The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has posted its July 2010 Defense Trade Advisory Group Plenary Session Working Group presentations, which includes a proposal to create an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations for the export of components and spare parts in support of previous exports of U.S. origin end items.
Wireless Spectrum Auctions
The FCC manages and licenses the electromagnetic spectrum used by wireless, broadcast, satellite and other telecommunications services for government and commercial users. This activity includes organizing specific telecommunications modes to only use specific frequencies and maintaining the licensing systems for each frequency such that communications services and devices using different bands receive as little interference as possible.
What are spectrum auctions?
The FCC will periodically hold auctions of unused or newly available spectrum frequencies, in which potential licensees can bid to acquire the rights to use a specific frequency for a specific purpose. As an example, over the last few years the U.S. government has conducted periodic auctions of different GHz bands to support the growth of 5G services.
Latest spectrum auction news
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for OTI licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:
On June 28, 2010, Representative Owens (D) introduced1 H.R. 5619, which would amend the SAFE Port Act to provide for the eligibility of certain non-asset based third party logistics providers (3PLs) to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program.
Nike, Inc. has sued a Customs broker for its role as the "attorney-in-fact" entry filer for the importation of counterfeit branded footwear. Nike seeks preliminary and permanent injunctive relief from further infringement of Nike’s trademarks, as well as damages, costs, and attorney fees.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a revised version of its informed compliance publication entitled, What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Footwear.
On May 11, 2010, the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC) met in Philadelphia, PA to discuss a variety of trade issues. Highlights of the discussions include:
On May 5, 2010, the Clean and Sustainable Transportation Coalition sent a letter to leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee1 urging them to reject efforts to re-write the trucking rules in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act.
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a proposed rule to amend 46 CFR Part 520 and create a new Part 532 to make available to licensed non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) a new, voluntary exemption from the requirement to publish rate tariffs, if they agree to Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) with their shippers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted the April 2010 customs broker license exam and answer key. According to CBP sources, the pass rate for the April exam was 11.1%.
The Department of Homeland Security has published its spring 2010 semi-annual regulatory agenda for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.