U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses, dated April 1, 2004, regarding the mandatory advance electronic information requirements for inbound air cargo.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its third version (dated April 2, 2004) of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding 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 posted additional information to its Web site regarding the April 1, 2004 statistical changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for certain men's and boys' cotton T-shirts and certain other garments classified in HTS 6109.10.00.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would amend the definition of "customs officer" for the purpose of eligibility for overtime compensation and premium pay. In addition, the proposed rule would make a conforming change to the definition of "immigration officer."
Shippers' NewsWire reports that the World Customs Organization (WCO) has finalized a set of recommendations on the advance electronic submission of cargo information for all transport modes, which the WCO task force on security will present to the council in June 2004 for adoption. The article notes that in the U.S., the guidelines are already in the process of implementation. (SNW dated 04/06/04, www.americanshipper.com)
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice stating that, effective April 6, 2004, the above-listed Macau categories were reduced for carryforward used.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an ABI administrative message stating that the programming for the ABI "HN" border cargo release application will be modified to no longer allow the transmission of a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) entry type "06."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the following Air Automated Manifest System (AMS) expansions:
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued three orders in response to petitions filed with the FMC by three Chinese carriers requesting to be exempt from certain provisions of Section 9(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 USC app. 1708) (Controlled Carrier Act), which would enable the petitioners to reduce tariff rates immediately, rather than be subject to the 30-day waiting period prescribed by the Controlled Carrier Act.
In the March 31, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 14), CBP issued notices (a) detailing the dates and draft agenda for the 33rd Session of the Harmonized System Committee, and (b) revoking two classification rulings on blackout drapery fabrics. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in the revocation notice.