Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that the AFL-CIO has filed a Section 301 petition with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) urging bilateral negotiations with China to correct what it believes are China's inadequate labor practices and laws. The AFL-CIO asserts that these practices and laws are tantamount to unfair trade practices. (WTD Pub 03/17/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
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1. AFL-CIO Files Section 301 Petition Alleging Certain Trade Anomalies With China
2. Port of Portland, OR Clarifies Clearance Procedures for Vessels
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Portland, OR has issued a Trade Information Notice that clarifies the clearance procedures for vessels. According to the notice, the Port of Portland, OR has recently received legal clarification from CBP Headquarters regarding the proper calculation of time frames for vessel departures after clearance and has provided clarifying information to carriers and vessel agents and has reiterated the procedure for reporting delays of vessels in port. (Trade Information Notice No. 2004-17, dated 03/03/04, availablefromBP via fax by emailing staff@brokerpower.com.)
3. DHS Press Release on National Incident Management System
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release announcing its approval of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the U.S.' first standardized management plan that creates a unified structure for Federal, state, and local lines of government for incident response. (DHS press release, dated 03/01/04, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3259)
4. Canada Issues NEXUS Fact Sheet; Whirlpool Rapids Bridge Opens to NEXUS Members
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a Fact Sheet on the NEXUS program for pre-approved, low-risk travelers crossing the border. The Fact Sheet lists the 11 border locations where NEXUS is currently operational and the two border locations for which program expansion is scheduled. The CBSA has also issued a press release stating that beginning on March 1, 2004, the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge would be reserved for the exclusive use of NEXUS members. (CBP sources have stated that the NEXUS program does not apply to commercial truck drivers or shipments.) (Fact Sheet, dated March 2004, available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/newsroom/factsheets/2004/0301nexus-e.html; Press release, dated 03/01/04, available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/newsroom/releases/2004/0301ottawa-e.html)
5. President Continues National Emergency With Respect to Zimbabwe
On March 2, 2004, the President issued a notice continuing for one year the national emergency blocking property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. This emergency was originally declared in Executive Order (EO) 13288 on March 6, 2003. (FR Pub 03/05/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-5169.pdf)
6. Treasury Secretary Provides Highlights of U.S.-Netherlands Income Tax Protocol
The Treasury Department (Treasury) has issued a press release on the Treasury Secretary's remarks at the March 8, 2004 signing ceremony of the U.S.-Netherlands Income Tax Protocol. According to the Secretary, this protocol contains rules that are simpler, clearer and more effective. (Treasury Press Release JS-1221, dated 03/08/04, available at http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/js1221.htm)
7. President Signed Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004 into Law
The White House has issued a statement announcing that on February 29, 2004, President Bush signed into law H.R. 3850, the "Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004." According to the White House, H.R. 3850 provides an extension of highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund. (Press Secretary statement dated 02/29/04, available at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/02/print/20040229-1.html.