Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
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 )
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1. NRDC Report Finds that Ports Fail "Green" Test
2. WTO Rules Against U.S. Zeroing in Antidumping Calculations
The Wall Street Journal reports that although three World Trade Organization (WTO) trade experts largely upheld antidumping (AD) duties imposed by the U.S. against Canada Softwood Lumber, two of the three experts also ruled that U.S. AD calculations were wrong because they used a method called 'zeroing', in which sales at above-market prices are ignored. According to the article, this WTO ruling can be appealed, and this case is one of three on lumber that Canada has brought against the U.S. at the WTO. (WSJ, dated 04/14/04, www.wsj.com )
3. Canadian Government Bans Import & Sale of Baby Walkers
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported that the Canadian government has banned the importation and sale of baby walkers due to concerns about rising sales of the items and hundreds of injuries linked to their use. (WSJ Pub 04/08/04, www.wallstreetjournal.com)
4. BIS Proposes New Information Collection on Safe Harbor Guidance
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a notice requesting comments on a new, voluntary information collection which will enable BIS to confirm whether the exporter has resolved red flags surrounding their export transaction, thus qualifying for a safe harbor and avoiding prosecution. Written comments are due by 05/14/04, and will be summarized and/or included in BIS' request for OMB approval for this collection. (FR Pub 03/15/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-5733.pdf.)
5. Portland, Oregon CBP Trade Bulletin on SED and AES Regulations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of Portland, Oregon has issued a Trade Bulletin, which is effective immediately, to inform the trade about the Shippers Export Declaration (SED), and Automated Export System (AES) regulations regarding: port of export, exemption statements, AES Option 4, and mandatory AES filing for USML and CCL exports. (Number 2004-24, dated 03/30/04, available by fax by emailing documents@brokerpower.com )
6. USTR Announces Establishment of New Office of China Affairs
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release stating that it will create a separate and expanded Office of China Affairs to accommodate an increase in staff dedicated to China trade issues. According to the press release, the new office will be responsible for trade with China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia. (USTR Press Release 04-31, dated 04/13/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/04/04-31.pdf)
7. WESCCON 2004 to be Held in San Diego from October 13 -17, 2004
The Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations has announced that its annual Western Cargo Conference (WESCCON) will be held in San Diego, CA from October 13-17, 2004. According to the announcement, more information is available at www.wesccon.org.