Customs and Border Protection Publishes Interim Final Rule Heightening Requirements for Foreign Importers of Record
On November 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued an interim final rule – effective January 5, 2027 – strengthening existing regulations for foreign importers of record, including requiring all foreign importers of record to be validated under the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program or use a CTPAT-validated and licensed customs broker to enter merchandise for consumption into the U.S. through formal or informal entry.
Furthermore, all importers will be required to declare whether they are a U.S. or foreign importer of record on every entry and entry summary. Stakeholder comments on this interim final rule must also be submitted by January 5, 2027.
These designations set a much higher bar than the existing “nonresident importer” concept (19 CFR 141.18), which is based on citizenship or place of organization. Status determinations will be made by the importer’s assigned Center of Excellence and Expertise (“CEE”) Director.
Importers, particularly foreign-owned U.S. subsidiaries, should assess now whether their importing entity(ies) meet the requirements (described below), assemble supporting documentation and confirm their broker’s CTPAT status.
Click the link below to learn more from ASA’s trade firm, Sorini Strategic Advisors.
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ASA Urges Congress to Advance Sportfishing Priorities Before the End of the Year
ASA and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation led a coalition of fishing and conservation organizations calling on Congress to advance key bipartisan recreational fishing legislation before the close of the 119th Congress. In particular, the letter focuses on the below priorities:
- Sport Fish Restoration Reauthorization and Full FY 2027 Funding
- SHARKED Act (H.R. 207 / S. 2314)
- Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745)
- Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act (H.R. 8195 / S. 5514)
- Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act (H.R. 9621)
ASA also joined a broader coalition of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation groups on a separate letter advocating for passage of the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547/H.R. 9250), Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462/H.R. 471) and a Farm Bill reauthorization.
Click the link below to read our full fishing community request.
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Webinar Recording – 2026 Midterm Election Debrief: What the Results Mean for the Sportfishing Industry
On November 6, 2026, ASA hosted a webinar unpacking the 2026 midterm elections featuring presenters from Forbes Tate Partners. Moderated by Mike Leonard, ASA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, this webinar provides an overview of the results, highlights key races affecting the sportfishing industry, and explores what the outcomes mean for advancing ASA’s legislative priorities in the 120th Congress and at the state level.
This recording is available to ASA members only. To request access, click the button below.
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Cape Gazette: Sharks are stealing our hooked fish
The Fishing Wire: SCDNR Urges Continued Red Snapper Reporting After Season Closes
Washington DFW: WDFW Hosting Virtual Town Hall About Coastal Steelhead Season Planning
The Water Wire: New Study Finds Sharks Rarely Attack Fish Released on Descender Devices
