Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) has reported that the new hours of service (HOS) rules governing the number of hours commercial truck drivers may work , could worsen the driver shortage and possibly drive more long-haul traffic to intermodal rail, among other things. JoC adds that shippers may face higher freight rates and may have to take over loading/unloading so that drivers can get back on the road more quickly. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/04/03, 03120410, for BP summary.) (JoC Pub dated 01/12-18/04, www.joc.com)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
1. JoC Reports on Negative Impacts of New HOS Rules for Truck Drivers
2. USA-ITA Urges Action to Extend AGOA 3rd Country Fabric Provisions
The U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) has sent letters to the Bush Administration and Congressional leaders urging immediate action to extend the third country fabric provision under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which currently expires on September 30, 2004. (USA-ITA Pub, dated 01/23/04, www.usaita.com)
3. Increased Detentions on Entries of Apparel Produced in Hong Kong
According to the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA), its members are experiencing a marked increase in detentions on entries of apparel produced in Hong Kong. (Textile Development Memo, dated 01/12/04, http://www.usaita.com/)
4. Federal Register Publication of FMC's Proposed Rule to Amend NVOCC Bonding Provisions to Reflect U.S.-China Maritime Agreement
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has published in the Federal Register its proposed rule to amend the non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) bonding provisions to reflect the recent U.S.-China Agreement on Maritime Transport (AMT). (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/28/04 news, 04012820, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (D/N 04-02, FR Pub 01/29/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-1808.pdf)
5. Federal Register Notice on TSA-Issued Security Procedures for Foreign All-Cargo Air Carriers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a Federal Register notice announcing that it has issued All-Cargo International Security Procedures (ACISP) to all foreign air carriers that perform all-cargo operations to, from, within, or overflying the U.S. that are not otherwise regulated under 49 CFR 1546 (Foreign Air Carrier Security). (See ITT's Online Archives or 11/21/03 news, 03112110, for BP summary of the TSA's press release announcing these and other security directives for air cargo.) (FR Pub 01/27/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-1615.pdf)
6. APHIS Final Rule Allows Importation of Certain Dwarfed Plants from China in Approved Growing Medium
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective February 17, 2004, to add artificially dwarfed (penjing) plants of certain species from China to the list of plants that may be imported in an approved growing medium subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements. According to APHIS, this rule will relieve restrictions that currently allow these species to be imported only as bare-rooted plants. (D/N 98-103-5, FR Pub 01/16/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-1066.pdf)
7. House Judiciary Committee Approves Legislation to Repeal 1916 AD Act
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) has reported that on January 29, 2004 the House Judiciary Committee approved by voice vote legislation repealing the 1916 Antidumping (AD) Act, which has been found to violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. According to WTD, this repeal would be effective upon enactment. (WTD Pub, 01/29/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)