CBP launches Pay.gov for U.S. Virgin Islands Imports - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today a major advancement in trade modernization for the U.S. Virgin Islands: the use of Pay.gov for all payments of duties, taxes, and fees on imported merchandise.
In upcoming months, importers will be able to submit payments electronically via Pay.gov, marking a significant step toward fully automating the USVI commercial process.
This new capability applies to all cargo arriving from the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and foreign locations. The acceptance of paper-based payments at the U.S. Virgin Islands ports of entry will drastically be reduced while CBP prioritizes cargo/importations transactions completed through electronic payment systems.
The adoption of Pay.gov offers importers, residents, and travelers a faster, secure, and user-friendly platform to manage payments. By creating a Pay.gov account, users can save payment information, track transactions, and manage recurring payments. Importer, broker, and service provider payments for formal entries can be made by ACH debit from a U.S. bank account, and payment data will be synchronized with the Automated Commercial Environment entry records in real time, reducing errors and expediting cargo release. For informal entries, residents and travelers may pay their duty amounts with a credit or debit card.
“Pay.gov is a game changer for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Area Port Director for the US Virgin Islands Todd Bellew. “This new platform will make it faster and easier for importers to meet their obligations, while giving CBP the tools to process cargo more efficiently and securely. It’s a win for trade and for the territory.”
The move to Pay.gov is a key component of CBP’s broader strategy to fully automate the USVI commercial process. In the near future, CBP expects to introduce additional digital solutions that will further streamline cargo processing, enhance compliance, and improve the overall experience for the trade community, like Electronic Manifest.
In addition to Pay.gov, CBP will mandate the electronic submission of cargo manifests via the ACE and Electronic Data Interchange systems. The electronic manifest transmission provides CBP with critical advance cargo notice, essential for effectively securing America’s Caribbean Border.
Carriers must use the following port codes to transmit electronic manifest information to the USVI:
• For shipments originating from the Continental US and Puerto Rico to the USVI, the carrier needs to add USVI designated foreign port codes (91155 – STT, 91195 – STJ, and 91149 – STX) to their internal proprietary systems to enable cargo manifest transmission to the USVI.
• For foreign shipments to the USVI, use domestic port codes 5101 – STT, 5102 – STJ, and 5104 – STX .
Carriers are required to test their systems with CBP to ensure proper data transmission. Importers and filers must continue to request cargo release via the USVICEI mailbox to obtain CBP authorization for delivery.
CBP will provide a grace period for carriers and importers to adapt to the new requirements. After the grace period, penalties for non-compliance may be assessed, and cargo release may be delayed.
These changes are authorized by the Trade Act of 2002, and federal regulations governing customs operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which mandates the advance electronic submission of cargo information.
CBP is the nation’s largest federal law enforcement agency, responsible for securing America’s borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.
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FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers - Federal Communications Commission
Full Title: FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers, Prohibiting Approval of New Models
Document Type: News Release
Bureau(s): Media Relations
Description
Update Follows Determination by Executive Branch Agencies that Consumer-Grade Routers Produced in Foreign Countries Threaten National Security
News Release: pdf
Public Notice: pdf
Public Notice: pdf
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Oil Country Tubular Goods From India, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam; Scheduling of Full Five-Year Reviews
• Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip From China, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates; Determinations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: High Purity Dissolving Pulp From Brazil: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
• Standard Steel Welded Wire Mesh From Mexico: Final Affirmative Determination of Circumvention
• Certain Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry on the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Canada and India: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Certain Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry on the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Hardwood and Decorative Plywood From China, Indonesia, and Vietnam; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
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Rail and Autos Posted Double-digit Gains in January - Port of NY/NJ
The Port of New York and New Jersey began the new year with notable increases in total volume, exports, autos, and rail activity. Total volume in January 2026 was 749,906 TEUs (411,584 containers), up 4.0 percent from the 720,747 TEUs (399,501 containers) recorded in January 2025.
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USDA Promotes New, Voluntary “Product of USA” Label - USDA
New guidance supports transparency, consumer trust, and American ranchers
(Washington, D.C., March 24, 2026) – Today, on National Agriculture Day, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry, and egg producers of the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard which went into effect on January 1, 2026, and increases consumer understanding of what the label means.
“Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise, and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply. American consumers want to support America by buying American and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” said USDA Secretary Rollins. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”
“When we choose to purchase from American producers, we get a superior product while supporting the hardworking family farms who put it all on the line every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation,” said SBA Administrator Loeffler. “Amid President Trump’s work to end years of unfair competition and eliminate the massive red tape that has crushed domestic agriculture, Made in America is finally making a comeback. Today, on National Agriculture Day, I urge all Americans to join me in support of the hardworking farmers and ranchers who anchor the U.S. food supply chain that is so vital to keeping our nation strong, safe, and healthy.”
“Our farmers and ranchers are essential to putting real food back at the center of the American plate and delivering on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home.”
“America’s farmers and ranchers are key to our national security, sustaining rural communities and keeping our food supply resilient,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “The ‘Product of the USA’ label rewards American farmers and ranchers who grow, raise, and process their products in the U.S., while giving consumers confidence they are supporting American agriculture. Together with USDA, the Trump Administration is streamlining processes and delivering solutions that strengthen agricultural productivity, rural prosperity, and the health of our environment.”
“U.S. producers are the best in the world, and produce the highest-quality products,” said North Dakota Senator Hoeven. “A ‘Product of USA’ label benefits our ranchers and provides transparency and confidence for consumers. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their efforts to support our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”
Under this standard, the “Product of USA” label is reserved exclusively for meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. The claim is voluntary, but companies using it must meet this transparent and verifiable requirement. This ends the prior practice which allowed imported products to carry the claim after minimal processing and strengthens consumer confidence by aligning with what Americans expect and demand.
Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer demand for beef has grown 9% over the past decade. In October 2025, Secretary Rollins released the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry that focuses on rebuilding domestic capacity, improving transparency across the supply chain, and ensuring U.S. ranchers can compete on a level playing field.
Today’s announcement on enforcement and promotion of the strengthened “Product of USA” label is a key deliverable under this initiative, advancing the Trump Administration’s priorities of fairness, competition, and consumer trust.
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**Simple Food Safety Steps for Spring Holiday Meals - USDA
(WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2026) – Spring holidays bring families and friends together for Easter ham, Passover brisket, and Mother’s Day egg-based brunch dishes. As consumers across America prepare these traditional meals for large gatherings, following basic food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
“Spring holidays are about cherished traditions—sharing Easter ham, Passover brisket, or a Mother’s Day brunch with those you love,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears. “Don’t let foodborne illness spoil these special moments. Keep your loved ones safe by following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Four Steps to Food Safety when preparing your favorite holiday meal.”
USDA encourages consumers to follow these food safety tips during Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day:
The Danger Zone
• Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F. This temperature range is called the Danger Zone.
• Food should not be left in the Danger Zone for more than two hours (called the two-hour rule). After two hours, bacteria can reach dangerous levels that can cause foodborne illness.
• Perishable foods, such as ham slices, brisket, and deviled eggs, should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours in the Danger Zone.
Ham
Ham is a popular choice for Easter meals. There are many different types of hams available and knowing ham is ready to eat or requires cooking before consumption matters.
• Ready-to-eat hams are fully cooked at the processing plant and can be reheated or safely eaten cold without additional cooking. Look for the USDA mark of inspection and “Fully Cooked” on the packaging. Reheat these hams to 140 degrees F and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when available.
• Cook raw, fresh, and uncooked hams to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer. Remove from heat and let rest for three minutes before carving.
• If a ham says “Cook Thoroughly” on the packaging, follow all manufacturer’s instructions and use a food thermometer to ensure the ham has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a three-minute rest.
More information at Hams and Food Safety.
Brisket
• Allow enough time to thaw frozen brisket safely in the refrigerator. Thawing can take about 24 hours for a trimmed, first-cut brisket, while a whole brisket weighing about 10 pounds can take several days.
• Bake the brisket, fat side up in a baking dish, in an oven set no lower than 325 degrees F. Brisket is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and is allowed to rest at that temperature for three minutes.
More information at Beef from Farm to Table.
Lamb
Lamb is another traditional spring holiday dish.
• Cook a leg of lamb and other cuts to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F as measured with a food thermometer.
• Cook ground lamb to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Consumers are also reminded to refrigerate leftovers within two hours to help prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying.
More information at Lamb from Farm to Table.
Eggs and Egg Dishes
Eggs and egg dishes are commonly served during spring holidays and brunch gatherings.
• All egg dishes should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F, as measured by a food thermometer.
• Eggs intended for eating should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep hard-cooked eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• If you plan to eat decorated Easter eggs, use only food-grade dye. Consider making two sets of eggs, one for decorating and hiding and another for eating. For egg hunts, use non-food decorative eggs instead of eggs intended for consumption.
More information at Shell Eggs from Farm to Table.
Questions?
Explore resources on the Spring Holiday Food Safety Guide, a one-stop guide to cooking, serving, and storing a safe holiday meal.