Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to a Journal of Commerce article, C-TPAT members should be able to avoid terminal demurrage charges - assuming that the seal on the container remains intact - as C-TPAT members are allowed to remove containers on a bill of lading that are not targeted for a Customs inspection to an off-dock storage yard, where demurrage charges are substantially less. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/08/07 news, 07080805, for most recent BP summary on this benefit.) (JoC dated 03/24/08, www.joc.com.)
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1. JoC Discusses Container Demurrage Benefit of C-TPAT Membership
2. Port of Chicago Pipeline on Split Shipment Procedures
U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Chicago has issued a Pipeline stating that regulations have been added to provide for the treatment of certain multiple shipments as a single entity under certain conditions in order to offer relief to importers whose shipments are divided at the initiative of the carrier. (CBP Chicago Pipeline 08-14, dated 03/28/08, available by emailing BP at documents@brokerpower.com)
3. PHMSA & FRA Propose to Amend Hazmat Regs for Rail Tank Car Safety
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration have issued a proposed rule to amend the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations to improve the crashworthiness protection of railroad tank cars designed to transport poison inhalation hazard materials. Comments due by June 2, 2008. (D/N FRA-2006-25169, FR Pub 04/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-6563.pdf; Press release on this proposed rule, dated 03/31/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot4508.htm)
4. President Determines Kosovo Eligible to Receive Defense Articles/Services
On March 19, 2008, the President issued a Determination regarding the eligibility of Kosovo to receive defense articles and defense services under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act, as amended. Bush determined that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to Kosovo will strengthen the security of the U.S. and promote world peace. (Determination No. 2008-15, FR Pub 04/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-6836.pdf)
5. NAFTA Panel Review Requested Regarding Final Results of AD Review
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice announcing that on March 12, 2008, ThyssenKrupp Mexinox S.A. de C.V. and Mexinox USA, Inc. (collectively Mexinox) filed a First Request for Panel Review with the U.S. Section of the NAFTA Secretariat. Panel review was requested of the final results of the 2005/2006 antidumping duty administrative review made by the ITA regarding stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from Mexico. (ITA notice, FR Pub 04/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-6690.pdf)
6. ITA Quarterly Update to Annual List of Foreign Subsidies on Cheese
The International Trade Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, has prepared its quarterly update to the annual list of foreign government subsidies on articles of cheese subject to an in-quota rate of duty that were imported during the period October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. (ITA notice, FR Pub 04/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-6714.pdf)
7. DTAG Charter Has Been Renewed for a Two-Year Period
The State Department issued a notice announcing that the Charter of the Defense Trade Advisory Group has been renewed for a two-year period. DTAG advises the State Department on policies, regulations, and technical issues affecting defense trade. (Public Notice 6077, FR Pub 04/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-6676.pdf)
8. FAS Posts Report on Cuba's Food and Agricultural Situation
The Foreign Agricultural Service has posted a report entitled "Cuba's Food & Agricultural Situation Report." The report provides a historical overview of U.S.-Cuban relations, current commodity sector situations for certain agricultural commodities, etc. (Report, dated 03/08, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/cuba/CubaSituation0308.pdf
9. CBSA Memo on Tariff Classification Policy on Industrial Belts, Belting
The Canada Border Services Agency posted a memorandum explaining its administrative policy regarding the tariff classification of industrial belts and belting of Chapters 39, 40 and 59 of the Customs Tariff. (Memorandum D10-14-53, dated 03/28/08, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d10/d10-14-53-eng.html)
10. Various Agencies Seek Comments on Information Collections
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
| Agency | Information Collection | Comments Due/Status |
|---|---|---|
| FCC | Section 20.19, Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets (Hearing Aid-Compatibility Act) | 05/20/08 |
| FMCSA | Commercial Vehicle Driver Survey: Truck Driver Hours of Service and Fatigue Management | 04/21/08 |
| ITA 1 | Foreign-Trade Zone Application | 05/23/08 |
| ITA 2 | Steel Import License (Form ITA-4141P) | 05/23/08 |
FCC Information Collection (FR Pub 3/21/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-5834.pdf
FMCSA Information Collection (FR Pub 03/21/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-5720.pdf
ITA 1 & 2 Information Collections (FR Pub 03/24/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-5825.pdf