to Revoke or Modify Rulings on Jones Act
In the Oct. 23 issue of the CBP Customs Bulletin (Vol. 53, No. 38), CBP published notices that propose to revoke or modify rulings and similar treatment on the application of Jones Act coastwise laws to certain merchandise and vessel equipment that are transported between coastwise points. The Jones Act limits activities by foreign-flagged vessels around the U.S. CBP said consideration will be given to any written comments received by Nov. 22 before taking this action.
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CBP proposes to modify the line of rulings beginning with HQ 101925 from 1976 to limit the concepts that contributed to the overbroad interpretation of what constitutes “vessel equipment,” the agency said. "Specifically, CBP proposes to amend HQ 101925 to interpret 'vessel equipment' to include all articles or physical resources serving to equip the vessel, including the implements used in the vessel’s operation or activity." CBP said it also "proposes to adopt a revised interpretation for offshore 'lifting operations' to clarify that certain lateral movements do not constitute transportation under the Jones Act."