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May 23, 2011
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released their 2010 Annual Report to the President and Congress which contains general information and statistics as well as links to all mandatory safety standards in effect. The report states that the CPSC is "is the federal regulatory body tasked with protecting children and families from unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products." As such, many imported products may be affected by both voluntary and mandatory safety standards which the CPSC is responsible for enforcing. Topics discussed in the report include: - Hazard Identification and Monitoring: collecting information and monitoring injury and death statistics related to the use of products under the CPSC’s jurisdiction - Safety Standards: participating in the development and strengthening of voluntary safety standards and developing mandatory standards - Compliance and Enforcement: enforcing compliance with standards through compliance activities, such as recalls or other corrective actions, and litigating when necessary - Public Outreach: educating consumers, families, foreign governments, and industry about product safety recalls, safety alerts, emerging hazards, and safety standards - Intergovernmental Coordination: coordinating on product safety issues with other governmental stakeholders
Export.gov Releases FTA Tariff Tool In April 2011 the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the International Trade Administration and the Small Business Administration unveiled the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Tariff Tool, now available for use online. According to the export.gov website, "Using the Tool, users can see how U.S. and FTA partner tariffs on individual products—searchable by keyword or tariff code—are treated under an agreement. Additionally, U.S. importers and exporters can see the current tariff and future tariffs applied to their products, as well as the date on which those products become duty-free. Finally, by combining sector and product groups, trade data, and the tariff elimination schedules, users can also analyze how various key sectors are treated under recently concluded FTAs." An instructional video, quick start guide, and user's manual were also provided.
ITAR Exemption Added for Intra-Company Transfers Involving Dual and Third-Country Nationals
Last year, a proposed rule to eliminate the separate licensing requirement for dual nationals and third-country nationals employed by licensed end-users was introduced. DOS noted that most comments received in response to the proposal expressed dissatisfaction with the current rule and cited conflicts with foreign human rights laws as well as unnecessary administrative burdens. As such, the proposed rule is being implemented with minor modifications. However, the exemption is still subject to certain requirements. Per the notice, "Prior to making transfers to certain dual national and third-country national employees under this policy, approved end-users must screen employees, make an affirmative decision to allow access, and maintain records of screening procedures to prevent diversion of ITAR-controlled technology for purposes other than those authorized by the applicable export license or other authorization." The rule is effective August 15, 2011.
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. |