Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that mishandling of hazmat cargo is an industry-wide problem and cites several accidents in recent years involving containerized shipments of hazmats. According to the article, National Cargo Bureau statistics show that about one-fifth of the containers that it inspects are found to have deficiencies such as improper blocking and bracing, damaged containers or improper documentation. (JoC, dated 04/03/06, www.joc.com.)
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1. JoC Reports Mishandling of Hazmat Cargo an Industry-Wide Problem
2. China Logistics Market Blossoming
American Shipper recently reported that China's loosening of restrictions on foreign investments in logistics has allowed the industry to grow 30% in the last year. The article states that nearly every major name in the logistics industry has set up shop in Hong Kong in the last two years hoping to tap into the seemingly limitless potential of Chinese logistics, but the market is very fragmented, with no company controlling more than 2% of the market. (American Shipper, dated 04/06/06, www.americanshipper.com.)
3. OFAC Prohibits U.S. Persons from Owning, Leasing, Operating, or Insuring North Korean-flagged Vessels
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a final rule, effective May 8, 2006, to limit the authorization of post-June 19, 2000 transactions involving property in which North Korea or a national thereof has an interest. The new provision prohibits U.S. persons from owning, leasing, operating or insuring any vessel flagged by North Korea. (FR Pub 04/06/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-3286.pdf)
4. APHIS Issues Policy Statement on Permit Requirements for Aquatic Snails
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a policy statement which announces that it intends to consistently and routinely require that a permit must accompany all aquatic snails that are imported in to the U.S. or moving interstate. APHIS states that it will require that shipments of aquatic snails, as with all other plant pests imported under permit, be subject to inspection and to begin routinely and consistently inspecting shipments of aquatic supplies or plants that may contain aquatic snails. (D/N APHIS-2006-0051, FR Pub 04/05/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-3297.pdf)
5. FMC Receives Complaint Against Senator International Ocean, LLC
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice of filing of complaint and assignment with regard to Verucci Motorcycles, LLC's contention that Senator International Ocean, LLC failed to fulfill its transportation obligations associated with freight forwarding and customs brokerage services for certain motorcycles and scooters. According to the FMC, this complaint has been filed with the Office of Administrative Law Judges and an initial decision is expected to be issued by April 2, 2007. The final decision of the FMC shall be issued by July 31, 2007. (FMC D/N 06-05, served 03/31/06, available at http://www.fmc.gov/file.asp?F=DB9DDC5FD5744D6CA68B78351AC678B2%2Epdf&N=06%2D05NoticeofComplaint%2Epdf&C=docket_activity)
6. TTB Issues Final Rule to Reflect Updated Name, Organizational Structure
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has issued a final rule and Treasury Decision regarding the 2002 division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) into two separate agencies (i.e., the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (still known as the ATF) and the TTB). This final rule amends the TTB regulations to reflect its new name and organizational structure. (T.D. TTB-44, dated 04/04/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-2954.pdf)