Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is focusing on obtaining advance business data and developing next-generation radiation and imaging technology instead of the development of an electronic security device that can alert inspectors to possible tampering with a container's contents. JoC explains that CBP has shifted focus as the "smart box" initiative is facing technological, economic, and policy challenges. (JoC Pub November 2006, www.joc.com)
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1. CBP Shifts Focus Away from Smart Box In Favor of Advance Business Data & Imaging Detection
2. U.S. Making Efforts to Cut Crossing Time of Goods at Mexican Border
The Washington File reports that, according to a Commerce Department official, the U.S. is making a strong push to cut the crossing time of legitimate goods being brought across the U.S.-Mexican border. The official states that the U.S. has cut crossing time for goods traveling between the Detroit-Windsor port along the Northern border almost in half. The U.S. is hoping to do the same at the port of Laredo, TX. (Washington File Pub 10/20/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=October&x=200610201721221xeneerg0.9683802)
3. APHIS Final Rule Allows Imports of Shelled Garden Peas from Kenya
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective November 24, 2006, which adopts without change the proposed rule and amends the fruits and vegetable regulations to allow the importation of shelled garden peas from Kenya into the U.S. under certain conditions. In order to be eligible for importation, the peas will have to be shelled, washed, and inspected and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/28/06 news, 06072899 2, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (APHIS final rule, D/N APHIS-2006-0073, FR Pub 10/24/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-17774.pdf
4. APHIS Final Rule Changes Foot-and-Mouth Disease & Rinderpest Status of Namibia
APHIS has issued a final rule, effective November 24, 2006, which adopts without change the proposed rule and amends 9 CFR Part 94 to add Namibia, except the portion of the country north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, to the list of regions that are considered free of foot-and-mouth disease. The final rule also adds the entire country to the list of regions that are considered free of rinderpest. (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/20/06 news, 06062099 7, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (APHIS final rule, D/N APHIS-2006-0037, FR Pub 10/24/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-17776.pdf)