Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') Undersecretary testified before a House subcommittee that by January 5, 2004 U.S.-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) was in operation at 115 airports and 14 seaports, covering 99% of all foreign visitors. While the Undersecretary stated that more than 600,000 foreign visitors have been processed under U.S.-VISIT without increasing wait times, the Journal of Commerce (JoC) reported that the implementation of the program at the 50 busiest land border crossings could slow down the flow of goods and people. US-VISIT is scheduled to be extended to these border crossings by December 31, 2004. (DHS Press Release 01/28/04, available via fax by emailing staff@brokerpower.com , JoC report www.joc.com)
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1. DHS Undersecretary Testifies About US-VISIT, JoC Reports Border Wait Times May Increase
2. U.S. and China Expected to Continue Consultations on Safeguard Quotas
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that the U.S. and China are expected to continue consultations on the safeguard quotas imposed on imports of Chinese bras, knit fabric, and dressing gowns. This second round of negotiations is expected to involve more substantive discussions of the issues and is scheduled to take place in March 2004. (WTD Pub 02/20/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
3. Presidential Directive on Defense of Agriculture and Food System
The White House has reported that a Homeland Security Presidential Directive establishing a national policy to defend the agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies was issued on January 30, 2004. (White House information dated 02/03/04, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/02/print/20040203-2.html)
4. DEA Guidance for Brokers/Traders Who Use Internet to Arrange Int'l Sales of Listed Chemicals
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a notice requesting comments by April 19, 2004 on a guidance that provides information about the regulations with which Internet Web site providers located in the U.S. who serve as brokers or traders for arranging international transactions of listed chemicals must comply. (D/N DEA-194N, FR Pub 02/17/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-3355.pdf)
5. DOT Secretary Extends Authority to Provide War Risk Insurance for Vessels Entering Middle East Region
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a notice stating that on January 13, 2004, the Secretary of Transportation approved the extension of the authority to provide insurance or reinsurance of vessels, including cargoes and crew, entering the Middle East region against loss or damage by war risks. According to MARAD, this extension is for a one year period, beginning December 13, 2003. (FR Pub 02/04/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-2275.pdf)
6. FMC Institutes Investigation for Possible Violations of 1984 Shipping Act
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued an order of investigation and hearing concerning possible violations of Sections 8(a) and 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984, as well as 46 CFR Parts 515 and 520, by Nick International Shipping, Inc. (Nick) and Olimpia Sandoval (a.k.a. Marisela Cordero), the company's President. According to the FMC, Nick appears to be an ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) operating as an unlicensed, unbonded, and untariffed non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), primarily in the trade between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. (D/N 04-03, FR Pub 02/19/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-3588.pdf)
7. Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued separate press releases (dated 12/18/03 - 12/31/03) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling (or updating an earlier recall on) the products listed below: (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereldec03.html.)