Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a fourth version of its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding the mandatory advance electronic cargo information requirements for truck carriers. This fourth version contains a further revision to FAQ 19. See future issue of ITT for full summary. 4th FAQ (dated 12/14/04) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/communications_to_industry/advance_info/truck_faqs.ctt/truck_faqs.doc.)
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1. CBP Issues 4th Version of FAQ on Mandatory Advance Information for Truck Carriers
2. U.S. Appeals Court Ruling Alarms High-Technology Exporters
According to the Wall Street Journal, high-technology exporters are alarmed by a recent U.S. Appeals court ruling that threatens to sharply expand the number of products that need to get Commerce Department export licenses for security reasons. The article states that the Appeals Court said the Commerce Department regulation-requiring licenses for parts "specially designed" to be used with licensed equipment-encompassed any parts, even if they also could be used with unlicensed devices. WSJ dated 11/24/04, www.wsj.com )
3. Trucking Officials Fear New Hazmat Background Check Rules Will Worsen Driver Shortage, Etc.
The Journal of Commerce reports that trucking officials fear next year's new rules requiring costly background checks for hazardous materials (hazmat) drivers will worsen the driver shortage, further tighten capacity, and raise cost for hazmat shippers. (JoC dated 11/22/04, www.joc.com.)
4. More U.S. Suppliers to Canadian Retailers Become Non-Resident Importers
American Shipper reports that more U.S. shippers are entering Canada's non-resident importer (NRI) program under which a non-resident importer is considered the legal importer of record, without being required to maintain a physical infrastructure in Canada. (American Shipper, October 2004)
5. Canada Also Lifts Textile and Apparel Quotas on Vietnam
The U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) has announced that Canada has joined the European Union (EU) in deciding to discontinue its textile and apparel quotas on Vietnam, effective January 1, 2005. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/09/04 news, 04120999 1, for BP summary of the EU decision.) (USA-ITA Pub 12/13/04, www.usaita.com)
6. WTO Outlines Agenda of New Trade Facilitation Negotiating Group
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a press release announcing that the first meeting of the Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation was held on November 15, 2004, during which members agreed on a work plan and a schedule of meetings. Among other things, the group's agenda includes: enhancement of technical assistance and support for capacity building; effective cooperation between customs or any other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues, etc. (WTO Press Release dated 11/15/04, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news04_e/tradefac_15nov_e.htm)
7. CBP Receives Application for Recordation of Trade Name
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that an application has been filed pursuant to 19 CFR 133.12 for the recordation of the trade name "PRECISION INSTRUMENT MANIFOLDS" which is used by DYNAMIC Controls & Sensors, Inc. in connection with valves. Written comments on the application are due by February 14, 2005. (CBP Dec. 04-41, FR Pub 12/15/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-27419.pdf)
8. DoD Final Rule Amends DFARS to Implement Chile & Singapore FTAs
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a final rule, effective December 15, 2004, which adopts with changes an interim rule that amended the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Chile and Singapore. According to DoD, these FTAs waive the applicability of the Buy American Act for some foreign supplies and construction materials from Chile and Singapore, and specify procurement procedures designed to ensure fairness. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/23/04 news, 04012399 7, for BP summary of the interim rule.) (DFARS Case 2003-D088, FR Pub 12/15/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-27345.pdf)