Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that customs brokers are often caught in an awkward position between shippers and carriers when storage fees are charged, but brokers are convinced that technical issues related to demurrage and detention fees can be worked out or at least clarified if carriers and brokers discuss their operational methods. (JoC, dated 03/28/05, www.joc.com)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
1. Brokers Want Discussion with Carriers on Demurrage, Detention Fees
2. DHS, State Announce New Passport Requirement for U.S. Citizens, Canadians, etc., Entering the U.S. Effective January 1, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release stating that DHS and the Department of State are announcing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which will require all U.S. Citizens, Canadian citizens, citizens of Bermuda, and citizens of Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the U.S. by January 1, 2008. According to the press release, this action is the result of a mandate in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). (DHS release, dated 04/05/05, (also includes link to FAQs) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=43&content=4433&print=true )
3. AMS Requests Comments on Possible Revision to Fresh Asparagus Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a notice announcing that, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, it is soliciting comments on a possible revision to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus. According to the notice, comments are due by May 31, 2005. (AMS notice, FR Pub 03/29/05, D/N FV-05-304, available at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6083.pdf.
4. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Action
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board (FTZB) has issued the following notice of recent FTZB action:
| FTZ applicant/grantee | Company or action |
| FTZ 22 - Chicago, IL | Request for special-purpose subzone status for the tire and tire accessory warehousing/distribution facility of Michelin North America in Monee, Illinois |
FTZB notice (FR Pub 03/22/05) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-5623.pdf
5. ITA Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission to Australia and New Zealand
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice announcing that a U.S. healthcare technologies trade mission will visit Sydney and Melbourne, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand from September 12 through 16, 2005. This trade mission will target the IT-healthcare sub-sector, e.g., electronic patient records, but will also include other sectors within the healthcare industry. Recruitment will close on July 29, 2005. (FR Pub 03/22/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/E5-1235.pdf )
- APHIS Revises Commuting Time Allowances for Certain Locations
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective April 1, 2005, that amends the regulations concerning overtime services provided by Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) and Veterinary Services (VS) employees by revising commuted travel time allowances for travel between various locations in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. (APHIS states that the government charges a fee for certain overtime services provided by PPQ and VS employees that, under certain circumstances, may include the cost of commuted travel time). (D/N 04-108-1, FR Pub 04/01/05;http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6458.pdf)
7. Coast Guard's Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee & Hazardous Cargo Subcommittee to Hold Public Meetings
The Coast Guard has issued a notice announcing that the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) and its Hazardous Cargo Transportation Security Subcommittee (HCTS) will each hold public meetings to discuss various issues relating to the marine transportation of hazardous materials in bulk. CTAC will meet on April 21, 2005 and HCTS will meet on April 20, 2005. The Coast Guard states that comments and requests to make oral presentations must be received on or before April 15, 2005. (USCG-2005-20769, FR Pub 04/06/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6726.pdf)