NCBFAA Opposes New Fee on Imports/Exports

Washington, DC: In an August 16 letter to House and Senate members of the Port Security legislation conference committee, the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) expressed its vigorous opposition to a Senate proposal for funding port security initiatives with a new $15 to $20 "fee" on containers imported to, or exported from, the U.S.
        "U.S. companies are already paying over $1 billion annually in user fees.... for imported products," NCBFAA President Federico "Kiko" Zuniga reminded legislators. "These revenues are designed in part to fund critical technology and systems (such as the Automated Commercial Environment)...which are fundamental to the agency's responsibility for homeland security." 
        With the trade community already making significant contributions to cover the costs of border security, NCBFAA called the impact of yet another fee on imports and exports "staggering." Mr. Zuniga also expressed skepticism about the use of proceeds from a new fee, citing the merchandise-processing fee, which for years has provided "an ample and ready source of cash for diversion to other government programs."
        The NCBFAA President urged Congress to "question the economic wisdom of burdening the flow of trade with even more fees." After all, he wrote, "International trade is...the engine that fueled the economic growth of the past decade. Now, international trade can be the force to cushion the impact of a tougher economic climate. This will not happen however if U.S. imports and exports are weighed down by new taxes and fees."
        NCBFAA concluded by noting, "As customs brokers and ocean transportation intermediaries, we are on the front lines of international trade...We take our responsibilities seriously, and it is from this perspective that we urge you not to impose yet another tax."
        Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents more than 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel, 30 Affiliated Association offices and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, NCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings, seminars and conferences throughout the year.