In the wake of a bridge collapse last week that blocked the port of Baltimore, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued March 29 the following update on operations at that port.
- Vessels arriving with cargo intended for unloading in Baltimore may consider proceeding to a different U.S. port until further notice. Vessel arrival notices and manifest updates, including updating the port of unlading, would be required.
- Vessels already in the port of Baltimore with cargo destined for subsequent U.S. ports will need to consider whether to hold the cargo onboard or discharge it in Baltimore. For cargo not originally intended for Baltimore, manifests will need to be updated and either entry or in-bonds filed to move the cargo from Baltimore via truck or rail to the subsequent destination.
- For export cargo, vessel agents/operators will need to determine if unloading cargo from the vessel would be preferred and feasible. Export carriers are allowed to submit export manifests post-departure. Carriers are required to submit their export documents, either 1302A or electronic export manifests, from the updated port. For affected electronic export information submissions, the port and date of export would need to be updated.
- For U.S.-origin cargo, additional approvals related to the Jones Act are required.
- To avoid delays with perishable and other agricultural cargo, importers and customs brokers importing such cargo under a USDA import permit are encouraged to review those permits as they may need to contact the USDA Permit Unit to update the approved arrival ports.
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