Steel Imports from Korea Now Require eCERT

Trade Update • April 4, 2024

he United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to revolutionize the import process for steel products from the Republic of Korea through the adoption of the Electronic Certification System (eCERT).

Key Dates and Transition to eCERT

Beginning April 22, 2024, all imports of Korean steel subject to absolute quotas must be accompanied by a valid export certificate transmitted via eCERT at the time of entry or warehouse withdrawal for consumption. CBP will enforce this requirement strictly by automatically rejecting any filings that lack the correct eCERT information from May 20, 2024, onwards. Additionally, a 9-digit Korean export certificate number will become a mandatory reporting requirement for tariffs under the specific subheadings 9903.80.05 – 9903.80.58 and 9903.80.60.This transition is significant as it aims to enhance the efficiency of quota management and ensure compliance without altering the existing quota filing processes or requirements.

Background and Regulatory Framework

The necessity for an absolute quota on certain Korean steel products was established through Presidential proclamations and Executive orders. Notably, Proclamation 9740, signed by President Donald J. Trump on April 30, 2018, imposed absolute quota limits on these imports under specific subheadings of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). These measures were reinforced by subsequent proclamations and the establishment of export certification requirements as a condition for importation eligibility.

The Role of eCERT in Trade Compliance

The eCERT system enables the electronic transmission of export certification data, which is crucial for administering quotas accurately. The Republic of Korea has agreed to this sophisticated method, ensuring their steel exports comply with U.S. quota limits. The transition to eCERT will maintain the integrity of trade data, allowing CBP to match entry summary data elements with the eCERT transmissions effectively.

How Importers Should Prepare

Importers are advised to prepare for this change by familiarizing themselves with the requirements of eCERT transmissions. They must ensure that the export certificate numbers, provided by the Republic of Korea, are correctly formatted and transmitted through eCERT. Further guidance is available through the CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) documentation. If the certificate number is not translated properly, the entry will be rejected.

This shift towards digital compliance through eCERT marks a significant milestone in the management of import quotas and reinforces the CBP’s commitment to streamline trade processes and ensure compliance through technological advancement. Importers of Korean steel products are encouraged to align their processes with these new requirements to avoid disruptions and ensure smooth customs clearance.

For Further Assistance

For detailed inquiries or assistance, importers and stakeholders can reach out to Julia Peterson, Chief of the Quota and Agriculture Branch at the Office of Trade, via phone at (202) 384-8905 or through the designated email HQQUOTA@cbp.dhs.gov.

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