The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and the Canadian Public Safety Minister issued a joint statement during their meeting at the U.S.-Canada border. The joint statement addresses the Canada-U.S. Framework for the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency. (DHS press release, including link to framework, dated 05/27/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243434829897.shtm.)
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is a reference manual that provides duty rates for almost every item that exists. It is a system of classifying and taxing all goods imported into the United States. The HTS is based on the international Harmonized System, which is a global standard for naming and describing trade products, and consists of a hierarchical structure that assigns a specific code and rate to each type of merchandise for duty, quota, and statistical purposes. The HTS was made effective on January 1, 1989, replacing the former Tariff Schedules of the United States. It is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission, but the Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the HTS.
In Global Scouring Group, Inc. v. U.S., the Court of International Trade ruled that certain binders made with a rigid paperboard core are properly classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule 4820.30.001, which covers binders (other than book covers), folders and file covers, a duty free provision.
The Lacey Act Declaration requirement is currently being enforced for nine Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 44 headings (wood and articles of wood), except where such goods are cleared using Automated Line Release (ALR)/Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity Program (BRASS)1.
During the May 6, 2009 Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC) meeting, Richard DiNucci, Director of CBP's Secure Freight Initiative, provided an update on 10+2.
The International Trade Administration has initiated an antidumping duty investigation to determine whether imports of certain oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a revised version of its informed compliance publication entitled, What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Internal Combustion Piston Engines.
The International Trade Administration has initiated a countervailing duty investigation to determine whether manufacturers, producers, or exporters of certain oil country tubular goods from China receive countervailable subsidies.
In November 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued its interim final rule which amended 19 CFR 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 Administration is requesting comments on any subsidies, including stumpage subsidies, provided by certain countries exporting softwood lumber or softwood lumber products to the U.S. during the period July 1 through December 31, 2008.
At the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America's annual conference, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials provided an update on 10+2. Among other things, officials discussed the possible extension of the delayed compliance period, penalties, Importer Security Filing (ISF) report cards, and filing statistics.