U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially approved Intertek USA, Inc., located in Benicia, California, to act as a commercial gauger and laboratory for petroleum and certain petroleum products. This notice, published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2025, marks the renewal of Intertek's accreditation under federal regulations governing customs-related testing and measurement. The approval takes effect on March 14, 2025, and extends for three years, with the next inspection scheduled for March 2028. This development underscores CBP's ongoing efforts to maintain a network of reliable private entities that support accurate assessment of imported goods, particularly in the energy sector where precise measurements directly impact duties, tariffs, and regulatory compliance. By accrediting Intertek, CBP ensures that importers have access to approved services for verifying product specifications, which is crucial for facilitating international trade while upholding federal standards.
Background on CBP's Commercial Gauger and Laboratory Program
CBP oversees a program that accredits private companies to perform gauging and laboratory testing on behalf of the agency. Gauging involves measuring the quantity and quality of liquid commodities, such as petroleum, in storage tanks or during transfer. Laboratory testing verifies chemical and physical properties to confirm compliance with import requirements. This system dates back to regulations in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically sections 151.12 and 151.13, which establish criteria for approval. These rules require entities to demonstrate technical competence through inspections and adherence to industry standards. Intertek's approval aligns with this framework, building on a history of similar accreditations that help CBP manage the high volume of petroleum imports without relying solely on government resources. The program originated from the need to streamline customs processes amid growing global trade in energy products, with roots in earlier tariff acts that emphasized accurate valuation.
Key Players and Approval Process
The primary agency involved is CBP, part of the Department of Homeland Security, which administers the accreditation process. Intertek USA, Inc., a subsidiary of the global testing and inspection firm Intertek Group, operates from its facility at 6050 Egret Ct., Benicia, CA 94510. The company has a track record in providing analytical services to industries including oil and gas. The approval notice was signed by Patricia A. Coleman, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Laboratories and Scientific Services at CBP. According to the Federal Register entry, Intertek underwent evaluation to meet the standards outlined in 19 CFR 151.12 for gauging and 19 CFR 151.13 for laboratory testing. This process typically involves site inspections, review of equipment, and verification of procedural compliance. For further details, CBP directs inquiries to Dr. Laura Granell-Ortiz at the Laboratories and Scientific Services division.
Specific Gauging and Testing Approvals
Intertek has been approved for several gauging procedures based on chapters from the American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards. These include API Chapter 3 on tank gauging, which covers methods for determining liquid levels in storage tanks, Chapter 7 on temperature determination for accurate volume corrections, Chapter 8 on sampling techniques to ensure representative samples, Chapter 12 on calculations for quantity assessments, and Chapter 17 on marine measurement for ship-based transfers. These procedures are essential for importers to report accurate volumes and avoid discrepancies in customs declarations.
On the laboratory side, Intertek is accredited for a range of tests aligned with CBP Laboratory Methods (CBPL) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Key methods include ASTM D4006 and D95 for water content in crude oil by distillation, D4928 for water via coulometric Karl Fischer titration, D473 and D4807 for sediment in crude oils by extraction or membrane filtration, D4294 for sulfur content using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, D5002 and D4052 for density and API gravity measurements with digital analyzers, D1796 for water and sediment in fuel oils by centrifugation, and D4007 for similar assessments in crude oil. These tests help verify product purity, composition, and value, which are critical for tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The accreditation is grounded in 19 CFR 151.12 and 151.13, which mandate that approved entities follow standardized methods to ensure consistency and reliability. This ties into broader federal oversight of petroleum imports, influenced by laws like the Trade Act of 1974 and subsequent amendments that emphasize fair trade practices. Relevant precedents include CBP rulings on measurement accuracy, such as those addressing disputes over underreported quantities leading to penalties. Politically, the program reflects bipartisan support for efficient border management, with administrations historically prioritizing energy security. Different perspectives emerge here: industry stakeholders view such accreditations as vital for reducing delays in supply chains, while government watchdogs emphasize the need for rigorous oversight to prevent fraud. Environmental groups might highlight how accurate testing supports regulations on emissions-related imports, though the notice itself does not address such angles.
Implications for Trade and Compliance
In the short term, this approval expands options for importers relying on third-party services in the Western U.S., potentially streamlining operations at ports like those in California. Long-term, it contributes to the stability of the petroleum trade ecosystem, where U.S. imports exceed 8 million barrels per day according to recent Energy Information Administration data. Accurate gauging and testing mitigate risks of disputes, fines, or seizures, fostering trust in the customs process. From an economic standpoint, it supports jobs in the testing sector and aids in revenue collection through precise duty assessments. Perspectives vary: businesses appreciate the flexibility, but critics argue that reliance on private entities could introduce biases if not properly monitored. The notice advises users to confirm Intertek's capabilities directly or via CBP's online directory of approved gaugers and laboratories.
This accreditation highlights CBP's commitment to partnering with qualified private firms to handle specialized tasks in customs enforcement. Looking ahead, potential next steps include Intertek's triennial inspection in 2028, which could involve updates to approved methods based on evolving standards. Ongoing debates may focus on integrating new technologies, such as automated sensors, into gauging protocols, or addressing supply chain vulnerabilities amid global energy shifts. Challenges could arise from regulatory changes or trade tensions, prompting discussions on enhancing the program's resilience without compromising accuracy or impartiality.
