U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have clarified/re-issued an earlier administrative message regarding the full implementation of Automated Broker Interface (ABI) edits for FDA Prior Notice (PN) of imported food.
Broker Power has previously reported that effective from February 2, 2004 through April 30, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would detain and request production documents for, or send to a laboratory for testing, importations of socks from at most 22 targeted countries.
According to The Journal of Commerce, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released a report that sharply criticized the 10 largest U.S. seaports for their environmental records, indicating that lawsuits would follow if the ports don't clean up their act. (JoC March 29-April 4, 2002, www.joc.com )
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice announcing that the following Customs broker licenses, as well as any and all related permits, have been cancelled due to the death of the broker:
On April 1, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a first set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding the mandatory advance electronic information requirements for inbound air cargo.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice announcing that it is reopening until May 14, 2004 the comment period for its interim final rule on prior notice of imported food shipments.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice advising the trade on the upcoming system requirements that will be needed to file a U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SFTA) claim under HTS 9999.00.84 through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice announcing that it is withdrawing its June 20, 2002 proposed rule that would have, among other things, allowed inspectors from APHIS to require that cargo be returned to the port of first arrival or, if convenient, another location as specified by APHIS for inspection when necessary.
The Journal of Commerce reports that in response to concerns about port congestion, the California legislature is considering a bill to require a premium fee for daytime use of marine terminals in Los Angeles-Long Beach. According to the article, the bill's author, Assemblyman Lowenthal, has said he will push for passage of the bill if the port community does not establish a program for extended gate hours by summer. (JoC dated 03/22-28/04, www.joc.com.)
The Journal of Commerce reports that non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) have much to gain and lose in the outcome of Norfolk Southern Railway vs. Kirby which will be heard by the Supreme Court this fall. On the one hand, NVOCCs could win affirmation of their status as ocean carriers, not agents of shippers. On the other, the court's decision could open the door for shippers who have tendered cargo to an NVOCC to only be bound by the terms of the NVOCC's bill of lading, and therefore be free to collect full damages from any party in the supply chain. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/29/04 news, (Ref:04032999 for earlier summary.)(JoC, dated March 22-28, 2004, www.joc.com )