U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted an updated version of its National Agriculture Release Program (NARP) commodities list. NARP provides a methodology for evaluating high-volume agriculture imports that are low-risk for the introduction of plant pests and plant diseases into the U.S.
In his written answers to questions posed by the Senate Finance Committee as part of the confirmation process, Treasury Secretary Geithner addressed numerous issues, including China currency manipulation. According to Treasury Secretary Geithner, President Obama believes that China is manipulating its currency and has pledged to use aggressively all the diplomatic avenues open to him to seek change in China's currency practices. (Written answers, dated 01/21/09, available at http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/012209%20TFG%20Questions.pdf.)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reopened the comment period on its proposed rule which would revise and update certain procedures and requirements for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms in order to bring the regulations under 7 CFR Part 340 into alignment with the Plant Protection Act.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has pulled a notice that was intended to be published in the January 23, 2009 Federal Register, that would have announced a revision to its enforcement phase-in plan for the Lacey Act Amendment declaration requirement for imported plants and plant products, provided information on its exemptions, etc.
On January 20, 2009, the Senate confirmed the following nominations:
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, has issued a final rule, effective March 16, 2009, amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to prescribe enhanced safety measures for rail transportation of poison inhalation hazard (PIH) materials, including interim design standards for railroad tank cars. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/08/09 news, 09010825, for BP summary of the Transportation Security Administration's recent extension of certain rail security requirements.) (FR Pub 01/13/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E8-31056.pdf)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a memorandum on the 2009 duty-free U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) tariff preference level for certain non-originating Nicaragua apparel of cotton or man-made fiber (MMF), or subject to cotton or MMF restraints, as provided for in HTS Chapter 99, Subchapter XV, U.S. Note 15. The 2009 Nicaragua TPL was scheduled to open on Friday, January 2, 2009, with a TPL limit of 100,000,000 square meter equivalents (SME).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin on several inquiries from the trade community regarding a potential longshore labor disruption at British Columbia, Canada seaports. The bulletin provides guidance to carriers to ensure compliance with advance manifest requirements, as outlined in the Trade Act of 2002, for vessels that are diverted from Canadian ports to U.S. ports to discharge cargo. This bulletin only pertains to vessels directly impacted by the potential labor disruption. (Public Bulletin No. LA09-001, dated 01/06/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice announcing that beginning February 1, 2009, it will put in place a "standard inspection protocol" for Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables.
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice announcing the filing of Agreement No. 011223-043, an amendment to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement. The amendment would provide authority for the members to discuss cost savings and more efficient use of vessel and equipment assets and networks. Comments are due within ten days of December 29, 2008. (FR Pub 12/29/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-30791.pdf)