On April 1, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a first set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding the mandatory advance electronic information requirements for inbound air cargo.

According to The Journal of Commerce, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released a report that sharply criticized the 10 largest U.S. seaports for their environmental records, indicating that lawsuits would follow if the ports don't clean up their act. (JoC March 29-April 4, 2002, www.joc.com )

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a final rule which amends an interim final rule (IFR) on security threat assessment standards for commercial drivers authorized to transport hazardous materials (hazmats) to, among other things, postpone for a second time the date on which fingerprint-based background checks must begin in all States. The TSA now requires all States to begin such checks by January 31, 2005.

In the April 14, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 16), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to revoke or modify three classification rulings on upper body garments similar to sleeveless tank styles, (b) proposing to revoke two classification rulings on certain soapstone fireplaces and cookstoves, and (c) modifying one classification ruling regarding certain woven place mats. CBP states that it is also revoking, or proposing to revoke, any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.

Broker Power provides quota prices on a monthly basis for certain textile and apparel categories from the People's Republic of China (China) that are publicly traded. (These publicly traded quota prices have been provided by a Hong Kong quota broker.)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice on the effect that Nepal's April 23, 2004 World Trade Organization (WTO) membership will have on the quota and visa requirements imposed on certain of its textile and apparel products.

¹ The ITA states that the China-wide rate applies to all entries of subject merchandise except for entries from exporters/producers that are identified individually above.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has published in the April 16, 2004 Federal Register its final negative antidumping (AD) duty determination that certain color television receivers from Malaysia are not being, nor are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued its final results of the antidumping (AD) duty new shipper review of certain pasta from Italy for the period of July 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002.