Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to an editorial in The Journal of Commerce, a provision in the Senate's Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 (S. 2279) which would assess a fine of $5,000 per bill of lading for cargo left on a pier for more than five days is something that few believe will be included in any maritime security bill that emerges from Congress. (See today's ITT, 04052505, for BP summary of S. 2279.) (JoC dated 05/'10-16/04, www.joc.com.)
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1. Editorial Says $5,000 Fine for Cargo Left on a Pier for More than 5 Days Not Expected to Remain in Final Version of Senate's Maritime Security Bill
2. Prospects for Senate's Maritime Security Bill Unclear
Regarding the prospects of the Senate's Maritime Security bill being passed by the Senate this year, American Shipper states that some Washington insiders do not anticipate much major legislation moving forward in this election year; however, less-controversial parts of the bill could be attached as a rider to the Coast Guard authorization bill for 2005 that is currently in conference. Others say that this Senate bill has strong bipartisan support, and could be added to the Senate's calendar for consideration if a funding mechanism for the bill is agreed to, which has been the major stumbling block so far. (American Shipper, dated June 2004)
3. TSA Advances Transportation Worker Secure ID Program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to begin the Prototype Phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. According to the press release, the Prototype Phase is the third step in TSA's development of a uniform identification credential for all transportation workers who require unescorted access to secure areas at seaports, airports, rail, pipeline, trucking, and mass transit facilities. (TSA press release, dated 05/12/04, available at http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=44&content=09000519800a3d6f.)
4. FSIS Proposes Jan. 1, 2008 as Uniform Compliance Date for New Food Labeling Regulations
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule which would establish January 1, 2008 as the uniform compliance date for new food labeling regulations that are issued between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006. FSIS is proposing a uniform compliance date to minimize the economic impact of labeling changes by providing for an orderly industry adjustment to new labeling requirements. Written comments are due by July 6, 2004. (D/N 03-026P, FR Pub 05/04/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-9931.pdf)
5. FTC Final Rule Updates Average Unit Energy Costs for Certain Appliances
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule which revises Table 1 in 16 CFR 305.9 of its Appliance Labeling Rule to incorporate the latest figures for average unit energy costs as published by the Department of Energy in the January 27, 2004 Federal Register. According to FTC, Table 1 sets forth the representative average unit energy costs for five residential energy sources. (FR Pub 04/30/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-9847.pdf)
6. DHS' Science and Technology Advisory Committee Meeting
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC) held a partially open meeting on May 20-21, 2004 in New York, NY in order to, among other things, receive status reports from HSSTAC subcommittees and discuss future committee actions. (FR Pub 05/04/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10226.pdf)
7. Application Period Was Extended for Membership on DHS' Data Integrity, Privacy & Interoperability Committee
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the application period for membership on the Data Integrity, Privacy, and Interoperability Advisory Committee until May 15, 2004 (from April 30, 2004). (FR Pub 05/03/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10057.pdf)
8. Further Details on CBP's Message on HTS 1701.11.20 Sugar
Although CBP's message characterizes the agriculture licensing requirement for HTS 1701.11.20 sugar as 'new,' both CBP and USDA sources state that such sugar already requires licensing; only the ACS reporting of the license will be 'new.' Additional anomalies may exist in this notice.