On March 24, 2004, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on the state of maritime security, focusing on the impact of security efforts on maritime commerce, and the additional measures that may be needed to further enhance maritime transportation security.
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.
In the March 24, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 13), CBP issued notices: (a) revoking a classification ruling on an artificial tree, (b) revoking a classification ruling regarding certain liquid rubber, and (c) revoking a classification ruling on hook and eye tape used for brassieres. 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 March 24, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 13), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to modify two classification rulings on metalized polyester embroidery thread and decorative wired trim, and (b) proposing to revoke a classification ruling on satellite radio receiver sets. 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.
As required by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (P.L. 107-228), the Census Bureau has been developing regulations to mandate filing through the Automated Export System (AES) of all exports that require Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) information.
Customs Not in Contempt for Revoking is Approval for the "Duty-free" Sale of Fuels.In Ammex, Inc. v. U.S., the Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) affirmed the Court of International Trade's (CIT's) denial of Ammex's motion to hold Customs in contempt because it revoked approval of the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel on a duty- and tax-free basis at the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, MI and Windsor, Canada.
On June 8, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Census (Census) plan to deliver a redesign of the commodity module of the Automated Export System (AES).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a notice of final determination (HQ 562936, dated March 17, 2004) concerning the country of origin of a multifunction printer to be offered to the U.S. Government under an undesignated government procurement contract.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (Offset Act) annual report of disbursements for fiscal year (FY) 2003.
In the March 10 and 17, 2004 issues of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 11 and 12), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to revoke two classification rulings on karaoke machines, (b) proposing to modify two classification rulings on certain multiple switches, and (c) granting Lever-Rule protection to Tomy Corporation. 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.
Value allowance regarding warranty expenses, port repair expenses. In Saab Cars USA, Inc. v. U.S., the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that, with respect to imported automobiles, most of Saab's claims for an allowance in value for warranty expenses were not adequately supported. However, the CIT did conclude that Saab should be granted an allowance in value for its port repair expenses.