In the August 18, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 34), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to revoke nine classification rulings on truck engine cooling fan clutches, and (b) proposing to revoke a classification ruling on calibration lamps. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
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 Journal of Commerce Online reports that during the week which began on August 16, 2004, the World Shipping Council asked the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to allow replies in response to supplemental comments asking the FMC to expeditiously provide a conditional tariff publication and enforcement exemption for non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). (JoC Online, dated 08/18/04, www.joc.com )
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a August 2004 version of its document entitled, "Compliance Summary Information: Prior Notice."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its third version (dated August 13, 2004) of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding its final rule requiring the advance electronic presentation of information for inbound air cargo.
In the August 11, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 33), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to revoke and modify two classification rulings on certain towelettes, and (b) revoking a classification ruling on certain sunshades. CBP states that it is also revoking, or proposing to revoke, any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
American Shipper reports that to cover the extra risk associated with the deferred payment of customs duties under the new periodic payment system, surety companies are raising the premiums on performance bonds used by importers and their brokers to guarantee duties will be paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The article notes one surety's view that for a typical importer that imports on a fairly regular schedule, they are looking at five times the credit risk for the same series of transactions. (American Shipper, August 2004)
The Washington Post reports that on August 16, 2004, members of the September 11 commission urged Congress to impose strict deadlines on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to close loopholes in the nation's transportation system, stating that the administration has not developed strategic plans to protect the nation's rail system, ports, etc.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice informing truck carriers of the compliance dates for transmitting advance electronic information to CBP for cargo they are bringing into the U.S., as mandated by the Trade Act of 2002 and a December 5, 2003 final rule.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted to its Web site a revised "Joint FDA-CBP Plan for Increasing Integration and Assessing the Coordination of Prior Notice (PN) Timeframes" (FDA/CBP Joint Plan).
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that on August 4, 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) preliminarily ruled that European Union (EU) subsidies for its sugar farmers violate global trade rules, upholding a complaint filed by Brazil, Australia, and Thailand. The article states that this WTO decision follows a recent WTO ruling against U.S. cotton subsidies. (JoC Online, dated 08/05/04, www.joc.com )