Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Shippers' NewsWire reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans in 2007 to internationalize the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program by mutually recognizing for the first time similar programs in a handful of countries, which would allow companies accredited in one country as having adequate safeguards for container shipments to receive faster U.S. customs clearance without having to go through multiple application and vetting processes, or wait until U.S. officers can arrive. According to the report, CBP will also outline its plans for outsourcing some supply chain validations to private sector contractors by mid-February. (American Shipper Pub 01/04/07, www.americanshipper.com)
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1. CBP Plans C-TPAT Mutual Recognition, Third Party Validation
2. DHS Announces Issuance of TWIC Final Rule, Federal Register Notice Expected Soon
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a press release stating that on January 3, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the issuance of the final rule for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. TSA adds that the final rule was posted to its Web site on January 1, 2007 and is expected to be posted in the Federal Register soon. (TWIC final rule available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/1652-AA41_twic_fr.pdf) (TSA press release, dated 01/03/07, available at http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2007/press_release_01032007.shtm)
3. WHTI Passport Requirement for Land & Sea Travel May be Effective as Early as January 1, 2008
The Journal of Commerce reports that the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). According to the article, the land and sea requirements of the WHTI may have to be met as early as January 1, 2008 (Congress previously extended these passport requirements to June 2009.) (See ITT's Online Archives or 11/30/06 news, 06113015, for BP summary of the January 23, 2007 implementation date for the air travel passport requirement of the WHTI). (JoC, dated 12/04/06, available at www.joc.com)
4. FTC Final Rule Establishes Labeling Requirements for Ceiling Fans
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule, to become effective on January 1, 2009, which amends the Appliance Labeling Rule in order to establish energy labeling requirements for ceiling fans used to circulate air. (RIN 3084-AA74, FR Pub 12/28/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-9901.pdf)