The Census Bureau has posted to its Web site the October 2009 issue of its Automated Export System Newsletter. Highlights include:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule, effective October 13, 2009, amending its regulations to specify the proper CBP official who is authorized to receive a final administrative appeal for a failing grade on the customs broker license examination.
CBP has posted a notice on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's announcement regarding an increase to their fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) services. These rate changes will become effective November 1, 2009. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/01/09 news, 09100105, for BP summary of APHIS delaying the AQI user fee increase until November 1st.) (Notice, dated 10/06/09, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee/2010_fee_increase.xml)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has updated and expanded its frequently asked questions document on its interim final rule that amended 19 CFR effective January 26, 2009, to require Security Filing (SF) information from importers and additional information from carriers (10+2) for vessel (maritime) cargo before it is brought into the U.S.
Multiple businesses, trade associations, and business organizations have sent a letter to leadership at the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees asking them to make the immediate renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences a priority.
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.