Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. CBSA to Consult on Simplified FAST Option for Canadian Importers

2. FMC Votes to Issue Final Rule on Agreements Among Ocean Common Carriers & Terminal Operators

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a press release announcing, among other things, that at an October 27, 2004 meeting it voted to issue a final rule regarding agreements among ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/03/03 news, 03120320, for BP summary of the proposed rule (D/N 03-15). (FMC press release NR 04-14, dated 10/27/04, available at http://www.fmc.gov/Pressreleases/NR%2004-14%20Results%20of%2010-27-04%20Commission%20Meeting.htm)

3. FMC Grants APL's Petition for a Certain Exemption from Shipping Act

The FMC has issued a press release announcing, among other things, that at an October 27, 2004 meeting it voted to grant the petition of American President Lines, Ltd. and APL Co. Pte. Ltd. (APL). The FMC therefore has issued an order granting APL's petition for a full exemption from the first sentence of Section 9(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended (Shipping Act) and as a result, APL may implement rates, charges, classifications, rules or regulations that result in a reduced cost to its shippers upon publication in its tariff. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/30/04 news, 04093099 1, for BP summary of APL's filing of this petition (P5-04).) (FMC press release NR 04-14, dated 10/27/04, available at http://www.fmc.gov/Pressreleases/NR%2004-14%20Results%20of%2010-27-04%20Commission%20Meeting.htm; FMC Order, served 10/27/04, available at http://www.fmc.gov/Pressreleases/P5-04%20Order%20Granting%20Petition%2010-27-04.htm)

4. Marine Transporation System National Advisory Council to Meet

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) will hold a meeting on November 18-19, 2004 to discuss Marine Transportation System (MTS) needs and other relevant issues, regional MTS outreach initiatives, Short Sea Shipping, Council team assignments, and other issues. MARAD states that a public comment period is scheduled for November 19, 2004. (FR Pub 11/02/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-24367.pdf.

5. BIS Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee to Meet

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that the Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee will meet on November 17-18, 2004 to discuss, among other things, deemed export and microprocessor controls, plans for fiscal year 2005, etc. (FR Pub 11/01/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-24338.pdf.)

6. USTDA to Sponsor Port & Vessel Security Conference for Latin American and Caribbean

The Washington File reports that the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will sponsor a three-day conference to provide guidance and training on the implementation of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the Washington File, the conference will be held from November 10-12, 2004 in Jacksonville, FL. (Washington File Pub 10/28/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=October&x=20041028123144ASrelliM0.6560938&t=wh/wh-latest.html)

7. DHS Adopts First Biometric Facial Recognition Standard

The Washington File reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has adopted its first biometric facial recognition standard which it will use as technical criteria upon which to design equipment such as cameras and software for facial recognition. According to the Washington File, the standard supports visual human facial comparison and computer automated comparisons for watch list checks and for computer identification and verification. (Washington File 10/28/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Oct/29-793688.html)

8. Proposed Extension of U.S.-El Salvador MOU on Archaeological Material

The State Department has issued a notice announcing the proposal to extend the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and El Salvador concerning the imposition of import restrictions on certain categories of archaeological material from the pre-Hispanic cultures of El Salvador. (Public Notice 4824, FR Pub 10/27/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-24051.pdf.)

9. FMC Reissues OTI Licenses

The FMC has announced that it has reissued the following ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses:

(FMC notice (FR Pub 10/20/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-23487.pdf.)