By Mark Edward Nero
The US Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations has announced the creation of the National Jones Act Division of Enforcement (JADE) in order to, according to Customs, present a uniformed approach on issues involving the Jones Act.
The Jones Act requires that all goods transported by water between US ports be carried on US-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by US citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and permanent US residents.
The mission of JADE, Customs said July 15, will be to assist Customs & Border Protection, as well as industry partners, regarding issues concerning coastwise trade, with the goal of being a clearinghouse for all coastwise trade issues.
All formal ruling requests will continue to be forwarded to Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. JADE, which will be located within the New Orleans field office, will be staffed by a team of subject matter experts to assist industry partners with questions and concerns on issues involving coastwise trade, according to Customs.
JADE will also work in partnership with industry stakeholders in the enforcement of the Jones Act, along with all other coastwise trade laws. As an advocate for coastwise trade, the Jones Act Division of Enforcement will also be available for outreach presentations to industry partners on the subject of coastwise trade.
Those with questions or concerns regarding coastwise trade issues can contact the Division of Enforcement via email at jonesact@cbp.dhs.gov.
