In response to the ongoing disruptions in package deliveries affecting St. John residents and businesses, Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. has announced several actionable steps and options following a constructive meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This meeting comes on the heels of his original appeal for swift federal attention to the crisis, which has left many Virgin Islanders, notably on the island of St. John, without critical goods, including medical supplies.
“After a teleconference meeting with CBP officials, I am encouraged by the steps underway to address the backlog and streamline the customs process,” said Senator Bolques. “I remain fully committed to seeing these measures result in tangible relief for the people of St. John and the Virgin Islands.”
Senator Bolques is also happy to report that cargo processing for the port of St. John, for St. John customers, has now resumed as of today. This key development marks an important milestone in easing the burden on residents and restoring timely access to essential items.
CBP has outlined several key options and clarifications:
· Importer Bond Option: Allows for streamlined shipment processing through bonded clearance.
· Consolidated Entry Summary Process: Simplifies documentation for multiple small consignments.
· Excel Manifest Submittals: Enables efficient clearance using manifest templates for consolidated shipments.
· Required Documentation: Bill of Lading, invoices, and excise tax clearance remain mandatory. Online submission is available and is strongly encouraged.
· 15-Day Clearance Window: Couriers have 15 days from delivery authorization to complete documentation if a bond exists.
· CBP Submission Gaps: CBP has identified that, in many cases, required clearance documents are either not provided by courier services or have not been submitted at all for review and approval.
· Personal Shipment Guidance: Individuals receiving personal packages can request a copy of their Bill of Lading and invoice from the courier and process the clearance themselves. CBP noted this can help save time.
· Excise Tax Process: Excise tax clearance must be obtained through the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s online portal at excise.bir.vi.gov.
· Simplified Option for Low-Value Personal Items: Individuals may opt to pay a standard 6% charge to expedite processing for low-value personal items not intended for rating or classification.
· Need Help? For questions or more information, residents should contact CBP directly at (340) 774-2510 and select the appropriate option.
In addition, Senator Bolques urged CBP to help prioritize medical and emergency shipments, a concern that CBP has acknowledged they will expedite when properly flagged by shipping and courier services. However, these shipments are not consistently being flagged as such, resulting in continued delays for critical items. Senator Bolques emphasized the need for couriers to adhere strictly to this process to ensure life-saving goods and essential supplies reach their destinations without unnecessary hold-ups.
Senator Bolques also reminds the public that excise tax clearance remains unchanged and must be completed online at excise.bir.vi.gov before packages can be processed.
As part of his ongoing dialogue with CBP, Senator Bolques was addressed on concerns regarding courier practices. “A significant source of the public’s frustration seemingly stems from previous practices where courier services delivered packages before securing CBP-certified clearance,” Bolques noted. “Under the now tightened federal regulations, this is no longer permissible. Courier services must not place the bulk of the blame on CBP, and they are responsible for providing accurate, timely information to their customers regarding delivery delays.”
“As your Senator-at-Large, I will continue pressing for responsive service and fair treatment for our islands. I thank CBP for their cooperation and encourage residents to report ongoing issues so we can ensure these solutions are implemented effectively,” said Bolques.
St. Thomas:
Entry Branch & Import Specialists: (340) 774-2510 / (340) 774-2520
Vessel & Clearance: (340) 774-6755
Sandfill Cargo Office: (340) 714-1600
St. John
CBP Terminal (The Creek): 1-877-305-8775
St. Croix
Main Office: (340) 773-1490
Gallows Bay Port Terminal: (340) 773-1011
Onward & Upward.
Sincerely,
Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
Senator-At-Large
Office of Senator Angel Bolques Jr.
36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
St. John Office Phone: 340-776-6285
St. Thomas Office Phone: 340-693-3571
St. Croix Office Phone: 340-712-2278
