Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
MSNBC reports that Japan will consider easing restrictions on U.S. beef imports, a compromise after months of pressure from the U.S. (MSNBC, dated 12/07/07, available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22146775/)
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1. Japan to Consider Easing U.S. Beef Restrictions
2. 10 Charged in $200 Million Smuggling Operation in Port of Newark
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a press release announcing that ten individuals have been arrested on criminal charges related to the smuggling and trafficking of Chinese-made counterfeit Nike shoes; Burberry and Chanel handbags; Polo Ralph Lauren and Baby Phat clothing; etc. Charges include bypassing port security measures at Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal in Elizabeth, NJ and paying more than $500,000 in cash bribes. (ICE press release, dated 12/05/07, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/071205newyork.htm)
3. Ivory Coast Initials Interim Trade Deal with EU
Reuters reports that Ivory Coast recently signed an interim trade accord with the European Union as the bloc pushes for deals with as many former European colonies as possible before preferential trade terms expire on December 31, 2007. (Reuters, dated 12/07/07, available at http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN830496.html)
4. LA Harbor Approves Container Terminal Expansion Project
The Port of Los Angeles has issued a press release announcing that LA Harbor Commissioners recently approved the Berth 136-147 TraPac container terminal expansion project - the first major capital improvement project in the San Pedro Bay Port in seven years. The TraPac container terminal project is also the first project in this seaport complex to apply emissions mitigation measures outlined in the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), which was approved a year ago by LA and Long Beach port commissioners. (Port of LA press release, dated 12/06/07, available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/News/news_120607trapac.htm)
5. DHS, CBP Move Forward on Border Fencing, Technology Improvements
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that DHS is moving forward with multiple advancements in the construction of pedestrian and virtual fencing along the southwest border. Also, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will take conditional possession of the prototype Project 28 (P28) system to conduct operational testing following the recent completion of systems verification testing. (DHS press release, dated 12/07/07, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1197058374853.shtm)
6. TSA Updates Its FY 2008 TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan
The Transportation Security Administration has posted to its Web site an updated version, as of December 11, 2007, of its fiscal year 2008 quarterly deployment plan for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). (TSA deployment plan, as of 12/11/07, available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule.pdf)
7. UN Conference on Trade & Development Issues Its 2007 Maritime Transport Review
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has released its report entitled "Review of Maritime Transport 2007," which gives a detailed account of the main developments affecting world seaborne trade, freight markets and rates, ports, surface transport, logistics services and world fleet-related issues, including ownership, control, age, tonnage supply and productivity. The price of the report for developed countries is $90. (UN report info, order form, etc. available at http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Webflyer.asp?intItemID=4398)
8. Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued separate press releases (dated 11/01/07 - 11/30/07) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling the products listed below. Due to the large number of recalls, this is Part II of a multi-part series of summaries. (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelnov07.html)
| Asterisk (*) indicates recall due to violation of lead paint standard |
9. FMC Lists OTI Revocations
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice announcing that it is revoking the following Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) licenses:
| License | Company | Effective Date |
| 020018NF | D & F Holdings dba Dfhu Worldwide Shipping | 11/15/07 |
| 001665F | Debsar Corporation | 11/14/07 |
| 003458F | Dependable International Services & Transport, Inc. | 11/14/07 |
| 017931N | Houston Syrius USA, Inc. dba Syrius USA, Inc. | 11/10/07 |
| 018614 F | Jack Chiang dba Continental Resource Company | 11/14/07 |
FMC notice (FR Pub 12/05/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23597.pdf
10. FMC Lists OTI Applications
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice listing those applying for Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) licenses as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), Ocean Freight Forwarder (FF), or NVOCC/FF, as follows:
FMC notice (FR Pub 12/05/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23584.pdf