CBP Anoints Puerto Rico Lab for Official Oil Testing
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Notice
Summary
Altol Chemical and Environmental Laboratory in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just got the green light to officially test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting September 5, 2024. This means importers and exporters can trust their results for the next three years, with the next check-up set for 2027. No extra costs or delays are expected, just smoother, official testing in the Caribbean!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local lab accredited for customs tests
If you import or export petroleum or certain petroleum products, Altol Chemical and Environmental Laboratory in Ponce, PR was accredited to test those products for U.S. Customs as of September 5, 2024. The accreditation lasts for three years from that date, with the next triennial inspection scheduled for September 2027.
Accredited for specific petroleum tests
Altol Chemical and Environmental Laboratory is accredited to perform specific CBP laboratory methods and ASTM tests for petroleum, including CBPL 27-01 (ASTM D287 API gravity by hydrometer), 27-02 (ASTM D1298 density/API gravity by hydrometer), 27-11 (ASTM D445 kinematic viscosity), 27-13 (ASTM D4294 sulfur by X-ray fluorescence), and 27-48 (ASTM D4052 density by digital density meter). Businesses needing any of these listed tests can rely on those accredited methods for customs purposes.
You should get written accreditation proof
Anyone who wants this lab to do a test for customs purposes should ask the lab for written assurance that it is accredited to perform the specific test requested. You can also contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (202) 344-1060, by email at labs@cbp.dhs.gov, or check http://www.cbp.gov/about/labs-scientific/commercial-gaugers-and-laboratories for confirmation.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23895, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
Starting January 29, 2026, some products and services will be added to or removed from the government’s special shopping list that supports nonprofit groups employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This means federal agencies must buy the new items from these nonprofits, helping them keep jobs while some old items get dropped. No big money or paperwork changes for most small businesses, just a smooth switch to support a great cause!
Next: 2025-23899, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Form S-4-Registration Statement
The SEC is asking for comments on extending the use of Form S-4, which companies file when they combine businesses and offer new securities. About 228 companies file this form yearly, spending lots of time and money—over 217,000 hours and nearly $392 million in outside fees. The SEC wants to make sure this process stays useful and not too burdensome, so they’re inviting feedback before renewing the approval.