Tim Warren

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a CSMS message the ACE certification environment will be unavailable June 13 from 6 a.m.until 11 a.m. ABI software developer requested that CBP deploy fixes to the ACE certification environment prior to deployment to ACE Production, scheduled for June 23.

A group of lawmakers unveiled legislation that would establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia and repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment "to enable American businesses to pursue new job-creating export opportunities in Russia when it joins the World Trade Organization (WTO) this summer," said a Senate Finance Committee press release. The legislation was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), International Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member John Thune (R-S.D.), Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.). Text of the bill is (here).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a CSMS message it is aware that the most current CBP Form 434, “NAFTA Certificate of Origin,” available on the CBP website lists March 31, 2012, as the expiration date. Despite the expiration date, the trade community may continue to use this document or a substantially similar, alternate version, said CBP. CBP will post the reapproved CBP Form 434 as soon as it becomes available, it said. The form is (here).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued the following releases on commercial trade and related issues:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a final determination that the country of origin of certain digital projectors is Taiwan for purposes of U.S. government procurement. CBP concluded that the assembly and programming operations performed in Taiwan substantially transform the components of the projectors. The determination ran in the Federal Register June 12.

A wide group of agricultural and farm interests support a reorganization of "trade-related agencies, programs and activities" and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they said in a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) The groups said the creation of new position, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, would provide a "singular focus on trade and foster more effective coordination" of USDA trade policies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles office issued reminders to the trade about CBP's Zero Tolerance Policy regarding "gateouts." (A "gateout" is defined as a container/cargo that has been targeted by CBP for terrorism or enforcement inspection that is released without authorization from CBP.)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection should make changes to language in a proposed rule that would amend CBP's regulations on importing merchandise bearing recorded trademarks or recorded trade names, said Static Control Components in comments filed at CBP. The company said the new wording is necessary to allow for the legal movement of products for "remanufacturers," which refurbish used products and continue to use the products' trademarks for to ensure compatibility, said Static.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Los Angeles office clarified the requirements of terminal operators for shipments placed on A-TCET/Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) hold. The clarification was released In a public bulletin numbered LA12-015.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seeking applicants for the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations (COAC), according to a notice published in the Federal Register June 12. Applications should be submitted to CBP by July 27.