U.S. Government Shutdown and Customs Operations

As of midnight on September 30, 2025, the U.S. government has officially shut down. We want to provide you with clarity on what this means for your shipments and how we are managing potential impacts.

There is no impact on our ability to accept bookings, and we are still able to file contracts and contract amendments without disruption. The FMC contract filing system, SERVCON, remains open for filing, although it is not being updated. We have a contingency plan in place to prevent any booking delays and ensure shipments are priced according to the agreed rates.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on October 1st that it remains operational during the shutdown. All ports of entry are staffed, and cargo processing is proceeding as normal. CBP will continue to issue Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) notices and implement entry guidance, including upcoming tariffs. U.S. Importers should remain subscribed to CSMS for the latest updates.

CBP and Agency Operations During the Shutdown

• Refunds: CBP will process refund requests, but the Treasury Department’s ability to issue payments during the shutdown is uncertain.
• ACE & Technical Support: ACE systems and assistance remain available.
• FTZ & Bonded Warehouses: Requests for activation and processing are proceeding normally.
• Trade Remedy & EAPA: Reviews and enforcement continue without interruption.
• Tariff Implementation: CBP will continue to implement entry guidance on new Executive Orders, including the tariff provisions on lumber and furniture, effective October 14.

For Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) such as the FDA, CPSC, EPA, and FWS, imported products requiring review may face delays in regulatory approvals and customs clearances due to reduced staffing. If a PGA holds a shipment, importers should first contact the local PGA office, then the local CBP port official, and escalate to tradeevents@cbp.dhs.gov if unresolved.

While we will continue to operate our shipping and logistics services, customers may still see uneven service levels at certain ports depending on PGA operations. Please continue to provide accurate documentation to minimize delays.

We are actively monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your shipments, please do not hesitate to contact us at compliance.mcsi.nam@maersk.com or our Customer Support team at +1 (800) 321 8807. We are here to assist you.

* This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Importers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.