The Journal of Commerce reports that non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) have much to gain and lose in the outcome of Norfolk Southern Railway vs. Kirby which will be heard by the Supreme Court this fall. On the one hand, NVOCCs could win affirmation of their status as ocean carriers, not agents of shippers. On the other, the court's decision could open the door for shippers who have tendered cargo to an NVOCC to only be bound by the terms of the NVOCC's bill of lading, and therefore be free to collect full damages from any party in the supply chain. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/29/04 news, (Ref:04032999 for earlier summary.)(JoC, dated March 22-28, 2004, www.joc.com )
In the March 31, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 14), CBP issued notices (a) detailing the dates and draft agenda for the 33rd Session of the Harmonized System Committee, and (b) revoking two classification rulings on blackout drapery fabrics. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in the revocation notice.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published in the Federal Register three separate notices announcing the following:
In the March 31, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 14), CBP issued notices: (a) modifying a classification ruling on certain knit camisoles, and (b) revoking a classification ruling regarding a set top box. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
In the March 24 and 31, 2004 issues of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 13 and 14), CBP issued notices: (a) proposing to modify a ruling regarding the country of origin marking for imported auto parts that are repackaged in the U.S. for retail sale, and (b) revoking a classification ruling on a barbecue and apron set. CBP states that it is also revoking, or proposing to revoke, any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
The Wall Street Journal reports that in a ruling the Bush Administration views as vital to its war against terrorism, the U.S. Supreme Court bolstered the powers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct searches, allowing border agents to conduct extensive searches of vehicles at border crossings without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. According to one legal expert, this decision is a carte blanche for border searches of property, adding that the decision is not terribly surprising, given the whole border control issue and the war on terror. (WSJ, 03/31/04, www.wsj.com )
In the March 24, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 13), CBP issued notices: (a) revoking a classification ruling on an artificial tree, (b) revoking a classification ruling regarding certain liquid rubber, and (c) revoking a classification ruling on hook and eye tape used for brassieres. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
In the March 24, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 13), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to modify two classification rulings on metalized polyester embroidery thread and decorative wired trim, and (b) proposing to revoke a classification ruling on satellite radio receiver sets. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
1 The ITA states that it has preliminary determined to treat LMC and LIMAC as a single entity for purposes of this AD duty administrative review.
In the March 10 and 17, 2004 issues of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBP Bulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 11 and 12), CBP issued notices (a) proposing to revoke two classification rulings on karaoke machines, (b) proposing to modify two classification rulings on certain multiple switches, and (c) granting Lever-Rule protection to Tomy Corporation. CBP states that it is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.