U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice which clarifies the new reporting requirements associated with imported sugar classified under HTS 1701.11.2000.
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
On June 9, 2004, the Secretary of Homeland Security testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on progress at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Among other things, the Secretary testified that DHS has created several new two-way channels of communication, including the National Infrastructure Coordination Center (NICC). According to the Secretary, NICC provides a centralized mechanism for the private sector, industry representatives, individual companies, and the Information Sharing and Analysis Centers to share and receive situational information about a threat, event, or crisis. (DHS Secretary testimony, dated 06/09/04, http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3708.)
On May 14, 2004, the General Accounting Office (GAO) submitted to the Homeland Security Subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a report entitled "Information Technology - Early Releases of Customs Trade System Operating, but Pattern of Cost and Schedule Problems Needs to be Addressed."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently posted to its Web site Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which CBP states addresses certain recurring questions for Customs brokers regarding trade names and corporations, as follows:
The Journal of Commerce Online (JoC Online) has reported that container operations have slowed at the Port of Oakland as a result of striking truck drivers. The drivers are demanding shipping lines pay them increased base rates and fuel surcharges. In addition, the Port of Norfolk is experiencing a strike as truckers there protest delays, difficulty in getting higher pay, and compensation for rising diesel fuel prices. (JoC Pub 05/07/04, www.joc.com)
The Journal of Commerce reports that the U.S. may have to drop 27% duties on Canadian lumber shipments after a NAFTA binational panel ruled that the U.S. International Trade Commission's finding that tariffs are needed because Canadian imports push down prices "is not supported by substantial evidence." According to the article, the U.S. has 21 days to redo its figures or end the duties. (JoC dated 04/30/04, 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:
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 )
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published in the Federal Register three separate notices announcing the following: