The following is the text of a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
(WASHINGTON) — In order to present a uniformed approach on issues involving the Jones Act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) has announced the creation of the National Jones Act Division of Enforcement (JADE).
The Jones Act is the foundation of maritime policy of the United States and a vital tool for our nation’s security and economy. The mission of the JADE will be to assist CBP and industry partners on issues concerning coastwise trade, with the goal of being a clearinghouse for all coastwise trade issues.
All formal ruling requests will continue to be forwarded to Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. The JADE will be located within the New Orleans Field Office and will be staffed by a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) to assist industry partners with questions and concerns on issues involving coastwise trade. The JADE will work in partnership with industry stakeholders in the enforcement of the Jones Act, along with all other coastwise trade laws. As an advocate for coastwise trade, the JADE be available for outreach presentations to industry partners on the subject of coastwise trade.
Suspected violations of coastwise trade can be submitted through the e-Allegation portal at https://eallegations.cbp.gov. Industry partners may contact the JADE via email at jonesact@cbp.dhs.gov with any questions or concerns regarding coastwise trade issues.
