The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a document entitled, Compliance Summary Information: Prior Notice, which describes prior notice (PN) submissions received during the first two months after the interim final rule requiring prior notice of imported foods became effective December 12, 2003.
Shippers' NewsWire reports that the World Customs Organization (WCO) has finalized a set of recommendations on the advance electronic submission of cargo information for all transport modes, which the WCO task force on security will present to the council in June 2004 for adoption. The article notes that in the U.S., the guidelines are already in the process of implementation. (SNW dated 04/06/04, www.americanshipper.com)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would amend the definition of "customs officer" for the purpose of eligibility for overtime compensation and premium pay. In addition, the proposed rule would make a conforming change to the definition of "immigration officer."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses, dated April 1, 2004, regarding the mandatory advance electronic information requirements for inbound air cargo.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its third version (dated April 2, 2004) of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses regarding its final rule requiring the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (sea, air, rail, or truck) prior to its being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice stating that, effective April 6, 2004, the above-listed Macau categories were reduced for carryforward used.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted additional information to its Web site regarding the April 1, 2004 statistical changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for certain men's and boys' cotton T-shirts and certain other garments classified in HTS 6109.10.00.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice announcing its determination that Sierra Leone (1) has adopted an effective visa system and related procedures to prevent unlawful transshipment and the use of counterfeit documents in connection with shipments of textile and apparel articles, and (2) has implemented and follows, or is making substantial progress toward implementing and following, the customs procedures required by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This determination is effective April 5, 2004.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued three orders in response to petitions filed with the FMC by three Chinese carriers requesting to be exempt from certain provisions of Section 9(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 USC app. 1708) (Controlled Carrier Act), which would enable the petitioners to reduce tariff rates immediately, rather than be subject to the 30-day waiting period prescribed by the Controlled Carrier Act.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site updated lists of Automated Manifest System (AMS) sea and air participants and their associated ports (if applicable), as well as non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) Sea AMS participants.