The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a notice announcing that on January 17, 2008, the U.S. submitted to the World Trade Organization a request for authorization to impose sanctions1 against the European Communities regarding the U.S. case2 against the EC's treatment of agriculture biotechnology (biotech) products.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice stating that it will soon begin upgrading its www.cbp.gov Web site. The first change will be a new homepage that will have a streamlined layout, among other features. Afterwards, over the next few months, the entire site will be modernized and streamlined, and will include Smart Links on top of many search results, to drive users to the most appropriate pages, and clearer presentation of important events or changes in the regulations, etc.
The following Court of International Trade cases on international trade issues were decided during January 11 - 18, 2008:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a proposed rule that would amend its regulations at 19 CFR Parts 4, 12, 18, 101, 103, 113, 122, 123, 141, 143, 149 and 192 to require Security Filing (SF) information from importers and additional information from carriers (10+2) for vessel (maritime) cargo before it is brought into the U.S.
The International Trade Commission has issued a notice of institution of a section 337 investigation of certain short wavelength semiconductor lasers and products containing same.
The International Trade Commission has issued a notice of institution of a section 337 investigation of certain silicon microphone packages and products containing same.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a statement in response to the European Union's failure to comply with World Trade Organization rulings and recommendations in the U.S.' case against the EU's treatment of agriculture biotechnology (biotech) products.
On Monday, January 14, 2008, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved a new cargo fee that will generate $1.4 billion for transportation projects to improve traffic flow and air quality in the harbor area. The fee will be in addition to the one approved in December to help fund the ports' Clean Trucks Program. (www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.com )
The International Trade Commission has issued a notice of institution of a section 337 investigation of certain computer products, computer components and products containing same.
The International Trade Commission has issued a notice of institution of a section 337 investigation of certain semiconductor chips with minimized chip package size and products containing same.