The International Trade Commission (ITC) has posted to its Web site an updated version of the 2007 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTS) dated July 2, 2007 (Revision 2).
The Journal of Commerce reports that while growing in use, environmentally friendly packaging such as minimal, shrink-wrapped or recycled packaging may cause certain warehousing difficulties including increased damage and insurance claims, slow handling, problems withstanding humidity, etc. (JoC, dated 06/18/07, www.joc.com)
On June 28, 2007, President Bush issued Proclamation 8157 to modify duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences, designate Mauritania as an African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary country1, and make technical changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
On June 28, 2007, President Bush issued Proclamation 8157 to modify duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences, designate Mauritania as an African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary country1, and make technical changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CNN reports that the House passed a $37.4 billion appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security on June 15, 2007, but minority Republicans rallied enough votes to uphold a promised veto by President Bush. The bill exceeds Bush's request for the department by $2.1 billion, or 6%, thus drawing a veto threat from the White House. (CNN, dated 06/19/07, available at http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/18/congress.spending.ap/index.html?eref=rss_latest)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted to its Web site an updated PowerPoint presentation entitled "Preferential Trade Agreements and Trade Programs Synopsis (Non-Textile)," which outlines the criteria that imported articles must meet to qualify for preferential treatment under various trade agreements and programs; the statements and documents that an importer must be prepared to submit to substantiate their claim; etc.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced the opportunity to submit petitions for the 2007 Generalized System of Preferences Product and Country Eligibility Practices Review (2007 Annual GSP Review). Any changes resulting from the 2007 Annual GSP Review are expected to take effect on July 1, 2008.
The Treasury Department has published its semi-annual regulatory agenda, which contains certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulatory rulemakings.
The International Trade Administration frequently issues notices on antidumping and countervailing duty orders which Broker Power considers to be "minor” in importance as they concern actions that occur after an order is issued and neither announce nor cause any changes to an order’s duty rates, scope, affected firms, or effective period. The ITA also issues other notices which Broker Power considers to be "minor” in importance.
On February 28, 2007, the President issued Proclamation 8111 amending the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to implement the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA)1 for the Dominican Republic, and for other purposes.