Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that Congress is expected to consider the 9-11 Commission's recommendations on cargo security when it returns for hearings on implementing the recommendations from the Commission's recently released report. (JoC Online, dated 07/29/04, www.joc.com)
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1. Congress to Consider 9-11 Panel's Cargo Security Recommendations
2. DHS' Orange Threat Level Results in NY Commercial Truck Restrictions
A recent Expeditors Newsflash article reports that, as a result of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') orange threat level for certain financial service sectors, a Transport News article states that commercial trucks are not allowed to enter New York City via the Holland Tunnel and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel until further notice and trucks that wish to enter New York City must use the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge. Transport News also states that "police rerouted all New York bound trucks from the Williamsburg Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge in an effort to streamline random vehicle searches." (Expeditor's Newsflash, dated 08/02/04, www.expeditors.com)
3. TDM on Avian Flu and Down Coats, Comforters
As a follow up to its advice on import restrictions to prevent the importation of the avian flu, a U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) Textile Development Memo reported that finished products such as down comforters, down pillows, and down-filled coats do not require a USDA permit or any certification; however, they may be subject to inspection when they are presented for entry. If the inspection determines that the products are not clean, USA-ITA stated that they must be exported back to their originating country and if re-imported, would have to have a certification from that government plus a USDA permit/license issued by the USDA's National Center for Import/Export (NCIE). (TDM dated 02/12/04, www.usaita.com.)
4. DHS Strategic Plan to Guide its Daily Operations
In February 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a document entitled Securing Our Homeland - The DHS Strategic Plan, in which the vision and mission statements, and strategic goals and objectives provide the framework to guide the daily operations of DHS. (DHS notice, with link to strategic plan, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0413.xml)
5. WTO Announces New Interactive Course on its Dispute Settlement System
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a notice stating that it has developed a new interactive course on its dispute settlement system. According to the WTO, this training module is aimed at anyone who needs a basic understanding of the system. (WTO interactive course available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/disp_settlement_cbt_e/signin_e.htm)
6. NAFTA Partners Recommit to Full Implementation of NAFTA
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has issued a press release stating that the U.S., Canada, and Mexico agreed at the 10th annual ministerial meeting of the NAFTA Commission to recommit to full implementation of NAFTA. In addition, Canada reiterated the need for the parties to comply with NAFTA dispute settlement results. (DFAIT Press Release No. 78, dated 07/16/04, available at http://webapps.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.asp?publication_id=381338&Language=E)
7. OFAC Interim Final Rule on Zimbabwe Sanctions Regulations
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued an interim final rule which adds new regulations to implement Executive Order (EO) 13288 of March 6, 2003, which blocked property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. OFAC sources note that the provisions of EO 13288 have been in effect since March 6, 2003 and explained that this interim final rule simply codifies those provisions in 31 CFR Part 541. (FR Pub 07/29/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-17206.pdf)