19 CFR Part 132: Quotas

This part sets forth rules and procedures applicable to quotas administered by Headquarters, U.S. Customs Service.

When used in this part, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(a) Absolute (or quantitative) quotas. “Absolute (or quantitative) quotas” are those which permit a limited number of units of specified merchandise to be entered or withdrawn for consumption during specified periods. Once the quantity permitted under the quota is filled, no further entries or withdrawals for consumption of merchandise subject to quota are permitted. Some absolute quotas limit the entry or withdrawal of merchandise from particular countries (geographic quotas) while others are global quotas and limit the entry or withdrawal of merchandise not by source but by total quantity.

(b) Tariff-rate quotas. “Tariff-rate quotas” permit a specified quantity of merchandise to be entered or withdrawn for consumption at a reduced duty rate during a specified period.

(c) [Reserved]

(d) Presentation. “Presentation” is the delivery in proper form to the appropriate Customs officer of:

(1) An entry summary for consumption, which shall serve as both the entry and the entry summary, with estimated duties attached (see § 141.0a(b)); or

(2) An entry summary for consumption, which shall serve as both the entry and the entry summary, without estimated duties attached, if the entry/entry summary information and a valid scheduled statement date (pursuant to § 24.25 of this chapter) have been successfully received by Customs via the Automated Broker Interface; or

(3) A withdrawal for consumption with estimated duties attached.

(e) Quota-class merchandise. “Quota-class merchandise” is any imported merchandise subject to limitations under an absolute or a tariff-rate quota.

(f) Quota priority. “Quota priority” is the precedence granted to one entry or withdrawal for consumption of quota-class merchandise over other entries or withdrawals of merchandise subject to the same quota.

(g) Quota status. “Quota status” is the standing which entitles quota-class merchandise to admission under an absolute quota, or to a reduced rate of duty under a tariff-rate quota, or to any other quota benefit.

(a) Enactment. Tariff-rate quotas and absolute quotas are established by Presidential proclamations, Executive orders, and legislative enactments. These documents are published in the Customs Bulletin.

(b) Administration. Quotas vary by the type of commodity involved, the country of exportation, the period or periods the quota is open and the type of quota. Quotas are divided into two categories: Quotas administered directly by Headquarters, U.S. Customs Service, and quotas administered by other agencies which are enforced by Headquarters, U.S. Customs Service, and which may require special procedures or special documentation in accordance with the regulations and directives of the particular agency involved.

(c) Strict construction employed. The terms of a Presidential proclamation, Executive order, or legislative enactment establishing a quota, and the regulations implementing the quota, must be strictly complied with.

An entry summary for consumption or a withdrawal for consumption for quota-class merchandise shall be presented only during official office hours, except as provided in §§ 132.12 and 141.62(b) of this chapter. For purposes of administering quotas, “official office hours” shall mean 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in all time zones.

At the opening of the quota no importer shall be permitted to present entries or withdrawals for consumption of quota-class merchandise for a quantity in excess of the quantity admissible under the applicable quota.

Reduced or modified duty rates under tariff-rate quotas established pursuant to section 350 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended and extended (19 U.S.C. 1351), are not applicable to products imported directly or indirectly from the countries or areas listed under General Note 3(b), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202).

(a) Determination of quota priority and status. Quota priority and status are determined as of the time of presentation of the entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, in proper form in accordance with § 132.1(d).

(b) Documentation and deposit of duties in proper form required. Merchandise covered by an entry summary for consumption, which serves as both the entry and entry summary, or by a withdrawal for consumption, shall be regarded as entered for purposes of quota priority and shall acquire quota status if:

(1) The entry summary or withdrawal for consumption is in proper form, and duties have been attached to the entry summary or withdrawal for consumption in proper form; or

(2) The entry summary for consumption is in proper form, and the entry/entry summary information and a valid scheduled statement date (pursuant to § 24.25 of this chapter) have been successfully received by Customs via the Automated Broker Interface.

See §§ 141.4, 141.63, 141.68, 141.69, and 141.101 of this chapter.

(c) Informal entries. Mail entries or informal entries shall be regarded as presented for purposes of quota priority when all requirements have been met for the preparation of such an entry.

(d) Premature presentation of entry or withdrawal. Quota status will not attach to merchandise in a quota period by reason of the presentation of an entry or withdrawal for consumption at any time prior to the opening of that period.

(a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the time of presentation of an entry/entry summary for quota purposes shall be the time of delivery in proper form of:

(1) An entry summary for consumption, or its electronic equivalent, which serves as both the entry and the entry summary, with estimated duties attached; or

(2) An entry summary for consumption, or its electronic equivalent, which shall serve as both the entry and the entry summary without estimated duties attached, if the entry/entry summary information and a valid scheduled statement date have been successfully received by Customs via the Automated Broker Interface (see § 132.1(d)(2); payment must be subsequently made by the statement processing method as set forth in § 24.25 of this chapter); or

(3) A withdrawal for consumption with estimated duties attached.

(b) Before arrival of merchandise. The entry summary for consumption, without estimated duties attached, may be submitted for preliminary review before the merchandise arrives within the limits of the port where entry is to be made. In that case, the time of presentation of the entry summary for consumption shall be the time estimated duties are deposited after the importing carrier arrives within the port limits.

(c) Failure to use statement processing method. If presentation is chosen to be made pursuant to § 132.11a(a)(2) and payment is not made as required through the statement processing method, the Center director may require filing of an entry summary for consumption with estimated duties attached as described in § 132.11(a)(1) for future filings.

(a) Preliminary review before opening. When it is anticipated that a quota will be filled at the opening of the quota period, entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, with estimated duties attached, shall not be presented before 12 noon Eastern Standard Time in all time zones. However, an entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, for merchandise which has arrived within the Customs territory of the United States may be submitted for preliminary review without deposit of estimated duties within a time period before the opening approved by the Center director. Submission of these documents before opening will not accord the merchandise quota priority or status.

(b) Simultaneous presentation. Special arrangements shall be made so that all entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, for quota merchandise may be presented at the exact moment of the opening of the quota in all time zones. All importers prepared to present entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, when the quota opens shall be given equal opportunity to do so. All entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, presented in proper form (including those submitted for review before opening of the quota period if accompanied by the deposit of estimated duties) shall be considered to have been presented simultaneously.

(c) Proration of quantities. (1) The quantities on all entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, submitted simultaneously shall be prorated by Headquarters against the quota quantity admissible to determine the percentage to be allocated to each importer under the quota. Merchandise in excess of the quota shall be disposed of in accordance with § 132.5.

(2) In the event a quota is prorated, entry summaries for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, with estimated duties attached, shall be returned to the importer for adjustment. The time of presentation for quota purposes, in that event, shall be the exact moment of the opening of the quota provided:

(i) An adjusted entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached, is deposited within 5 working days after Headquarters authorizes release of the merchandise, and

(ii) The importer takes delivery of the merchandise within 15 working days after release is authorized.

(a) Procedure when nearing fulfillment. To secure for each importer the rightful quota priority and status for his quota-class merchandise, and to close the quota simultaneously at all ports of entry:

(1) For release of merchandise—(i) Tariff-rate. When instructed by Headquarters, the Center director shall require an importer to present an entry summary for consumption, or its electronic equivalent, with estimated duties attached, at the over-quota rate of duty until Headquarters has determined the quantity, if any of the merchandise entitled to the quota rate. If any of the merchandise entered at the over-quota rate is entitled to the quota rate, Customs shall amend the entry summary and refund to the importer any excess duties paid. This section does not prohibit an importer from obtaining release of the merchandise under the immediate delivery procedure. If an importer desires to enter only that quantity entitled to the quota rate, he may request that the merchandise not be released from Customs custody until Headquarters has determined the quantity entitled to the quota rate.

(ii) Absolute. Except as provided for in § 142.21 (e)(2) and (g) of this chapter, absolute quota merchandise shall not be released under the immediate delivery procedure. An entry summary for consumption, or its electronic equivalent, with estimated duties attached, setting forth the quantity desired to be entered, shall be presented to CBP, either at the port of entry or electronically. However, the merchandise shall not be released until Customs has determined the quantity entitled to absolute quota status and priority.

(iii) Quota Proration. When it is determined that entry summaries for consumption or withdrawals for consumption must be amended to permit only the quantity of tariff-rate and absolute quota merchandise determined to be within the quota, the entry summaries for consumption or withdrawals for consumption must be returned to the importer for adjustment. The time of presentation for quota purposes in that event shall be the same as the time of the initial presentation of the entry summaries for consumption or withdrawals for consumption or their electronic equivalents, provided:

(A) An adjusted entry summary for consumption, or withdrawals for consumption, or their electronic equivalents, with estimated duties attached, is deposited within 5 working days after Headquarters authorizes release of the merchandise, and

(B) The importer takes delivery of the merchandise within 15 working days after release is authorized.

(2) Report of time of presentation. The date, hour and minute that an entry summary for consumption or withdrawal for consumption, or their electronic equivalents, is presented to CBP, either at the port of entry or electronically must be indicated on the document by a method deemed acceptable by Customs. The appropriate Customs officer shall report this information to Headquarters.

(b) Closing of the quota. Except as provided by § 132.12, at the closing of a quota all entries or withdrawals for consumption which have acquired quota status due to priority of presentation shall be entitled to quota benefits. All other entries or withdrawals are without quota status and are not entitled to any quota benefits. All the latter shall be disposed of in accordance with § 132.5.

(a) Effect of issuance of special permit for immediate delivery or filing entry documentation before presentation of entry summary—(1) Requirements for release. Quota-class merchandise shall not be released upon filing entry documentation before the proper presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, pursuant to § 132.1 of this part. However, quota-class merchandise may be released under a special permit for immediate delivery in accordance with § 142.21(e) of this chapter.

(2) Effect of release under immediate delivery. Release of quota-class merchandise under a special permit for immediate delivery before proper presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, pursuant to § 132.1 of this part, shall not accord merchandise any quota priority or status or entitle it to any other quota benefit.

(3) Effect of inadvertent release. Inadvertent release under a special permit for immediate delivery, or upon filing entry documentation, before proper presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, pursuant to § 132.1 of this part, shall not accord the merchandise any quota priority or status or entitle it to any other quota benefit.

(4) Procedures following inadvertent release—(i) Quota nearing fulfillment. If quota-class merchandise is released inadvertently under a special permit for immediate delivery, or under entry documentation, before the proper presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, pursuant to § 132.1 of this part, and the quota is nearing fulfillment:

(A) An authorized CBP official may demand the return to Customs custody of the released merchandise in accordance with § 141.113 of this chapter;

(B) The Center director shall require the timely presentation to CBP, either at the port of entry or electronically, of the entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, with the estimated duties attached;

(C) The port director may assess liquidated damages under the bond on Customs Form 301, containing the basic importation and entry bond conditions set forth in § 113.62 of this chapter in an amount equal to the value of the merchandise, plus estimated duties (computed at the over-quota rate for tariff-rate quota merchandise), if the merchandise is (1) released before presentation of an entry summary for consumption or a withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached; (2) the merchandise is not returned to Customs custody within 30 days from the date of demand for redelivery; or (3) the entry summary for consumption, or the withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached, is not presented timely; and

(D) The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer may cancel the claim for liquidated damages if he is satisfied by the evidence that release was due to causes wholly beyond the control of the importer, that no act or omission on the part of the importer formed the basis for the release, and that there was no intent on the part of the importer to evade any law or regulation. The port director also may cancel the claim for liquidated damages if the merchandise is redelivered to Customs custody within 30 days from the date of the demand, or if the entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached, is presented timely.

(ii) Quota not nearing fulfillment. If quota-class merchandise is released inadvertently under a special permit for immediate delivery, or under entry documentation, before the proper presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, pursuant to § 132.1 of this part, and the quota is not nearing fulfillment:

(A) The Center director shall require the timely presentation to CBP, either at the port of entry or electronically, of the entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached;

(B) The port director may assess liquidated damages under the bond on Customs Form 301, containing the basic importation and entry bond conditions set forth in § 113.62 of this chapter in an amount equal to the value of the merchandise, plus estimated duties (computed at the over quota-rate for tariff-rate quota merchandise), if the merchandise is:

(1) Released before presentation of an entry summary for consumption, or a withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached; or

(2) If the entry summary for consumption, or the withdrawal for consumption with estimated duties attached, is not presented timely; and

(C) The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer may cancel the claim for liquidated damages if he is satisfied by the evidence that the release was due to causes wholly beyond the control of the importer, that no act or omission on the part of the importer formed the basis for release, and that there was no intent on the part of the importer to evade any law or regulation. The port director also may cancel the claim for liquidated damages if the entry summary for consumption, or withdrawal for consumption, with estimated duties attached, is presented timely.

(b) Permit of delivery—(1) Effect of filing. The issuance of a permit of delivery shall not accord the merchandise any quota priority or status nor entitle it to any other quota benefit.

(2) Time of issuance—(i) Absolute quota merchandise. A permit of delivery for merchandise subject to an absolute quota shall not be issued before a determination of the quota status of the merchandise.

(ii) Tariff-rate, quota merchandise. A permit delivery for merchandise subject to a tariff-rate quota shall not be issued before a determination of the quota status of the merchandise unless estimated duties are deposited at the over-quota rate of duty.

(a) Requirement. In order to claim the in-quota tariff rate of duty on beef, defined in 15 CFR 2012.2(a), that is the product of a participating country, defined in 15 CFR 2012.2(e), the importer must possess a valid export certificate at the time that such beef is entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption. The importer must record the unique identifying number of the export certificate for the beef on the entry summary or warehouse withdrawal for consumption (Customs Form 7501, Column 34), or its electronic equivalent.

(b) Validity of certificate. The export certificate, to be valid, must meet the requirements of 15 CFR 2012.3(b), and with respect to the requirement of 15 CFR 2012.3(b)(3) that the certificate be distinct and uniquely identifiable, the certificate must have a distinct and unique identifying number composed of three elements set forth in the following order:

(1) The last digit of the year for which the export certificate is in effect;

(2) The 2-digit ISO country of origin code from Annex B of the HTSUS which identifies the participating country (see § 142.42(d) of this chapter); and

(3) Any 6-digit number issued by the participating country with respect to the export certificate.

(c) Retention and submission of certificate to Customs—(1) Retention. The export certificate must be retained by the importer for a period of at least 5 years from the date of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption (see § 163.4(a) of this chapter).

(2) Submission to Customs. The importer shall submit a copy of the export certificate to Customs upon request.

(a) Requirement. For sugar-containing products defined in 15 CFR 2015.2(a), and as described in paragraph 15 of Appendix 2, Tariff Schedule of the United States—(Tariff Rate Quotas), to Annex 2-B of Chapter 2 of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA), for which preferential tariff treatment is claimed under the USMCA, and that are products of a participating country, as defined in 15 CFR 2015.2(e), the importer must possess a valid export certificate in order to claim the in-quota tariff rate of duty on the products at the time they are entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption. The importer must record the unique identifier of the export certificate for these products on the entry summary or warehouse withdrawal for consumption (Customs Form 7501, column 34), or its electronic equivalent.

(b) Validity of export certificate. To be valid, the export certificate must meet the requirements of 15 CFR 2015.3(b), and with respect to the requirement of 15 CFR 2015.3(b)(3) that the certificate have a distinct and uniquely identifiable number, this unique identifier must consist of 8 characters in any alpha/numeric combination.

(c) Retention and production of certificate to Customs. The export certificate is subject to the recordkeeping requirements of part 163 of this chapter (19 CFR part 163). Specifically, the certificate must be retained for a period of 5 years in accordance with § 163.4(a) of this chapter, and must be made available to Customs upon request in accordance with § 163.6(a) of this chapter.

(a) Requirement. For worsted wool fabric that is entered under HTSUS subheading 9902.51.11 or 9902.51.12, the importer must possess a valid license, or a written authorization from the licensee, pursuant to regulations of the U.S. Department of Commerce (15 CFR 335.5), in order to claim the in-quota rate of duty on the worsted wool fabric at the time it is entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption. The importer must record the distinct and unique 9-character number for the license covering the worsted wool fabric on the entry summary or warehouse withdrawal for consumption (Customs Form 7501, column 34), or its electronic equivalent (see paragraph (c)(1) of this section).

(b) Importer certification. By entering the worsted wool fabric under HTSUS subheading 9902.51.11 or 9902.51.12, the importer thus certifies that the worsted wool fabric is suitable for use in making suits, suit-type jackets, or trousers, as required under these subheadings.

(c) Validity of license—(1) License number. To be valid, the license, or written authorization issued under the license and including its unique control number, must meet the requirements of 15 CFR 335.5, and with respect to the requirement in 15 CFR 335.5(a) that the license have a unique control number, the license must have a distinct and unique identifying number consisting of 9 characters comprised of the following three elements:

(i) The first character must be a “W”;

(ii) The second and third characters must consist of the last 2 digits of the calendar year for which the license is issued and during which it is in effect; and

(iii) The final 6 characters represent the distinct and unique identifier assigned to the license by the Department of Commerce.

(2) Use of license. A license covering worsted wool fabric that is entered under HTSUS subheading 9902.51.11 or 9902.51.12 is in effect, and may be used to obtain the applicable in-quota rate of duty for fabric that is entered or withdrawn for consumption, only during the specific calendar year (January 1—December 31, inclusive) for which the license is issued (see 15 CFR 335.2 and 335.5(b) and (d)).

(d) Retention and production of license or authorization to Customs. The license and any written authorization from the licensee to the importer are subject to the recordkeeping requirements of part 163 of this chapter (19 CFR part 163). Specifically, the license and any written authorization must be retained for a period of 5 years in accordance with § 163.4(a) of this chapter, and must be made available to Customs upon request in accordance with § 163.6(a) of this chapter.

In addition to the regulations applicable to all mail importations (see part 145 of this chapter), the regulations in this subpart shall apply to mail importations of absolute quota merchandise.

Any packages containing merchandise subject to an absolute quota which is filled shall be returned to the postmaster for return to the sender immediately as undeliverable mail. The addressee will be notified on Customs Form 3509 or in any other appropriate manner that entry has been denied because the quota is filled.

(a) Notification of quota restrictions. If because of quota restrictions, a mail importation cannot be released, the director of the port of destination shall notify the addressee on Customs Form 3509 of the procedure required by paragraph (b) of this section, and shall inform the addressee that upon return of the Acknowledgement of Delivery by Postal Service, the packages admissible under the absolute quota will be forwarded to him and the restricted packages will be returned to the sender as inadmissible. The port director may at his discretion hold packages if it appears that the absolute quota will reopen in less than 30 days.

(b) Acknowledgement of delivery. An Acknowledgement of Delivery by Postal Service shall be sent to the addressee. He shall be advised that if he desires to secure release of less than the total number of packages of the merchandise, the Acknowledgement of Delivery by Postal Service must be signed by him and returned to the port director. Such Acknowledgment of Delivery by Postal Service shall be in the following form:

Acknowledgment of Delivery by Postal Service In consideration of the fact that certain articles in a mail importation consisting of (state number) packages mailed to me by ________________________ (name of sender) of ____________________________ (address) on ________________ (date of mailing), are subject to quota restrictions under which only a portion of such articles may be admitted to entry at one time, and the Postal Service permits no division of the importation before delivery thereof, and since I am desirous of receiving the packages of such importation which are admissible to entry under the quota administered by the United States Customs, I hereby agree and acknowledge that delivery of the package or packages to the United States Customs shall be regarded as delivery by the Postal Service to me. (Signature of addressee)

Acknowledgment of Delivery by Postal Service

(state number) packages mailed to me by ________________________ (name of sender) of ____________________________ (address) on ________________ (date of mailing), are subject to quota restrictions under which only a portion of such articles may be admitted to entry at one time, and the Postal Service permits no division of the importation before delivery thereof, and since I am desirous of receiving the packages of such importation which are admissible to entry under the quota administered by the United States Customs, I hereby agree and acknowledge that delivery of the package or packages to the United States Customs shall be regarded as delivery by the Postal Service to me.

(c) Agreement to less than full delivery. If, in any case, the sender of a mail package has indicated his agreement to the delivery of less than the entire importation at one time, an Acknowledgment of Delivery by Postal Service need not be secured from the addressee.

(d) Deposit required. If a portion of a mail shipment may be released, the port director may require a deposit of an amount sufficient to defray the expenses of repacking merchandise for shipment by mail to the addressee. The shipment shall be under Government frank without new postage.

Unless a formal entry or entry by appraisement is required, a mail entry on Customs Form 3419 shall be issued and forwarded with the package to the postmaster for delivery to the addressee and collection of any duties in the same manner as for any other mail package subject to Customs treatment.

If within a reasonable time, but not to exceed 30 days, the addressee fails to indicate to the port director an intention to receive delivery of the packages or a portion thereof in accordance with the notice on Customs Form 3509 which was sent to him by the port director, the importation shall be treated in the same manner as other undeliverable mail.