Value allowance regarding warranty expenses, port repair expenses. In Saab Cars USA, Inc. v. U.S., the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that, with respect to imported automobiles, most of Saab's claims for an allowance in value for warranty expenses were not adequately supported. However, the CIT did conclude that Saab should be granted an allowance in value for its port repair expenses.
CBP CROSS Rulings
CBP issues binding advance rulings in connection with the importation of merchandise into the United States. They issue the rulings to give the trade community transparency of how CBP will treat a prospective import or carrier transaction. Common rulings include the tariff classification, country of origin, or free trade agreement applicability of merchandise, among other things. These rulings are available in CBP's Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) database.
In the March 10, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 11), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to revoke or modify three classification rulings on textile tool holders, and (b) proposing to revoke two classification rulings regarding certain metal couplings and connectors. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that the AFL-CIO has filed a Section 301 petition with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) urging bilateral negotiations with China to correct what it believes are China's inadequate labor practices and laws. The AFL-CIO asserts that these practices and laws are tantamount to unfair trade practices. (WTD Pub 03/17/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
In the March 10, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 11), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to revoke a classification ruling on plastic identification badges, and (b) proposing to revoke a classification ruling regarding radar apparatus that measures liquid levels. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that on March 15, 2004 the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), providing a forum for the two countries to examine ways to expand bilateral trade and investment. (Press Release 04-18, dated 03/15/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/03/04-18.pdf)
On February 12, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its first version of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on its final rule requiring 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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice announcing that Phase 2 of the discretionary enforcement plan for the Prior Notice (PN) requirements of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act) was implemented on March 12, 2004 and will run through May 12, 2004.
In the March 10, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 11), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to modify a classification ruling on an envelope-style clutch, and (b) proposing to revoke or modify two classification rulings regarding abdominal training systems. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
In September 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a proposed rule to amend the regulations in 7 CFR Part 319 to require that a phytosanitary certificate accompany all fruits and vegetables imported into the U.S., with certain exceptions.
In the March 3 and 10, 2004 issues of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 10 and 11), CBP issued notices: (a) revoking a classification ruling on men's swimwear, (b) revoking two classification rulings on disposable boxer shorts, and (c) revoking two classification rulings on children's animal blankets. 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.