Latest Harmonized System updates

International Trade Today is providing readers with some of the top stories for Aug. 26 - Aug. 30 in case they were missed.

CBP said its Harmonized System Update (HSU) 1304 was created Aug. 26, containing 4,478 ABI records and 24,686 harmonized tariff records. The update contains modifications made as a result of the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (see 13070115). Adjustments required by the verification of the 2013 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are also included, CBP said in a CSMS message. The modified records can be retrieved electronically via the procedures indicated in the CATAIR. Further information: Jennifer Keeling, Jennifer.Keeling@dhs.gov.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 9013.80.70 is correctly used to classify several types of liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors, despite a push otherwise from the importer of the LCDs, CBP said in an Aug. 2 ruling. A company previously known as Optrex, which is now part of Kyocera Industrial Ceramics, asked CBP to reconsider a 2009 ruling in which the agency found some LCDs that would be installed following import to be classified under 9013.80.70. CBP said it was correctly using a "principal use" provision in the original ruling. As a result of the request, CBP also decided to revoke two rulings that Optrex's lawyer, Larry Friedman of Barnes Richardson, pointed to due to differing consideration of similar merchandise.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) table is updated in the Automated Export System (AES), effective immediately, said the Census Bureau in a July 18 AES broadcast. AES will permit a grace period of 30 days beyond the expiration date for shipments with outdated codes. Reporting an outdated code after the 30 day grace period will result in a fatal error.

International Trade Today is providing readers with some of the top stories for July 1-5 in case they were missed.

CBP said its Harmonized System Update (HSU) 1303 was created July 1, containing 1,303 ABI records and 190 harmonized tariff records. The update contains modifications made as a result of the June 27 Presidential Proclamation 8997, To Modify Duty-Free Treatment to the Generalized System of Preferences and for Other Purposes (see 13070202). It said changes also include those mandated by the 484 F Committee, Committee for Statistical Annotation of Tariff Schedules, effective July 1. Adjustments required by the verification of the 2013 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are also included, CBP said in a CSMS message. The modified records can be retrieved electronically via the procedures indicated in the CATAIR. Further information: Jennifer Keeling, Jennifer.Keeling@dhs.gov.

A White House taskforce on patent issues released a set of recommendations and executive actions, urging legislative action on the standard for International Trade Commission injunctions and committing to an interagency review on CBP’s evaluation of the scope of ITC exclusion orders. The June 4 statement contained five executive actions and seven legislative recommendations “designed to protect innovators from frivolous litigation and ensure the highest-quality patents in our system,” the statement said. The National Economic Council and Council of Economic Advisers released a report on patent challenges (here) in conjunction with the White House announcement.

Promoting the free flow of data and better understanding of U.S. privacy standards should be priorities for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in trade negotiations with the EU, trade associations said in response to a call from the USTR for comments on an upcoming trade negotiation between the U.S. and the EU. Public Knowledge advocated that the negotiations -- named the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement (TTIP) -- remain open and not interfere with U.S. copyright law reform.

The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is amending its Hazardous Materials Regulations, said a Federal Register notice to be published March 11. The amendments were first proposed in April 2012, the notice said, and were necessary to update and clarify regulatory requirements. A list of the changes adopted by PHMSA in its final rule is as follows:

The Federal Maritime Commission said the following have filed applications for a license as a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVO) and/or Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF)-Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984. The FMC also gave notice of the filing of applications to amend an existing OTI license or the qualifying individual for a license. Interested persons may contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, D.C. 20573, at 202-523-5843 or at OTI@fmc.gov.