The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has scheduled its quarterly meeting of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) for January 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with public access limited to a webinar format. This gathering, open to stakeholders and the public, aims to discuss key issues in commercial customs operations, including the implementation of Section 232 tariffs and the committee's evolving structure following recent disruptions. As a federal advisory body, COAC plays a critical role in advising top officials on trade facilitation and border security, making this meeting significant amid ongoing fiscal and operational challenges in the federal government.
Background on the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee
Established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. ch. 10), COAC serves as a vital link between the private sector and government agencies overseeing customs and trade. The committee provides recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the CBP Commissioner on matters related to commercial operations, such as import and export processes, tariff enforcement, and supply chain security. Comprising representatives from industry, trade associations, and government, COAC has historically operated through subcommittees and working groups to tackle specific issues like forced labor prevention and e-commerce regulations.
COAC's origins trace back to earlier advisory bodies, evolving to address modern trade complexities. For instance, it has influenced policies under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which emphasized enhanced customs enforcement and stakeholder input. Key players include CBP's Office of Trade Relations, led by figures like Executive Director Christopher J. Siepmann, who serves as the Designated Federal Officer. The committee's advice has shaped responses to global events, including supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions with major partners.
Recent Structural Changes and Challenges
The upcoming meeting follows notable shifts in COAC's organization. As noted in the Federal Register notice, traditional subcommittees and working groups concluded after the September 2025 public meeting, signaling a restructuring to adapt to new priorities. This change was anticipated, but its implementation was complicated by a lapse in federal government funding at the start of the new fiscal year. Although CBP continued operations, committee members had limited engagement during this period, delaying discussions and recommendations.
This funding lapse echoes broader political forces, including congressional budget disputes that have historically affected advisory committees. For example, similar shutdowns in 2018-2019 and 2013 disrupted federal advisory activities, leading to backlogs in policy advice. In this context, COAC has pivoted to focus on pressing issues like Section 232 tariffs, which impose duties on imports deemed threats to national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The notice highlights committee-generated conversations on tariff definitions and their application across transportation modes, from import to export.
Agenda and Key Discussion Topics
The agenda centers on adapting to the post-subcommittee era and advancing recommendations. The committee anticipates possible proposals on Section 232 tariff implementation at the January meeting, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of dates affecting trade processes. This could address ambiguities in tariff application, which have led to disputes in cases like those reviewed by the U.S. Court of International Trade. For instance, rulings in cases involving steel and aluminum tariffs have underscored the importance of precise regulatory language to avoid litigation.
Beyond tariffs, the meeting will explore future focuses for COAC, requiring further dialogue with CBP. The notice, signed by Christopher J. Siepmann, indicates that meeting materials will be available by January 5, 2026, on the CBP website. Public participation is encouraged through pre-meeting comments due by January 9, 2026, via regulations.gov or email, and live input during the session via email or Microsoft Teams chat. This setup reflects COAC's commitment to inclusivity, as outlined in the Federal Advisory Committee Act, ensuring diverse perspectives from importers, exporters, and logistics firms.
Public Participation and Accessibility
To promote broad involvement, CBP has outlined multiple channels for input. Comments must reference Docket No. USCBP-2025-0977 and will be posted publicly without alteration, aligning with transparency requirements under the Privacy Act. The webinar-only format, with links posted by January 13, 2026, accommodates remote access, a practice solidified during the pandemic. Accommodations for disabilities are available upon request to Mrs. Latoria Martin, demonstrating adherence to equal access standards.
Different perspectives on participation vary. Industry groups often praise the open format for enabling direct influence on policy, while critics argue that virtual meetings may limit nuanced interactions compared to in-person sessions. Nonetheless, this approach has expanded reach, as seen in prior COAC meetings that drew international stakeholders.
Implications for Trade and Policy
In the short term, the meeting could yield actionable recommendations on Section 232 tariffs, potentially streamlining enforcement and reducing compliance burdens for businesses. Long-term, it may influence broader trade policies, such as those under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, by clarifying tariff mechanisms. Political forces, including upcoming elections and international trade negotiations, add layers of complexity. For example, shifts in administration priorities could reshape COAC's focus, as advisory committees often adapt to executive directives.
Perspectives differ: Proponents view COAC as essential for balancing security with trade efficiency, citing successes in modernizing entry processes. Skeptics, however, question its effectiveness amid funding instabilities, pointing to delays in addressing emerging threats like illicit trade in fentanyl precursors. Legal precedents, such as Supreme Court decisions on agency deference in cases like Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024), may also impact how COAC's advice is implemented, potentially increasing judicial scrutiny of CBP regulations.
The COAC meeting represents a step toward stabilizing advisory functions after recent upheavals. Key takeaways include the need for resilient structures in federal advisory committees and the ongoing relevance of stakeholder input in customs policy. Looking ahead, potential next steps involve finalizing tariff recommendations and defining COAC's role in upcoming quarters. Challenges persist, such as ensuring consistent funding and integrating diverse viewpoints amid evolving global trade dynamics. Ongoing debates will likely center on balancing national security with economic growth, with COAC positioned to contribute meaningfully to these discussions.
