Ruling Expected on Port of Entry Status

Port of Hueneme officials expect a decision this month on the port’s application to the U.S. Customs Service to be designated a port of entry to the United States.

The designation would ensure that customs and other federal services are available at the port--incentives that could lure international traders.

By changing its status, the Port of Hueneme could boost its cargo business, said Anthony Taormina, port executive director. Other ports of entry include San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach Oakland and a now-unused facility at San Luis Obispo.

It’s the second time in 12 years that the Oxnard Harbor District has applied for the status change for its deep-water port, the only active deep-water facility between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 1978, a similar change was rejected, said William Buenger, the port’s deputy executive director.

In April, the district applied for the status again with backing from Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.) and Reps. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) and Robert Lagomarsino (R-Ventura).

For the last few years, the Port of Hueneme has had one customs agent, but three to five additional customs officials would be needed at a port of entry. Port customers pay about $88 million in customs dues each year, which should pay for the extra agents, Taormina said.

However, the U.S. Customs office in the Los Angeles area may not be willing to give up its West Coast resources to the Port of Hueneme, which could use lower prices and higher productivity to lure business away from other California ports, Taormina said.

Buenger said port of entry status guarantees certain levels of services, including cargo inspection. “It’s kind of insurance that potential customers need and seek . . .,” he said.