Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials recently announced that CBP was developing an "additional" benefit for C-TPAT members designed to reduce container demurrage. (CBP would only require container(s) targeted for exam to be held at ocean terminals for C-TPAT importers instead of all containers listed on the entry; the remaining containers would be allowed to be removed from the terminal.)
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1. New C-TPAT Benefit of Reduced Container Demurrage
CBP sources state that C-TPAT members interested in this additional benefit should contact the ports they import through, as each port is administering this benefit in its own way, due to operational restrictions. In addition, sources note that not all ports will be offering this benefit.
2. Canada Concludes FTA with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
The Journal of Commerce reports that Canada has announced the conclusion of free trade agreement negotiations with the four European countries of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, known as the European Free Trade Association. In the coming weeks Canada is launching FTA negotiations with Colombia and Peru and with the Dominican Republic. (Joc, dated 06/08/07, available at www.joc.com)
3. President Permits Certain U.S. Air Transport To and From Lebanon
The President has reinstated certain transportation services to Lebanon by permitting U.S. air carriers under contract to the U.S. government to engage in foreign air transportation to and from Lebanon of passengers, including U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, and their accompanying baggage; of goods for humanitarian purposes; and of any other cargo or material. (Pres. Det. No. 2007-22, FR Pub 06/08/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-2886.pdf)
4. APHIS Proposes to Allow Certain Blueberries from South Africa, Uruguay
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to allow the importation into the continental U.S. of fresh blueberries from South Africa and Uruguay under certain conditions, including undergoing cold treatment and being accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the exporting country. Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 20, 2007. (D/N APHIS-2007-0061, FR Pub 06/05/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10818.pdf)
5. FDA Requests Nominations/Selection of Members for Its Food Safety AC
The Food and Drug Administration is requesting that any industry organizations interested in nominating or participating in the selection of nonvoting industry representatives to serve on its Food Safety Public Advisory Committee for the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, notify FDA in writing by July 11, 2007 along with any nomination materials of prospective candidates. (FDA notice, FR Pub 06/11/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-11141.pdf)
6. PHMSA to Hold Public Meeting to Prepare for 31st Session of UNSCOE
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a notice announcing that it will conduct a public meeting on June 20, 2007 in Washington, DC in preparation for the 31st session of the United Nation's Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCOE) to be held July 2-6, 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, input will be solicited on a five year agenda prioritizing PHMSA's international work. (FR Pub 06/11/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-2868.pdf)