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May 9, 2011
On April 26, 2011 the International Trade Administration (ITA) released a letter from the Foreign-Trade Zones Board announcing a free webinar on May 11, 2011 to discuss the next possible steps in their planned revision of the current FTZ regulations, 15CFR Part 400. On December 30, 2010 the FTZ Board published a Federal Register notice proposing "to amend the substantive and procedural rules for the authorization of Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs or zones) and the regulation of zone activity" and requesting comments from the public. With the comment period scheduled to end on May 26, 2011, and taking into account that the last substantial revision took two years to complete, the FTZ Board has begun discussing options to implement the proposed changes as soon as possible. Per the letter, "Specifically, we are examining options for the steps that would follow the receipt and analysis of public comments submitted during the current comment period. Possible next steps – that could be targeted for the second half of 2011 – could include 1) the publication of an interim final rule or 2) publication of a final rule accompanied by publication of a new proposed rule presenting certain revised provisions for public comment." The letter, including details on registering for the free webinar, is available online at: The Federal Register notice proposing to revise the FTZ regulations can be accessed online at:
APHIS Publishes Updated Guide to Lacey Act and Special Use Codes
Beginning in 2008, the Lacey Act phased in an import declaration requirement for certain plant and plant product imports. A recent Federal Register notice requested public comments on this and other requirements, leading APHIS to note several issues regarding the efficient and accurate completion of the declaration. According to the guide, "The issues currently fall into three categories: (1) the possible use of shorthand for common trade groupings of species; (2) the possible difficulties involving in identifying composite, recycled, reused or reclaimed materials to the genus and/or species level; and, (3) the difficulty in identifying the genus and species for certain articles manufactured prior to the passage of the Lacey Act Amendments." The guide was published in response to these concerns and contains a number of
Mexico Joins ATA Carnet System
ATA Carnets act as an international Customs document, allowing the temporary importation of certain goods without the payment of duties or taxes. According to the ICC, "ATA Carnets are particularly useful for companies bringing samples to customers, exhibiting at trade fairs or transporting equipment. They improve trade opportunities by both reducing customs procedures, and significantly minimizing costs." A press release notes that Mexico has long been identified as a priority target country by other members of the ATA guarantee chain due to its large economy and geographic location. Mexico is the second-largest export market of the United States and its third-largest trading partner. Currently, 70 other countries are members of the ATA Carnet System.
Tons News, for current and past issues of Tons News by E-mail request from tonsnews@tonslogistics.com or call (310) 338-0337. ________________________________________ Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.
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