Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Shippers NewsWire reports that on May 1, 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection modified its targeting process to allow its computer system to put automated holds on cargo rather than leaving the initial decision in the hands of a CBP officer after receiving an internal flag from the system. According to the article, members of the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC) expressed concern that the trade was not advised of the new enforcement policy until two weeks after the change was made. (American Shipper, dated 05/17/07, www.americanshipper.com.)
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1. CBP Modified Targeting Process to Put Automated Holds on Cargo
2. President Continues National Emergency with Respect to Burma
On May 17, 2007, President Bush issued a notice continuing for one year the national emergency with respect to Burma that was originally declared on May 20, 1997 by Executive Order 13047. (FR Pub 05/18/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-2534.pdf)
3. USTR Targets End of 2007 as Completion Date for WTO's Doha Round
According to remarks made by U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab to the Business Council, some are targeting the end of 2007 for completion of the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Round. Schwab added that without Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) there will be no Doha Round and no additional free trade agreements (FTAs). (Remarks, dated 05/09/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Transcripts/2007/May/asset_upload_file994_11262.pdf)
4. State Dept Certifies 5 Countries Not Cooperating in Antiterrorism Efforts
The State Department has issued a notice announcing that the Deputy Secretary of State has determined and certified to Congress that Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela are not fully cooperating with U.S. antiterrorism efforts. (State Dept Public Notice 5800, FR Pub 05/21/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-9727.pdf)
5. DOL Amends its Regulations to Reduce Fraud/Abuse in Permanent Labor Certification Program
The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued a final rule, effective July 16, 2007, amending 20 CFR Part 656 in order to impose clear limitations on the acquisition and use of permanent labor certifications and certification applications in order to reduce incentives and opportunities for fraud and abuse in the permanent labor certification program. (Dept of Labor final rule, RIN 1205-AB42, FR Pub 05/17/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-9250.pdf)