Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Wall Street Journal reports that the duties China will levy on certain categories of apparel exports (coats, skirts, knit shirts, nonknit shirts, pajamas and underwear) seem unlikely to satisfy the governments in the U.S. or Europe intent on protecting their industries from an expected flood of Chinese-made garments. The article states that almost all categories will have duties of just 20 fen per item, with several persons quoted as stating that the tax (which Chinese companies can absorb and/or pass on to customers) is just a political or token measure, and will do little to slow exports. (WJS, dated 12/28/04, www.wsj.com )
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1. China's Modest Tariffs on Apparel Exports Unlikely to Mollify U.S., EU
2. CBP Director for Trade Compliance & Facilitation Betsy Durant Retires
The Journal of Commerce reports that Elizabeth Durant, CBP's executive director for trade compliance and facilitation, retired on December 31, 2004 after a 31-year career. Lawrence Rosenzweig, who was business executive for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) project, has been named as interim director. (JoC, dated 01/03/05, www.joc.com)
3. Todd Owens Picked as New Head of the C-TPAT Program
American Shipper reports that CBP has picked Todd Owens, the port director of New Orleans, to replace Robert Perez as head of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. (A.S., January 2005)
4. US-VISIT Implemented at 50 Busiest Land Border Ports Ahead of Schedule
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a notice announcing that it has implemented the U.S.-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT) at the 50 busiest land ports of entry on December 29, 2004, two days ahead of schedule. (DHS Press Release dated 01/03/05, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4259)
5. BIS' Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee to Meet
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that the Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee will meet on January 25, 2005 in Washington, DC. (FR Pub 01/07/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-367.pdf)
6. DHS National Infrastructure Advisory Council to Meet
The DHS Directorate of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP) is announcing a January 11, 2005 open meeting of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) in Washington, D.C. to discuss initiatives such as "intelligence process and work products regarding critical infrastructures," "risk management approach protection," and "national intellectual capital to secure cyber-based critical infrastructures." (DHS-2004-0032, FR Pub 12/27/04, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-28206.pdf
7. USTR Initiates Environmental Review of Proposed FTA with Oman
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced that, through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), it is initiating an environmental review of the proposed U.S.-Oman free trade agreement (FTA). The TPSC is requesting written comments by February 25, 2005 on what should be included in the scope of the review. (FR Pub 12/22/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-28022.pdf
8. FDA Final Rule on Fast Neutrons to Inspect Cargo Containers that May Contain Food
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule, effective December 21, 2004, which amends its food additive regulations to provide for the safe use of a source of fast (high energy) neutrons to inspect cargo containers that may contain food. Objections/hearing request, due by January 20, 2005. (D/N 1993F-0357, FR Pub 12/21/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-27868.pdf )
9. Federal Register Publication of FMC Final Rule on NSAs
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)'s final rule, effective January 19, 2005, exempts non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) from the tariff publication requirements of the Shipping Act of 1984, subject to certain filing and publication conditions. The exemption allows for NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSA). (D/N 04-12, FR Pub 12/20/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-27803.pdf )