Maersk violated the Shipping Act by failing to keep its "automated tariff system" open for public inspection, shipper OL USA said in a complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission on Feb. 14. The shipper accused Maersk of being "deceptive" and its tariff platform of lacking "functionality," adding that it was "unable to verify Maersk’s representations regarding the substance of its tariffs."
Ocean carrier Evergreen Shipping Line "systematically" failed to meet its service requirements, pressured its customers to pay "extracontractual prices and surcharges" and charged unfair detention and demurrage, Bed Bath & Beyond said in a Feb. 21 complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission. The former big box retailer specifically accused the carrier of failing to meet minimum quantity commitments as part of a contract and said it took space reserved for Bed Bath & Beyond and instead allocated it to "higher-priced cargo from other shippers."
The International Trade Commission published notices in the Feb. 21 Federal Register on the following AD/CVD injury, Section 337 patent or other trade proceedings (any notices that warrant a more detailed summary will be in another ITT article):
Gtul seeks a Section 337 general exclusion order banning all imports of firearm disassembly tongs that it says infringe on its patents, the ITC said in a notice released Feb. 21. In a complaint filed with the ITC Feb. 15, Gtul said Anthony Drouget, Offroadcali, roadrunnercarparts, DRP-California, eurasiaparts, Brementech, Homelifegoods, MTCparts.com and Joybuy Marketplace are importing devices that engage the slide lock on firearms that copy patented technologies used in Gtul’s Stul devices. Gtul also seeks cease and desist orders against the nine companies named in its complaint. Comments are due to the ITC March 1.
The Commerce Department published notices in the Federal Register Feb. 21 on the following AD/CV duty proceedings (any notices that announce changes to AD/CV duty rates, scope, affected firms or effective dates will be detailed in another ITT article):
The Commerce Department issued a notice in the Federal Register on its recently initiated countervailing duty investigations on paper plates from China and Vietnam (C-570-165, C-552-840), and is set to publish a notice in the coming days on its antidumping duty investigations on paper plates from China, Thailand and Vietnam (A-570-164, A-549-849, A-552-839). The CVD investigations on China and Vietnam and the AD investigation on Thailand cover entries for the calendar year 2023. The AD investigations on China and Vietnam cover entries made July 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023.
On Feb. 20, the FDA posted new and revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, announced Feb. 21 that he has introduced legislation to prohibit "dangerous" fresh beef imports from Paraguay.
A group of 12 members of the House Ways and Means Committee has urged the Biden administration to investigate allegations that at least six Chinese fishing companies that supply U.S. markets employ Uyghur forced labor.
The Biden administration on Feb. 21 announced a series of actions intended to strengthen cybersecurity at U.S. ports, including mandatory incident reporting requirements and minimum cybersecurity standards for ports and vessels.