Phase I Implementation – First Six Months upon Entry into Force – (July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020)

CBP understands that the trade may need time to adjust business practices to comply with the new requirements under the USMCA, particularly relating to the preferential tariff treatment of goods. In accordance with principles established under the Customs Modernization Act (Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057), during the first six months after entry into force, CBP will focus on supporting the trade’s efforts to fully comply with USMCA requirements, including providing webinars and other outreach efforts to educate the trade on the new Agreement. Importers are required to exercise reasonable care when making a claim under USMCA, including ensuring that they are in possession of a complete and valid certification of origin at the time of making a claim and meeting all recordkeeping obligations. In order to provide the trade sufficient time to adjust to the new requirements and in consideration of the business process changes necessary to achieve full compliance, CBP may in appropriate cases, show restraint in enforcement during the six-month period after USMCA’s entry into force. CBP will take into account the difficulties importers may face in complying with the new rules, as long as importers are making satisfactory progress toward compliance and are making a good faith effort to comply with the rules to the extent of their ability.