CBP posted a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that outline the procedures and benefits of the mutual recognition program between the U.S. and the European Union. The program was recently implemented and is said to allow for better risk analysis through acceptance of the respective trusted trader programs -- Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the U.S. and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) in the E.U. The FAQs say neither C-TPAT nor AEO customs brokers will directly benefit.
The Federal Maritime Commission released a notice of the filing of the following agreement under the Shipping Act of 1984. Interested parties may submit comments on the agreements to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, within 10 days.
The Federal Maritime Commission is expected to make a decision by July 1, 2014, on a complaint filed by Seagull Maritime Agencies against Gren Automotive, Centrus Automotive Distributors and Liu Shao. The complaint alleges Seagull is owed $63,010.68 for transportation, customs duties, and other services. According to the complaint, Gren requested the shipping services with Centrus named as the ultimate consignee. Seagull fulfilled the services but was never paid, it said. The proceeding was assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judges, which is expected to issue an initial decision by Nov. 29, 2013. Seagull is represented by Henry Gonzalez of Gonzalez del Valle Law.
CBP posted a March 4 version of its CF 1400 (Record of Vessel in Foreign Trade Entrances) electronic query report of the Vessel Management System (VMS), in accordance with 19 CFR 4.95, organized by entrances. CBP also posted a version of its CF 1401 (Record of Vessel in Foreign Trade Clearances) electronic query report of the VMS, in accordance with 19 CFR 4.95, organized by clearances.
CBP issued its weekly tariff rate quota and tariff preference level commodity report as of March 4. This report includes TRQs on various products such as beef, sugar, dairy products, peanuts, cotton, cocoa products, and tobacco; and certain BFTA, DR-CAFTA, Israel FTA, JFTA, MFTA, OFTA, SFTA, UAFTA (AFTA) and UCFTA (Chile FTA) non-textile TRQs etc. Each report also includes the AGOA, ATPDEA, BFTA, DR-CAFTA, CBTPA, Haitian HOPE, MFTA, NAFTA, OFTA, SFTA, and UCFTA TPLs and TRQs for qualifying textile articles and/or other articles; the TRQs on worsted wool fabrics, etc.
CBP's New York Field Office will have its quarterly broker meeting March 6, it said in an informational pipeline. Agenda topics will include ACE issue and updates, review of current post entry amendment and protest procedures and trade fair entries, it said. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. at 1100 Raymond Boulevard, Newark N.J.
CBP's Seattle Field Office plans a public forum to discuss the impact of sequestration on CBP operations, said CBP Seattle in a March 4 Trade Information Notice (TIN). The forum is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. on March 8 at the Jackson Federal Building at 915 Second Ave. Seattle, WA 98/174, the TIN said.
In the Feb. 27 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (Vol. 47, No. 10), CBP published two notices that propose to modify rulings and similar treatment regarding the tariff classification of dry suits and reagent kits.
CBP posted three Great Idea Forms (GIF) on a request from the Trade Support Network meant to allow for interaction with the Participating Government Agency (PGA) Message Set through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
The definition of "welt footwear" isn't determined by the angle at which the lip attaches to the insole, despite a 1993 Treasury Decision saying otherwise, said CBP's Tariff Classification and Marking Branch in two rulings. The internal advice and protest rulings go against the findings of the ports, which disagreed with the importer's classification of the merchandise as "of welt construction" based on the lip angle. CBP highlighted the rulings on its website, something it typically does for issues that come up frequently among importers. The internal advice ruling is (here). The protest ruling is (here).