In the September 24, 2003 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 37, No. 39), CBP issued notices (a) revoking or modifying three classification rulings on multifunctional digital cameras, (b) modifying a ruling related to the applicability of HTS 9802.00.50 to certain men's sweatshirts embroidered in Mexico, and (c) modifying or revoking classification rulings on mechanic's gloves. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Trade (MOT) has issued an announcement which names those Vietnamese textile and garment factories determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to be closed or denied access to verification officials, as well as those factories with a "high transshipment capability."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its first version, dated February 12, 2004, of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) concerning its final rule which amended the Customs regulations to require the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (sea, air, rail, or truck) prior to its being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.

In December 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice announcing that the 2004 annual $125 user fee that is assessed for each permit held by an individual, partnership, association, or corporation is due by February 27, 2004.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice announcing that the U.S. intends to initiate free trade negotiations with Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia (Andean countries). (See ITT's Online Archives or 11/26/03 news, 03112620, for BP summary of USTR's press release announcing its Congressional notification on this matter.)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted to its Web site information on a series of public meetings that will provide an overview of the FDA's October 10, 2003 interim final rules on the registration of food facilities and the prior notice of imported food shipments.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has amended its final results of the countervailing (CV) duty administrative review of stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from South Korea for the review period of January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) is amending its antidumping (AD) duty order, as well as its final and amended final affirmative AD duty determinations, on certain non-frozen apple juice concentrate from China as there is now a final and conclusive court decision affirming the ITA's remand determinations for this investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site a set of 40 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), dated February 12, 2004, concerning its final rule which amended the Customs regulations to require the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (sea, air, rail, or truck) prior to its being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.

WTO News states that the World Trade Organization's (WTO) General Council has given Cambodia another six months (to March 31, 2004) to ratify its membership agreement and join the WTO. (WTO News, dated 02/11/04, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news04_e/gc_cambodia/11Feb04_.e.htm