🚢CBP Extends Declaration Zone Test for Cruise Terminals
This notice announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending the Declaration Zone test for an additional three years. Current CBP regulations require each traveler to provide a CBP officer with an oral or written declaration of all articles brought into the United States. The Declaration Zone test streamlines the processing of travelers who enter the United States aboard vessels by allowing a demonstrative initial declaration to separate travelers who do not have items to declare from those who have items to declare and, in some cases, replace the provision of oral or written declarations.
Learn More🚢CDC Continues Sanitation Inspection Fees for Cruise Industry
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the vessel sanitation inspection fees instituted in fiscal year (FY) 2025 will continue in FY 2026 and remain in place until further notice or a modification is published. These inspections are conducted by HHS/CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). VSP helps the cruise line industry fulfill its responsibility for developing and implementing comprehensive sanitation programs to minimize the risk for environmentally associated illnesses and hazards. Every vessel that has a foreign itinerary and carries 13 or more passengers is subject to twice-yearly unannounced operations inspections and, when necessary, reinspection.
Learn More🚢CDC Notice on Emergency Cruise Ship Outbreak Investigations
The CDC announces a review of information collection requests related to Emergency Cruise Ship Outbreak Investigations (CSOIs). The notice seeks public and agency comments on the necessity and utility of data collection for managing and responding to gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships. This includes evaluations on methodology, burden, and data collection costs.
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