U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that the following vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs) have become Sea Automated Manifest System (AMS) operational:

The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that ocean carriers are strongly opposed to a security fee of $1 per foot of vessel length proposed by the South Carolina State Ports Authority. According to JoC, the charge will take effect in July and is expected to bring in $1 million to cover increased security costs. (JoC Pub 03/15 - 21/04, www.joc.com)

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a press release on March 18, 2004 announcing that the U.S. has filed a World Trade Organization (WTO) case against China regarding its discriminatory tax rebate policy for integrated circuits.

The State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has announced the launch of the DDTC Response Team.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site various documents related to its development and expansion of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The following are highlights of these documents:

The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that the chief U.S. negotiator in the Canada softwood lumber countervailing (CV) dispute believes that a negotiated solution remains a long-shot. According to the WTD, in the absence of a negotiated settlement, the Bush Administration will have to weigh options such as further litigation. (WTD Pub 03/18/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)

AD duty new shipper review. A bond or other security may continue to be posted in lieu of an AD cash deposit, until the final results are in effect.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice stating that it has been informed that the criteria for HTS 9808.00.3000 emergency war material was inadvertently allowed to lapse for the period of December 1, 2003 - January 13, 2004.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has issued an amending supplement (No. 4 dated August 2003) to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (ENs). (Although not binding on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the ENs are followed by CBP whenever possible.)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice announcing that the next meeting of the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (COAC) will be held on April 2, 2004 in Washington, DC. (This committee was previously called the "Treasury Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of the U.S. Customs Service.")