Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that registration will begin in May for shippers wishing to participate in a test of PierPass in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, although full implementation of the program will be delayed until late June or early July (from a June 1 target date). PierPass, which will charge an extra $20 per TEU for cargo moving through terminal gates during weekday hours, is an effort to shift more cargo movements to nights and weekends to reduce peak-hour traffic. (JoC, dated 04/18/05, www.joc.com)
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1. Full Implementation of PierPass in LA/Long Beach to Be Delayed, Etc.
2. CBP Hopes to Have Some Variety of 'Green Lane' in Place this Year
American Shipper reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) Director of the Office of Trade Relations, Mike Mullen told the annual conference of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) that CBP intends to announce "at least the bulk" of its plan to create an inspection-free "green lane" for certain importers this year (i.e., 2005), even of some of the programs underpinning the incentive are not yet ready. (American Shipper, May 0205, www.americanshipper.com.)
3. USTR Praises Recommendation of Lamy to be Head of WTO
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release in which the USTR praises Pascal Lamy, who has been recommended to be the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Formal action on Mr. Lamy's selection will take place at the May 26, 2005 meeting of the WTO's General Council. (USTR press release, dated 05/13/05, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2005/May/Portman_Praises_Recommendation_of_Lamy_to_be_Head_of_WTO.html.)
4. FMCSA Final Rule Amends Certain Rules of Practice for Carriers, Businesses, Etc.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a final rule, effective November 14, 2005, which makes certain amendments to its Rules of Practice for Motor Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, and Hazardous Materials Proceedings contained in 49 CFR Part 386. According to the FMCSA, these rules increase the efficiency of procedures, enhance due process and awareness of the public and regulated community, and accommodate recent programmatic changes. FMCSA states that petitions for reconsideration with respect to this final rule are due by June 17, 2005. (FMCSA D/N FMCSA-1997-2299, FR Pub 05/18/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-9898.pdf)
5. North American Task Force Issues Recommendations for Expanding Trade, Increasing Border Security, Etc.
The Washington File reports that the tri-national Independent Task Force on the Future of North America has issued a series of recommendations to help Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. strengthen North American competitiveness, expand trade, and ensure border security. According to the Washington File, these proposals build on recommendations adopted by the leaders of the three countries in March 2005. (Washington File Pub 05/18/05, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2005&m=May&x=20050518111932AJatiA0.6311151&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
6. BIS Announces Indictment of U.S. and Iranian Forklift Companies' Officials
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced the indictment of officials from two forklift companies, Clark Material Handling Corporation (CMHC) of Kentucky and Sepahan Lifter, of Esfahan, Iran, for violating the Iran embargo by exporting various CMHC components and forklift designs without having first acquired appropriate licenses. (BIS News Press releases dated 04/29/05, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/News/2005/Quinn.htm )