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ILA Negotiations Still On Hold Negotiations were scheduled to take three days - Wednesday, August 22 through Friday, August 24; however, they were stopped on the first day. The ILA-USMX contract, which covers dockworkers in all ports from Maine to Texas, is expiring on September 30, 2012. ILA has stated that a strike could result if a new contract is not agreed upon before then. The JOC article is available online at:
On August 28, 2012 the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued a final rule amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by increasing the assessment rate, and updating the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) statistical reporting numbers that were amended in the last assessment adjustment. The total cotton fee is determined by combining a $1 per 500-pound bale assessment with a "supplemental assessment" based on the weighted average price of Upland cotton for the calendar year. The supplemental assessment for 2011 is greater than the previous calendar year, resulting in an increased combined rate. The current total assessment on imported cotton is $0.012665 per kilogram, the new assessment is $0.014109. The assessment rate which applies to cotton containing textile products is determined by using conversion factors provided to the AMS by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. The final rule is effective September 27, 2012. The full text of the Federal Register notice can be accessed online at:
On a Federal Register notice published on August 28, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced their plan to conduct a test which would provide centralized decision-making to four Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEEs), in an order to further develop this initiative. According to the notice, "CBP’s goal is to incrementally transition the operational trade functions that traditionally reside with the ports of entry until they reside entirely with the CEEs. By focusing on industry-specific issues and providing tailored support for the participating importers, CBP is seeking to facilitate trade, to reduce transaction costs, increase compliance with applicable import laws, and to achieve uniformity of treatment at the ports of entry for the identified industries." The processes which would change as part of this test are: The procedures mentioned will be handled by CEEs for test participants, and the Port Director will continue to handle them for all other importers. The notice also provides an overview of the application process, the requirements for voluntary participants, and guidelines for the test. Applications will be accepted throughout the duration of the test; the initial selection will begin no later than September 27, 2012. The full text of the Federal Register notice is available online at:
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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