Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Washingtonpost.com quotes U.S. Commerce undersecretary Grant Aldonas as stating that American manufacturing groups are expected to file China safeguard petitions on certain apparel from China scheduled to be quota-free for exports January 1, 2005 and after as early as the week beginning September 13, 2004. The article states the undersecretary remarked that the administration is prepared to impose restrictions ahead of a rush of Chinese goods expected next year. According to the undersecretary, the petitions would likely seek limits on knit shirts and twill trousers. (washingtonpost.com ,dated 09/13/04, available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17155-2004Sep12.html.)
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1. U.S. Expects China Safeguard Petitions on Apparel to be Filed Soon
2. Federal Assault Weapons Ban Expired on September 13, 2004
According to an article on CNN.com, the federal assault weapons ban, which banned the sale of 19 specific semiautomatic weapons and ammunition clips of 10 rounds or more, expired on September 13, 2004. The article notes that the assault weapons ban expired ten years after it took effect as Congress did not renew it. The article adds that California and other more urban states, including Massachusetts and New York, have passed their own laws curbing the use of assault weapons and that some of those laws are more stringent than the federal ban. (CNN.com dated 09/13/04, available at http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/09/12/gun.ban.ap/index.html.)
3. California Bill Could Prohibit Increased Air Pollution at Los Angeles-Long Beach Port Complex
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that maritime interests in California are working to derail state legislation (A.B. 2042) to prohibit the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex from increasing air pollution above current levels. JoC notes that the governor has until the end of September to either sign or veto the bill. JoC adds that the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, which represents shipping lines and terminal operators, is engaging in a letter-writing campaign asking the governor to veto the bill. (JoC Pub 09/06/04, www.joc.com)
4. Port of Baltimore Notice on EIP/RLF Filer Responsibilities, Etc.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) Port of Baltimore has issued an Information Notice regarding filer responsibilities under the Electronic Invoice Program (EIP) and Remote Location Filing (RLF). Baltimore CBP states that the notice clarifies, for EIP and RLF filers, when electronic invoices are required for entry summary review and EIP/RLF filer responsibilities with respect to rejected entry summaries. (Information Notice 04-024, dated 09/01/04, available at www.bcbfa.org/infonotice04-024.htm.)
5. President Authorizes Ex-Im Bank to Support U.S. Exports to Libya
The Washington File reports that President Bush has issued a determination (No. 2004-44) which authorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) to support U.S. exports to Libya after receiving reliable assurances that Libya will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons or assist other nations in doing so. (Washington File Pub 09/10/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=September&x=20040910174807cpataruk0.2102625&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
6. Federal Register Publication of FMC Order Accepting Joint Supplemental Comments on Conditional Tariff Publication Exemption for NVOCCs, Etc.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has published in the Federal Register its order (1) accepting joint supplemental comments from seven non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and national trade associations requesting expedited adoption of a conditional tariff publication exemption for NVOCCs, and (2) inviting responses to the joint supplemental comments by September 30, 2004. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/07/04 news, 04090700, for previous BP summary of this order. See ITT's Online Archives or 09/10/04 news, 04091010, for BP summary of the NCBFAA's response.) (FR Pub 09/10/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-20475.pdf)