Ocean Importers: MSC Vessels may be subjected to Additional Screening

Recently, U.S. Customs Officers in the Port of Philadelphia seized 17.5 tons of cocaine from a shipping container aboard the MSC Gayane.  Subsequently, CBP has now suspended MSC’s CTPAT status.  At a conference in San Antonio this week, CBP confirmed that Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) members may continue to ship with MSC but MSC vessels may be subjected to additional screening which could delay the release of cargo.