Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
USA Today states that the Transportation Security Administration's plans to screen all cargo on passenger planes could lead to longer delivery times for packages shipped through the air. The plan would rely on manufacturers and freight forwarders screening packages with x-ray machines and explosive sensors before delivery to airports. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/31/08 news, 08033115, for BP summary of TSA notice on limited rollout of Certified Cargo Screening program.) (04/09/08, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-09-Aircargo_N.htm )
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
1. TSA Plan to X-Ray Cargo Carried by Passenger Planes May Delay Freight
2. EU Letter Warns That 100% Scanning Would be Non-Tariff Trade Barrier
The Journal of Commerce reports that the European Commission on Taxation and Customs Union's Director General sent an April 4, 2008 letter to CBP Commissioner Basham stating that the added costs of 100% scanning of all containers would constitute a new non-tariff barrier to trade. (04/14/08, www.joc.com )
3. TWIC Enrollment Dates for Portsmouth, Chattanooga, and San Juan
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a notice announcing that enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential begins in Portsmouth, NH and Chattanooga, TN on April 23, 2008; and in San Juan, PR on April 30, 2008. (TSA notice, FR Pub 04/11/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-7646.pdf)
4. India Announces New Trade Preference Scheme for Africa
Monsters and Critics.com reports that at the beginning of the first India-Africa Summit in New Delhi on April 8, 2008, the Indian Prime Minister announced a duty-free trade preference scheme for 34 African countries, among the least-developed nations in the world. (04/08/08, http://news.monstersandcritics.com/southasia/news/article_1398851.php/India_woos_Africa_removes_trade_tariffs_for_34_nations__Roundup_ )
5. ITC Reports on China Government Practices Affecting Economic Decisions
The ITC has issued a report entitled, China: Description of Selected Government Practices and Policies Affecting Decision Making in the Economy, which describes, and, where possible, quantifies the numerous practices and policies that central, provincial, and local government bodies in China use to support and attempt to influence decision making in China's manufacturing, agricultural, and services sectors. (ITC press release with link to the report (Investigation No. 332-492), Release No. 08-033, dated 04/10/08, available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2008/er0410ff2.htm)
6. Chile Approves Imports of U.S. Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a press release announcing that Chile has approved the U.S. inspection, control and certification systems for poultry, allowing these products to enter the Chilean market effective immediately. (USDA press release, No. 0101.08, dated 04/10/08, available at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/04/0101.xml)
7. CBP Los Angeles Announces Electronic Check Depositing Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin in order to notify the public that CBP is implementing an electronic check-depositing program which converts paper checks into legally acceptable substitute electronic images which are processed for payment. (LA Public Bulletin LA08-012, dated 04/07/08, available by emailing BP at documents@brokerpower.com)
8. BIS Order Denying Export Privileges Renewed for 180 Days
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice announcing that it has renewed for 180 days an order of temporary denial of export privileges for Aviation Services International B.V.; Delta Logistics, B.V.; Robert Kraaipoel; Niels Kraaipoel; T.P.C. B.V.; Mia Van Gemert; Mojir Trading; Reza Amidi; Lavantia, Ltd.; and Mita Zarek. (BIS notice, FR Pub 04/11/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-7683.pdf)
9. WCO/EU Conference on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy
The World Customs Organization in partnership with the European Union Customs 2013 Programme will be holding a conference on May 21-23, 2008 in Greece to focus on ways in which Customs administrations can strengthen border controls and enhance cooperation with the private sector at all levels to protect the health and safety of consumers from the damaging and sometimes lethal consequences that directly flow from the ever-expanding illegal trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. (Conference information available at http://www.wcoomd.org/event_iprgreece2008abouttheconference.htm)
10. PLI to Offer "Doing Business in China" Seminars in June and July 2008
The Practicing Law Institute will be offering "Doing Business in China" seminars in June and July 2008 for in-house counsel of multinational corporations, outside counsel, and related business professionals whose practices and businesses involve dealings with China. (Course information available at www.pli.edu)