The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule, effective July 6, 2009, which amends the Export Administration Regulations to implement Australia Group1 decisions which were recommended at the October 2008 Intersessional Implementation Meeting and adopted in December 2008. The final rule also amends the list of countries that are currently States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The International Trade Administration has initiated an antidumping duty investigation to determine whether imports of wire decking from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.
The International Trade Administration has initiated an antidumping duty investigation to determine whether imports of certain steel grating (CSG) from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.
On June 12, 2009, the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.) After being reported, the FY 2010 DHS appropriations bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 2892).
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
In Honda of America Mfg., Inc., v. U.S., the Court of International Trade ruled that certain oil bolts containing cross-sectional holes specially designed to permit the unimpeded flow of brake or transmission fluids are classified under HTS 7318.15.80 (as other screws and bolts) at a rate of duty of 8.5 percent ad valorem and not as a part or accessory of motor vehicle under 8708 or 8714.
On June 4, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants-totaling $60 million-for 13 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories. The 2009 allocations reflect President Obama's increased emphasis on the Southwest border in response to cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Based on greater risk, heavy cross-border traffic and border-related threat intelligence, nearly 76 percent of Operation Stonegarden funds will go to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas-up from 59 percent in fiscal year 2008. (DHS press release, dated 06/04/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1244070019405.shtm.)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a news release assuring U.S. and Canadian citizens that "if otherwise admissible" they will be able to re-enter the U.S. when the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is implemented on June 1, 2009.
The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and the Canadian Public Safety Minister issued a joint statement during their meeting at the U.S.-Canada border. The joint statement addresses the Canada-U.S. Framework for the Movement of Goods and People Across the Border During and Following an Emergency. (DHS press release, including link to framework, dated 05/27/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243434829897.shtm.)