Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Justice Department has issued a press release announcing that U.S. Attorneys from five judicial districts with major ports announced criminal charges against Evergreen International, S.A. (Evergreen). Under the terms of a plea agreement, Evergreen will pay $25 million, the largest-ever amount for a case involving deliberate vessel pollution, and plead guilty to felony charges brought in Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and Charleston, SC. (Justice Dept press release, dated 04/04/05, available at http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2005/April/05_enrd_159.htm.)
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1. Evergreen Agrees to Pay $25 Million Penalty in Vessel Pollution Case
2. New Web Site Provides Information on ACE
A new Web site, called The ACE Transition Forum, which is a privately forum run by volunteer members of the trade community, provides information on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). According to the Web site, it hopes to: (1) serve as a single menu for all ACE-related information; (2) provide useful information and the latest updates on ACE; and (3) facilitate discussion and knowledge exchange. (ACE Transition Forum available at http://acetransition.net.)
3. ILWU Concerned About Possible Security Checks at Canadian Ports
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has expressed concerns about Canada's plans for increased security at its major ports. In particular, the union has objected to the Canadian government's proposed background checks, which the ILWU believes are extensive and difficult to appeal if a worker is not cleared. JoC reports that the worst-case scenario in this dispute is a strike at the Vancouver port. (JoC Pub 03/07/05, www.joc.com)
4. GAO Summary of 2003 WTO Transitional Review Mechanism for China
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued correspondence to three members of Congress that summarizes the 2003 World Trade Organization (WTO) Transitional Review Mechanism for China, which is a multilateral annual review of China's progress in meeting its reform goals. This correspondence, dated 01/25/05, is available at http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-209R(GAO-05-209R).
5. FMC Grants China Shipping Container Lines' Petition for Controlled Carrier Exemption
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued an order granting the petition submitted by the China Shipping Container Lines (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (CSCL-HK), a controlled carrier, requesting an exemption from the first sentence of section 9(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984. Therefore, CSCL-HK may now reduce its tariff rates upon publication. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/09/04 news, 04120999 4, for BP summary on the submission of this petition.) (FMC order granting P6-04, served 03/29/05, available at http://www.fmc.gov/Docket%20Log/P6-04%20Order%20Granting%20Petition%203-29-05.htm)
6. BIS Announces Settlement Agreements for Various EAR Violations
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued press releases announcing that it has reached settlement agreements with the following companies regarding certain alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (see press releases for complete details):
| Company | Product Exported | Civil Penalty | Press Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-3 Communications (VA) | Mobile cargo x-ray system containing an item controlled for missile technology reasons | $33,000 | 03/07/05 |
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. (WI) | Balancing machines; computer software, data collectors, monitors, and related accessories | $46,750 | 03/14/05 |
| Air Tiger Express | (not specified in press release) | $49,500 | 03/30/05 |
These and other BIS press releases are available at www.bis.doc.gov/news/index.htm
7. BIS Announces Criminal Sentence for Stoelting Company
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that the Stoelting Company (IL) and its president have been sentenced in connection with criminal violations of the Export Administration Act for illegally exporting polygraph machines to China. (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/18/04 news, 04061899 4, for BP summary of BIS' settlement with Stoelting.) (BIS press release, dated 03/04/05, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2005/Stoelting.htm)