Trade Update for Hurricane Katrina

The port locations of New Orleans (port code 2002), Gramercy (port code 2010), Gulfport (port code1902), and Pasagoula (port code 1905) are currently non-operational due to Hurricane Katrina. In order to ensure that import activity continues without impediment, the Atlanta Field Office has been designated oversight on all cargo clearance and import related processing for the affected area. The Atlanta Field Office has designated the port of Memphis (port code 2006) to manage all import-related transactions. Port codes should not be used for closed ports of entry nor should another port code be substituted for the New Orleans port code 2002 when making entry.

The Atlanta Field Office also has been designated oversight of the following ports that are operational and no longer closed due to Hurricane Katrina; Memphis, TN; Knoxville, TN; Nashville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Blountville, TN; Little Rock, AR; Rogers, AR; Gulfport, MS; Vicksburg, MS; Mobile, AL; Birmingham, AL; Huntsville, AL; Shreveport, LA; Lake Charles, LA.

The Port of Mobile, Alabama The Port of Mobile Alabama is operational as of September 7, 2005.

Goods imported for relief efforts in the States of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi Merchandise imported for relief efforts from foreign entities, including foreign governments, are admissible, as directed by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Questions regarding importation of such merchandise under 19 U.S.C. 1318(b)(2) and 19 U.S.C. 1322(b) should be directed to the port office where the merchandise is arriving.

Cargo/Trade Operations in Affected Ports Entry summaries and duty collections that could not be filed in the ports of New Orleans, Gramercy, Baton Rouge, Mobile, Gulfport and Pascagoula prior to closure due to Hurricane Katrina will not be deemed late or assessed penalties.

The Port of Memphis (port code 2006) has been designated to receive entry-related items that would have been filed at New Orleans, Gramercy, and Baton Rouge. The Port of Mobile (port code1901) is now designated to receive entry –related items that for the non-operational ports of Gulfport and Pascagoula MS.

Protests are to be filed at the Port of Atlanta, GA. Please send to the following address.

ATTN: SIS Robert Lynch US Customs & Border Protection 4341 International Parkway, Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30354

Mr. Lynch’s telephone number is 404-675-1245