Dear Valued Clients,
We would like to provide an operational update as the U.S. government shutdown continues to affect certain areas of customs and transport services. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains operational as an essential service, we are now seeing increasing ripple effects across partner government agencies (PGAs) and air traffic operations that may impact shipment timelines.
Current Impact Areas
1. Partner Agency Delays (FDA, EPA, USDA)
While CBP officers continue processing entries, several partner agencies are operating with reduced staffing or furloughs. This may slow regulatory reviews, health certifications, environmental clearances, and permit processing — particularly for shipments requiring FDA or EPA oversight.
2. Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortages
Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are working without pay, leading to growing absenteeism and staffing gaps at key U.S. airports. These shortages have caused intermittent delays and extended clearance times for inbound and outbound air cargo, particularly at high-volume hubs.
3. Administrative Backlogs
Non-essential administrative functions — such as duty refunds, permit issuance, and data updates — are temporarily paused or delayed. CBP has confirmed that all payments due will continue to accrue interest and be honored once operations resume.
Operational Guidance for Shippers
- Build in Buffer Time: Expect clearance and delivery delays, especially for regulated goods (food, chemicals, medical devices).
- Coordinate Early: Communicate proactively with your Phoenix International team for shipments requiring government inspection or certification
- Monitor Agency Status: We recommend checking FDA, EPA, and USDA advisories as they provide updates on staffing and processing timelines.
- Prioritize Critical Shipments: Focus on time-sensitive or high-value cargo to mitigate exposure to delays.We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates as conditions evolve. Our operations and brokerage teams remain fully staffed and are working closely with carriers, customs, and government agencies to minimize disruption.Should you have any urgent shipments or questions about specific entries, please contact your Phoenix International representative directly.
Thank you!
