In September 2006, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued an interim rule which states that as of November 24, 2006, Canada will no longer be exempt from agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fees for commercial trucks1, commercial vessels, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international air passengers, which enter the U.S. from Canada. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/07/06 news, 06090720, for BP summary of APHIS interim rule eliminating Canada's exemptions.)
American Shipper reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to release the first draft of security criteria being prepared for customs brokers participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). American Shipper notes that CBP officials recognize that brokers don't have the ability to control the operations of shippers and overseas intermediaries; however, CBP expects brokers to play a role in screening companies shipping product to the U.S. (American Shipper Pub November 2006, www.americanshipper.com)
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is focusing on obtaining advance business data and developing next-generation radiation and imaging technology instead of the development of an electronic security device that can alert inspectors to possible tampering with a container's contents. JoC explains that CBP has shifted focus as the "smart box" initiative is facing technological, economic, and policy challenges. (JoC Pub November 2006, www.joc.com)
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that on October 26, 2006, World Trade Organization (WTO) members were expected to formally receive Vietnam's draft schedule of commitments on goods and services and a draft report on its multilateral legal and institutional obligations as a final step in its accession to the WTO. The article indicates that Vietnam is expected to be ready to formally join the WTO as early as December 2006, and that U.S. officials are pressing Congress to approve PNTR (permanent normal trade relations) for Vietnam before then, so that the U.S. can recognize Vietnam's status as a WTO member. (WTD Pub 10/26/06 and 10/27/06, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has updated certain of its posted information on various countries' implementation and enforcement of ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements for wood packaging material (WPM).
The Journal of Commerce reports that automakers in the U.S., Canada, and European Union (EU), facing declining sales at home, are pinning their hopes for a recovery on a huge surge in demand for their vehicles in China. However, the article notes that their prospects could be affected by a global dispute over China's new rules for imposing tariffs on foreign auto parts, which are the subject of a complaint filed by the U.S., Canada, and EU with the World Trade Organization (WTO). (JoC dated 10/02/06, www.joc.com.)
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that Canada is protesting the new Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) rule that imposes new border agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) charges on all commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft and international air passengers. Also, Canadian grown fruits and vegetables that enter into the U.S. will no longer be exempt from AQI inspection. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/07/06 news, 06090720, for BP summary of APHIS' interim rule.) (JoC Online, dated 10/17/06, www.joc.com)
On October 13, 2006, the President issued Executive Order (EO) 13412 blocking the property of and prohibiting transactions with the Government of Sudan due to certain policies and actions of the government that violate human rights, in particular with respect to the conflict of Darfur, where the Government of Sudan exercises administrative and legal authority and pervasive practical influence, etc. (Executive Order 13412, FR Pub 10/17/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-8769.pdf)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site an updated version of its document entitled "User Fee Decals and Transponders."
On October 4, 2006, President Bush signed into law H.R. 5441, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection) (Public Law (P.L.) 109-295). According to a DHS press release, H.R. 5441 provides for (partial list): improved border security; enhanced port, container, and cargo security; increased transportation funds; etc. See future issue of ITT for details on H.R. 5441.(DHS press release, dated 10/04/06, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5957.)