The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published its semi-annual regulatory agenda, which contains certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulatory rulemakings (rulemakings).
CBP CROSS Rulings
CBP issues binding advance rulings in connection with the importation of merchandise into the United States. They issue the rulings to give the trade community transparency of how CBP will treat a prospective import or carrier transaction. Common rulings include the tariff classification, country of origin, or free trade agreement applicability of merchandise, among other things. These rulings are available in CBP's Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) database.
The Treasury Department (Treasury) has published its semi-annual regulatory agenda, which contains certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulatory rulemakings (rulemakings).
Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has posted to its Web site a reminder on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) final rule regarding the registration of food facilities as required by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. TTB is reminding members of the alcohol industry that: (1) businesses that manufacture, process, pack, or hold alcohol beverages must register with the FDA, (2) alcohol beverage importers must give prior notice of import to the FDA, and (3) industry members must keep certain records. (TTB reminder available at www.ttb.treas.gov)
In the October 19, 2005 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 39, No. 43), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to modify or revoke five classification rulings on certain socks and booties with attached rattles, and (b) revoking two classification rulings with regard to certain three-layer fabric and garments with activated carbon particles embedded in one layer. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke, or is revoking, any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
In the October 5, 2005 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 39, No. 41), CBP issued notices: (a) revoking a classification ruling with respect to a wrestling championship belt, and (b) modifying a classification ruling with respect to a carrying case. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
In the October 5, 2005 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 39, No. 41), CBP issued a notice proposing to revoke or modify ten classification rulings with respect to power strips. CBP states that it is proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in this notice of proposed revocation/modification.
The Journal of Commerce reports that the European Commission (EC) is in the final steps of changing its customs code to carry out the supply-chain security goals that the European Parliament agreed to in April 2005. The final draft of the regulations, which is expected to include the creation of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, should be available by early 2006. (JOC, dated 10/17/05, www.wsj.com )
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has updated its set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) wood packaging material (WPM) regulations that took effect September 16, 2005.
In the October 5, 2005 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 39, No. 41), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to revoke one classification ruling with respect to certain footwear without applied soles, and (b) proposing to revoke one classification ruling with respect to a network interface unit. CBP states that it is proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices of proposed revocation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an interim rule, effective October 5, 2005, which it states amends 19 CFR Parts 12, 102, 141, 144, 146 and 163 in order to update, restructure, and consolidate the regulations relating to the country of origin of textile and apparel products.