Washington Trade Daily reports that a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) source states that although there may be a bit of a delay, BIS will not back off from its proposed rule regarding high-technology exports to China, despite spreading business opposition. The BIS official stated that under the proposed rule, companies would have to perform less scrutiny of their customers than under the current Enhanced Proliferation Control Initiative's (EPCI) knowledge rule. The report states that the proposed rule relies on a new "trusted customer" concept, which would allow exports without license to buyers that are viewed as reliable and not likely to convert the end-product to a militarily useful good. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/18/06 news, 06071820, for the final part of BP's multi-part series of summaries on the proposed rule, with links to previous summaries.) (WTD, dated 12/15/06, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a notice requesting information on the efforts of certain countries to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. DOL explains that this information will be used in the preparation of the sixth annual report on certain trade beneficiary countries' implementation of international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Information should be submitted by 5 p.m. on December 22, 2006 (FR Pub 12/05/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-20561.pdf.)
The December 11, 2006 Federal Register contains the semi-annual regulatory agendas for numerous federal government agencies.
Shippers' NewsWire reports that the in-coming chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Jim Oberstar, has expressed interest in instituting a federal tax on containers to help pay for security measures. Rep. Oberstar stated his belief that port security should have a revenue stream similar to the one currently in place for aviation security, which is partly funded by passenger fees. (American Shipper Pub 12/05/06, www.americanshipper.com)
The Washington File reports that, according to a statement by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Schwab, the Bush administration's trade agenda will remain unchanged as the Democrats take control of the Congress in January 2007. According to the report, Schwab cited World Trade Organization (WTO) talks as the number one issue on the administration's agenda. (Washington File Pub 11/29/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=November&x=20061129142632SAikceinawz0.4388086)
Shippers' NewsWire reports that on December 1, 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is scheduled to electronically distribute to thousands of companies a survey on the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). The survey seeks to quantify the voluntary program's return on investment and measure its performance. (American Shipper Pub 11/27/06, www.americanshipper.com)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted to its Web site a document on the International Trade Data System (ITDS) program.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a proposed rule which would amend Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations pertaining to CBP's field organization by extending the geographic limits of the port of Dayton, Ohio, to include the Airborne Airpark in Wilmington, Ohio. CBP adds that the proposed extension of the port limits of Dayton is due to the closing of express consignment operations at Dayton International Airport, and the expansion of express consignment operations at Airborne Airpark. CBP notes that the user-fee status of Airborne Airpark would be terminated. Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2007. (D/N USCBP-2006-0091, FR Pub 11/21/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-19631.pdf)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a statement after receiving a response to its request that South Korea clarify its beef trade restrictions. The statement notes that it is a positive step that South Korea has agreed to remove silver skin from its list of prohibited items and has agreed that cartilage, breast-bone, and bone chips would not be considered specific risk materials. However, the statement also notes that the U.S. is disappointed that South Korea has been unwilling to establish commercial tolerance levels for bone chips and cartilage. (USDA release 0444.06, dated 11/09/06, available at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_2_1UH/.ce/7_2_5JM/.p/5_2_4TQ/.d/1/_th/J_2_9D/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?PC_7_2_5JM_contentid=2006%2F11%2F0444.xml&PC_7_2_5JM_parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&PC_7_2_5JM_navid=NEWS_RELEASE7_2_5JM.)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a press release announcing that it is delaying the November 24, 2006 effective date and establishing a staggered implementation for the collection of agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fees for inspections of Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables, commercial vessels, vehicles, railroad cars and aircraft, as well as international passengers entering the U.S. from Canada.