Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) will be able to enter into confidential contracts with customers under new rules that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) proposed on October 27, 2004. The proposal is in response to eight petitioners' seeking relief from the restrictions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) that reserve service contracts for vessel operators and require NVOCCs to maintain tariffs with the FMC. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/18/04 news, 04101810, for BP summary on the announcement of the FMC's October 27, 2004 meeting.)(JoC Online dated 10/27/04, www.joc.com.)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
1. FMC Votes to Allow NVOCCs to Enter into Confidential Contracts
2. CBP Floats Initial Draft of New C-TPAT Security Standards to Selected Importers for Comment
Shippers NewsWire reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) received an unfavorable reaction from the import community during a conference call last week after floating an initial draft for new Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) security standards among select importers.
The article states that U.S. officials are stressing that C-TPAT will remain a purely voluntary initiative, but notes that stricter guidelines under development for internal security measures and those of foreign suppliers and logistics providers has caused an uproar among importers who perceive the new minimum standards as requirements rather than guidelines that can be adapted to suit each company.
According to the article, CBP is expected to issue a second draft of the C-TPAT security standards within two weeks and hopes to issue the final standards by early December 2004. (SNW dated 10/26/04, www.amercianshipping.com.)
3. FDA Confirms Effective Date of Final Rule on Color Additive D&C Black 2
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confirming the effective date of August 30, 2004 for its final rule, published in the July 28, 2004 Federal Register, which amended the color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of D&C Black No. 2 (a high purity furnace black, subject to FDA batch certification) as a color additive in certain cosmetics. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/30/04 and 09/09/04 news, 04073099 5 and 04090999 5, for previous BP summaries on the FDA's final rule.) (FR Pub 10/08/04, D/N 1987C-0023, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-22605.pdf.)
4. Nat'l Advisory Committee on Ergonomics to Meet November 16-17, 2004
The Department of Labor has issued a notice announcing the sixth meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) on November 16-17, 2004 in Washington, DC. NACE was chartered to provide advice and recommendations on ergonomic guidelines, research, and outreach and assistance. (FR Pub 10/25/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23804.pdf.)
5. DHS Announces $49 Million in Fourth Round of Port Security Grants
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing over $49 million in the fourth round of port security grants. The Port Security Grant Program provides resources for projects to improve dockside and perimeter security that is vital to securing critical U.S. seaports. (DHS press release ,dated 09/13/04, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3996.)