Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. DHS Says Container Security Technology May be Ready for Limited Deployment in 3 Years

According to the article, Dezenski stated that while such CSD technology is being refined, performance standards for its use will be developed; when both the technology and standards are ready, DHS will determine whether to provide incentives for their use, perhaps as a C-TPAT prerequisite, or issue a regulation mandating their use for the entire industry. (ShippersNewsWire@americanshipper.com , dated 11/12/04)

2. China Opposes "Threat" Safeguard Actions and Reserves Right to Take WTO Action, Etc.

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) has issued a statement that China's government opposes CITA's acceptance of petitions for China safeguard actions on trousers, woven shirts, underwear, etc. exported from China to the U.S. under the excuse of "threat of market disruption," and reserves the right to take further measures under the WTO framework.

A Textile Development Memo from the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) states that one point in MOFCOM's statement is sparking particular interest, that such petitions "threatened the interests of American cotton planters," noting that China is by far the largest purchaser of American cotton. (MOFCOM statement, dated 11/11/04, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/article/200411/20041100303615_1.xml. USA-ITA TDM, dated 11/12/04, www.usa-ita.com )

3. U.S. Administration Unlikely to Flatly Reject China Safeguard Petitions

An article in The Wall Street Journal on the safeguard petitions that have been filed on various textile and apparel products from China states that the White House is unlikely to reject the petitions flatly, and if it is ambitious, could use the threat of restrictions as leverage to try to get the Chinese government to unfetter its currency (the yuan), among other things. (WSJ, dated 11/03/04, www.wsj.com )

4. Coast Guard and TSA Studying Ferry Security

The Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have issued a press release announcing that they are leading an interagency team to study ways to enhance security of ferry systems, both during and following the current period of increased risk. According to the press release, the National Ferry Security Study Team, which began work in July 2004, is focusing on issues involving the screening of people, vehicles, and baggage for explosive devices. (Coast Guard Press Release, dated 10/25/04, available at https://www.piersystem.com/external/index.cfm?cid=786&fuseaction=EXTERNAL.docview&documentID=55668)

5. FDA Issues Warning About Dangers of Certain Decorative Contact Lenses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a press release alerting consumers about the serious risks of using decorative contact lenses without appropriate involvement by an eye care professional. The FDA adds that it has issued an import alert for decorative contact lenses presented at U.S. ports of entry that are intended for distribution without the appropriate involvement of an eye care professional. (FDA Press Release P04-99, dated 10/28/04, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01127.html)

6. FMC Lists Applicants for OTI Licenses

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice stating that the following companies have filed applications for license as non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs):

NVOCC-OTIs

Universal Container Trade, Inc. (CA)

Global Alliance Logistics (DFW) Inc. (TX)

Torision Freight Inc. (NJ)

Nanix Express, Inc. (IL)

Freightcan LLC (NY)

ATX International SRL (Italy)

AERO DOC Inc. (FL)

NVOCC/FF-OTIs

Pacific Package (TX)

Classic Logistics, Inc. (NY)

EDU Support Services, LLC (CT)

FF-OTIs

A & A Alpha Shipping Inc. (MD)

ASC Miami, Corp. (FL)

ProLog International Freight Forwarders, LLC (TX)

(FMC notice, FR Pub 10/20/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23474.pdf)

1. FMC Revokes OTI Licenses

The FMC has announced that it has revoked the following ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses, effective on the corresponding dates shown below:

(FMC notice, FR Pub 10/20/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23475.pdf)

8. FMC Correction to Notice Listing Name of OTI License Applicant

The FMC has issued a correction to its October 6, 2004 Federal Register notice, which listed applicants for ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses. The FMC states that Waterlink Pakistan (PVT) Ltd. was incorrectly listed as Waterline Pakistan (PVT) Ltd. (FMC notice, FR Pub 10/20/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23473.pdf)

1. FMC Rescinds Order that Previously Revoked OTI License

The FMC has announced that the order revoking the following ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) license is being rescinded:

(FMC notice, FR Pub 10/20/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23472.pdf)