Summer 2014 Issue Volume 5, Issue 2 of the WSSA Grapevine is now available! Our Summer 2014 issue features the latest on the west coast labor dispute, the P3 Alliance, South America updates, and WSWA highlights. Click here for instant access to WSSA's Summer 2014 edition of the Grapevine!
As we move into the weekend, we have no major updates on the effects of the government shutdown on trade. Reports from the various ports in the USA indicate that wine and spirits shipments are still moving smoothly, with no customs issues or port delays. With some FDA staff on furlough, we do have reports of delays in FDA exams or items on hold with no exam scheduled.
We will monitor the situation over the weekend and report back to you on Monday. Please feel free to contact WSSA with any questions or comments.
The TTB remains one of the key agencies affecting the flow of business for wine and spirits importers. While the website may be available to process funds, it is not available to file new COLA applications or retrieve current ones. Our forwarding partner, Albatrans, reports that they are forced to ask customers to supply copies of the label approvals when needed by US Customs. Normally, they can retrieve the copies from the website, so please understand and be patient if your broker is asking you for labels.
As we reported yesterday, international shipping has not yet been affected by the government shutdown. US Customs and Border Protection indicates that its port of entry operations remain fully operational, including cargo security and duty and tax collection functions. Import specialists, fines and penalties officers, agriculture officers and CEEs (Centers of Excellence and Expertise) will remain active.
While we have no reports of any delays in the shipping industry from the 10/1 government shutdown, the trickle down effects will certainly be felt as government employees are not paid, concessions at national parks are closed, and passport processing will come to a standstill.
