Dear NAFTZ Members and Supporters:
As we navigate through a raft of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give you a few updates on what the NAFTZ is doing. First, we are continuing to monitor information from federal, state, and local governments and health authorities, including the State of Minnesota where our Spring Seminar is scheduled to be held the third week in May.
Our conference dates are outside the current eight-week timeframe of restrictions on holding conferences and other events. That fact has legal implications that impact our decision on going forward with the event. So for now, the conference is still scheduled to proceed until we get a clearer picture of what we can expect in May. Whether a final decision is made for us by the state and local authorities, or we make the call ourselves, we assure you we will make every effort to provide sufficient advanced notice for those who have already booked their travel and hotel rooms to make any necessary changes.
Membership Grace Period Extended to April 30
NAFTZ will also do everything we can to help our members, their companies, and the entire FTZ community address the challenges they are facing in this crisis. To that end, the Board has agreed to extend the grace period for renewing association membership for 2020 by thirty days to the end of April. That means member benefits will continue for those who are not able to renew their memberships by the original March 31 deadline.
NAFTZ is Working with the FTZ Board and CBP on Extending Deadlines for FTZ Filers
Also, we are asking the FTZ Board and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to extend certain deadlines to accommodate FTZ filers. CBP has said that flexibility is their current watchword and we want to ensure our members face no adverse consequences as a result of being unable to meet compliance deadlines through no fault of their own. Please let us know if there are specific issues you are facing where we may be of help, particularly with CBP and other government agencies.
Official Government COVID-19 Communications
• CBP CSMS #42118616 – Reminder: Update on FDA’s Import Operations During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak
• CBP CSMS #42097586 – Additional Days for Payments due to COVID-19
Note: Submit requests to the Office of Trade, Trade Policy and Programs at OTentrysummary@cbp.dhs.gov
• CBP CSMS #42092162 – Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBP’s National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD)
• CBP CSMS #60152 – Extension to Comply with March 2020 Bond Insufficiency Notices
• Executive Order COVID-19 Transmission, Response Efforts; Health and Medical Resource Prioritization and Allocation (EO 13909)
• FDA Process for Making Available Guidance Documents Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019
When we receive any additional official government communications regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that affect the FTZ program and stakeholders, we will be sure to share them promptly with the membership.
We thank you for your patience and bearing with us during this uncertain time.
Wishing you good luck and good health.
President
202-841-1521
eautor@naftz.org
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