The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration are alerting shippers and carriers to the importance of transporting lithium batteries safely. PHMSA and FAA are concerned that many persons who ship lithium batteries do not recognize the hazards posed by these batteries during transportation. (D/N PHMSA-2009-0310; Notice No. 09-05, FR Pub 10/07/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24184.pdf)
The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced that Nature's Sunshine Products Inc. (NSP) and two of its principals will pay civil penalties to settle allegations that NSP's Brazilian subsidiary made illegal cash payments to Brazilian customs officials in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
The New York and New Jersey Port Authority Board of Commissioners has authorized two initiatives to continue ongoing efforts to improve air quality in the region by providing incentives to shipping lines and terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey to operate in a more environmentally friendly manner. The Ocean-going Vessels Low Sulfur Fuel Program will encourage the use of low-sulfur fuel by providing financial incentives to operators of ocean vessels for up to 50 percent of the cost differential between high-sulfur fuel and low-sulfur fuel. The Cargo Handling Equipment Fleet Modernization Program will reimburse participating port tenants for 20% of the cost of replacing existing cargo handling equipment with new equipment that meets federal on-road air-emission standards as applicable, or the most recent federal off-road emissions standards. (Press release, dated 09/24/09, available at http://www.panynj.gov/AboutthePortAuthority/PressCenter/PressReleases/PressRelease/index.php?id=1304)
Census Bureau and Bureau of Industry and Security officials discussed voluntary self-disclosures at the September 13-16, 2009 National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Government Affairs Conference.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted the June/July and August 2009 Trade Support Network monthly activity reports summarizing the activity of all of the TSN Committees and Subcommittees for the given months.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials discussed plans to change the in-bond regulations at the September 13-16, 2009 National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Government Affairs Conference.
CBP Says it Will Not be "Trigger Happy" with Penalties, May Provide More Details in ISF Report Cards
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials provided an update on 10+2 at the September 13-16, 2009 National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Government Affairs Conference.
On August 6, 2009, Senate Finance Committee leaders Baucus (D) and Grassley (R) introduced the "Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009" (S.1631).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin advising the public of, and inviting comments on, a proposed fee schedule change for the Centralized Examination Station operated by Price Transfer, Incorporated, for the CBP Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. (Bulletin LA09-022, dated 09/03/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
The Agricultural Marketing Service is issuing a proposed rule that was requested by a group of petitioners seeking to establish a voluntary marketing agreement to cover the handling of leafy green vegetables and products in the U.S.