(World Trade Interactive)
New legislation introduced in the Senate March 3 would overhaul federal efforts to ensure the safety of imported and domestic food. A joint press release from the bill’s Republican and Democratic sponsors states that the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act responds to recent outbreaks of food-borne illness and nationwide recalls of contaminated food from both foreign and domestic sources. The bill includes numerous provisions including the requirement that importers to verify the safety of foreign suppliers and imported food. Read more here.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
ITC’s New HTS Online Reference Tool
(CSCB)
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today released its new HTS Online Reference Tool, a comprehensive website for users of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
The ITC is mandated by Congress to maintain the HTS, which provides the tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the United States. The tariff schedule is a vital tool for importers, customs brokers, carriers, the government, and the public.
The new HTS Online Reference Tool provides a web-based source for HTS-related information and offers current, accurate, and user-friendly electronic access to the 3,000-page HTS.
The HTS Online Reference Tool features direct links to:
• classification rulings by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) users will be able to jump directly from a specific HTS item to the Customs Ruling Online Search System (CROSS) for determinations on product classification for that HTS item, and users will be able to access the most current ruling for any product;
• HTS Chapter 99, enabling users to move from an HTS item in chapters 1-97 to the temporary, seasonal, or special situation tariff that applies for that item as listed in chapter 99; and
• footnotes, allowing users to move from the footnote number in the text directly to the footnote itself. In addition, users can now search the HTS by word, word combinations, or HTS number, and they can use common terminology to do so. The HTS Online Reference Tool includes an expanding thesaurus that will help users search the HTS and locate an item even if they don’t know the precise classification language used in the document. For example, users will be able to search the word “cars,” which does not exist in the HTS, and be directed automatically to the HTS provisions covering “motor vehicles.” The thesaurus is in its early stages and will be enriched continually to reflect common terminology if a user searches on a term that is not currently included, that term will be added to the thesaurus. Over time, this regular updating will result in a rich, complex search engine that will make the HTS Online Reference Tool even more user-friendly.
“We’re excited to bring this comprehensive HTS tool to the trade community and the public,” said ITC Chairman Shara L. Aranoff. “The HTS Online Reference tool has been well-received by our colleagues at Customs as well as customs brokers and other users who have seen it demonstrated. It meets a long-standing need for easier, electronic access to the HTS, and we look forward to user review and input to keep it as useful and up-to-date as possible.”
Built by the ITC, the system is still evolving. Future enhancements include electronic access to the complete legal text and notes of the HTS and the ability for the ITC and CBP to convert the HTS to formats necessary for computerized operations at the borders and elsewhere.
The ITC’s HTS Online Reference Tool can be found at http://hts.usitc.gov.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today released its new HTS Online Reference Tool, a comprehensive website for users of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
The ITC is mandated by Congress to maintain the HTS, which provides the tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the United States. The tariff schedule is a vital tool for importers, customs brokers, carriers, the government, and the public.
The new HTS Online Reference Tool provides a web-based source for HTS-related information and offers current, accurate, and user-friendly electronic access to the 3,000-page HTS.
The HTS Online Reference Tool features direct links to:
• classification rulings by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) users will be able to jump directly from a specific HTS item to the Customs Ruling Online Search System (CROSS) for determinations on product classification for that HTS item, and users will be able to access the most current ruling for any product;
• HTS Chapter 99, enabling users to move from an HTS item in chapters 1-97 to the temporary, seasonal, or special situation tariff that applies for that item as listed in chapter 99; and
• footnotes, allowing users to move from the footnote number in the text directly to the footnote itself. In addition, users can now search the HTS by word, word combinations, or HTS number, and they can use common terminology to do so. The HTS Online Reference Tool includes an expanding thesaurus that will help users search the HTS and locate an item even if they don’t know the precise classification language used in the document. For example, users will be able to search the word “cars,” which does not exist in the HTS, and be directed automatically to the HTS provisions covering “motor vehicles.” The thesaurus is in its early stages and will be enriched continually to reflect common terminology if a user searches on a term that is not currently included, that term will be added to the thesaurus. Over time, this regular updating will result in a rich, complex search engine that will make the HTS Online Reference Tool even more user-friendly.
“We’re excited to bring this comprehensive HTS tool to the trade community and the public,” said ITC Chairman Shara L. Aranoff. “The HTS Online Reference tool has been well-received by our colleagues at Customs as well as customs brokers and other users who have seen it demonstrated. It meets a long-standing need for easier, electronic access to the HTS, and we look forward to user review and input to keep it as useful and up-to-date as possible.”
Built by the ITC, the system is still evolving. Future enhancements include electronic access to the complete legal text and notes of the HTS and the ability for the ITC and CBP to convert the HTS to formats necessary for computerized operations at the borders and elsewhere.
The ITC’s HTS Online Reference Tool can be found at http://hts.usitc.gov.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
USTR Lays Out Obama’s Agenda for `Free and Fair’ Trade
(EasyBourse – Tom Barkley, Dow Jones Newswires)
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said Monday that President Barack Obama would pursue an agenda of “free and fair trade,” with plans to consider changes to pending free trade agreements, the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Doha trade talks.
In its first annual trade policy agenda report to Congress, USTR signaled a shift from the Bush administration’s primary focus on expanding free trade agreements, giving greater emphasis to protecting workers rights and the environment.
“If we work together, free and fair trade with a proper regard for social and environmental goals and appropriate political accountability will be a powerful contributor to the national and global well being,” the report said.
The administration plans “extensive outreach and discourse with the public” to determine whether three holdover trade pacts – with Colombia, Korea and Panama – are in the best interest of the U.S. and its trading partners. While planning to move on Panama “relatively quickly,” USTR plans to set up benchmarks for progress on the other two.
The administration also reaffirmed its intention to make good on Obama’s campaign pledge to push Canada and Mexico to agree to stronger worker and environmental protections in NAFTA “without having an adverse effect on trade.” Read more here.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said Monday that President Barack Obama would pursue an agenda of “free and fair trade,” with plans to consider changes to pending free trade agreements, the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Doha trade talks.
In its first annual trade policy agenda report to Congress, USTR signaled a shift from the Bush administration’s primary focus on expanding free trade agreements, giving greater emphasis to protecting workers rights and the environment.
“If we work together, free and fair trade with a proper regard for social and environmental goals and appropriate political accountability will be a powerful contributor to the national and global well being,” the report said.
The administration plans “extensive outreach and discourse with the public” to determine whether three holdover trade pacts – with Colombia, Korea and Panama – are in the best interest of the U.S. and its trading partners. While planning to move on Panama “relatively quickly,” USTR plans to set up benchmarks for progress on the other two.
The administration also reaffirmed its intention to make good on Obama’s campaign pledge to push Canada and Mexico to agree to stronger worker and environmental protections in NAFTA “without having an adverse effect on trade.” Read more here.
Manufacturers Back Obama’s Trade Policy
(Journal of Commerce Online – Alan Field)
NAM economist says pragmatic agenda could benefit group
The National Association of Manufacturers is backing the Obama administration’s Trade Policy Agenda, released March 2 by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The agenda “is a pragmatic agenda and one we believe could benefit America’s manufacturers,” says Frank Vargo, vice president for international economic affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers. “All of us at the NAM are eager to roll up our shirtsleeves and work with the president’s new trade team and the Congress for an effective export policy,” Vargo said.
He said the Obama administration “is reaching out to all stakeholders in framing its agenda, and since manufacturers account for over 90 percent of America’s non-petroleum merchandise trade, we are looking forward to working with the Administration for an agenda that will benefit America’s manufacturers and their workers.”
Vargo added that the new agenda “talks about improving trade agreements rather than reopening them, and it calls for greater emphasis on seeing that small and medium-sized firms can become more effective exporters and competitors in the global economy – a very important goal for the NAM, the majority of whose members are small and medium-sized firms.” Read more here.
NAM economist says pragmatic agenda could benefit group
The National Association of Manufacturers is backing the Obama administration’s Trade Policy Agenda, released March 2 by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The agenda “is a pragmatic agenda and one we believe could benefit America’s manufacturers,” says Frank Vargo, vice president for international economic affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers. “All of us at the NAM are eager to roll up our shirtsleeves and work with the president’s new trade team and the Congress for an effective export policy,” Vargo said.
He said the Obama administration “is reaching out to all stakeholders in framing its agenda, and since manufacturers account for over 90 percent of America’s non-petroleum merchandise trade, we are looking forward to working with the Administration for an agenda that will benefit America’s manufacturers and their workers.”
Vargo added that the new agenda “talks about improving trade agreements rather than reopening them, and it calls for greater emphasis on seeing that small and medium-sized firms can become more effective exporters and competitors in the global economy – a very important goal for the NAM, the majority of whose members are small and medium-sized firms.” Read more here.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
U.S. Security Chief Seeks to Ease Canadian Fears
(Tonda MacCharles — Toronto Star)
Border review doesn’t mean ‘thickening’ of checkpoints ex-governor says
The new boss of the U.S. homeland security department rejects suggestions Canada and the United States have a “thickened border” because of excessive security regulation since 9/11.
Still, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, speaking to Canadian reporters in a conference call from Washington, signalled an important shift in American rhetoric from the Bush years, going out of her way to say an “important balance” between trade and security at the border needs to be struck.
Napolitano refused to divulge the “preliminary” results of a review she ordered of the Canada-U.S. border's “vulnerabilities.” She portrayed it as an information-gathering exercise.
But she sought to allay Canadian fears that her review meant a further “thickening” of the border.
Asked whether the Obama administration would give new emphasis to economic security and ease cross-border trade, Napolitano disputed the term “thickening border” – coined by Canadian business and political leaders and embassy staff in Washington – saying it is not “an accurate characterization.”
“What I will say is I am very cognizant of the balance that must be struck between good security measures and trade and commerce, that things like having to wait in long lines to get through a port are very problematic for supply chains.” Read more here.
Border review doesn’t mean ‘thickening’ of checkpoints ex-governor says
The new boss of the U.S. homeland security department rejects suggestions Canada and the United States have a “thickened border” because of excessive security regulation since 9/11.
Still, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, speaking to Canadian reporters in a conference call from Washington, signalled an important shift in American rhetoric from the Bush years, going out of her way to say an “important balance” between trade and security at the border needs to be struck.
Napolitano refused to divulge the “preliminary” results of a review she ordered of the Canada-U.S. border's “vulnerabilities.” She portrayed it as an information-gathering exercise.
But she sought to allay Canadian fears that her review meant a further “thickening” of the border.
Asked whether the Obama administration would give new emphasis to economic security and ease cross-border trade, Napolitano disputed the term “thickening border” – coined by Canadian business and political leaders and embassy staff in Washington – saying it is not “an accurate characterization.”
“What I will say is I am very cognizant of the balance that must be struck between good security measures and trade and commerce, that things like having to wait in long lines to get through a port are very problematic for supply chains.” Read more here.
Harper in New York: Interview with Fox Business
(Video: Fox Business • Story: Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the Big Apple on Monday [February 23], capitalizing on the goodwill from last week's presidential visit to extol Canada's virtues to American business representatives.
Harper began his day with an interview with Fox News, where he reminded an American audience of the value of the relationship between the two countries - even if one of them isn't prone to blowing its own horn very much. Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the Big Apple on Monday [February 23], capitalizing on the goodwill from last week's presidential visit to extol Canada's virtues to American business representatives.
Harper began his day with an interview with Fox News, where he reminded an American audience of the value of the relationship between the two countries - even if one of them isn't prone to blowing its own horn very much. Read more here.
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