The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public hearing in Washington, DC on March 24, 2009 to address "China's Industrial Policy and its Impact on U.S. Companies, Workers, and the American Economy." (FR Pub, 03/06/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-4774.pdf)
Canada Border Services Agency has posted "Cargo Sealing Guidelines for PIP Members" which provides guidelines for Partners in Protection (PIP) members on the use of high-security mechanical seals on containers and trailers for imported, exported and in-transit cargo.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message announcing that the following changes were implemented over the February 28 - March 1, 2009 weekend to improve user access to ACE reports for importers and brokers:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a general notice announcing the deployment schedule for its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Entry Summary, Accounts, and Revenue (ESAR A2.2) ACE entry summary capabilities test, including functionality specific to entry summary filing and processing of formal (type 01) and informal (type 11) entry summaries.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice announcing that when it introduces enhanced Automated Commercial Environment electronic cargo processing capabilities in spring 2009 (e-Manifest: Ocean1), sea carriers will be able to use the broker download capability to facilitate communication and data sharing among carriers, brokers, and self-filing importers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has previously announced that the next customs broker license examination will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009.
The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America has issued a third email notice (dated February 26, 2009) stating that NCBFAA subject matter experts (SMEs) continue to work with senior managers at U.S. Customs and Border Protection to answer additional questions on the startup of the Importer Security Filing (ISF). In response to additional forwarded questions, NCBFAA states that (partial list):
Sources at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a recent National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) webinar have provided an update on using the new Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) chapter1 containingthe Participating Government Agencies (PGA) data set for submitting the Lacey Act Amendments declaration for imported plants and plant products.
During Secretary of State Clinton's recent visit to South Korea, she and South Korean Foreign Minister Yu discussed the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. According to remarks made by Minister Yu, the U.S. and South Korea have agreed to work together to move forward on the U.S.-Korea FTA. (Remarks with South Korean Foreign Minister Yu, dated 02/20/09, available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/02/119412.htm.)
Canada's Office of the Prime Minister has posted a brief summary of issues discussed by U.S. President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper, including the need to review management of the Canada-U.S. border. (Summary, dated 02/19/09, available at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=2432)