Updates to Food Labeling and Advertising Information for 2012 International Trade Minister Highlights Benefits of Canada-EU Trade Agreement to Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) Consumer Products Regulations under CCPSA USTR Says Legislation Urgently Needed on AGOA & CAFTA-DR Textile & Apparel Provisions Goods of Argentina to lose Generalized System of Preferences Status (GSP) CBP Announces Colombia FTA Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) TPL on Knitted Fabrics from the U.S. is 100% Utilized May 7 TPL/TRQ Report on Textiles and Apparel Posted Customs and Border Protection and European Union Agree to Mutual Recognition for C-TPAT and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) CBP Provides Clarification on C-TPAT ISO Seal Standard for Truckers U.S. and Canada Advance NEXUS Plans Amendment to the Energy Efficiency Regulations British Columbia to Eliminate the Harmonized Sales Tax Minister of Trade announced Canada-EU Trade Will Bring Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Government of Canada Announces New Safety Regulations for Imported Foods The Use of Trade-Marks in Labelling of Foods Sold in Canada Appliance Labeling Rule Comment Deadline May 16, 2012 CPSC Notices for April 2012 May 1st GRI amendment: U.S. Slowly Easing Trade Sanctions on Burma (Myanmar) Colombian Sugar Quotas to Be Handled with Certificates of Eligibility Canada Loosens Sanctions on Burma (Myanmar) Anti-dumping and Countervailing Notice U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement to Take Effect May 15, 2012 House Legislation Would Ban Imports of Mainland Chinese Drywall Import Tariff Preference Level Alert Ensuring That You Are Prepared for CBSA Periodic Verification Audits Apparel Tariff Preference Level Alert – Duty Will be Payable Very Shortly TPL on Cotton & Man-Made Apparel from the U.S. is 100% Utilized TRANSPACIFIC CARRIERS ANNOUNCE GRI FOR May 1, 2012 Food and Drug Administration Import Alerts Dept of Energy Proposing Test Standards for Labelling of LED Lights Tariff Preference Level Alert - Apparel is at 83% and Knitted Fabric is at 77% Transpacific Carriers Announce GRI for May 1, 2012 Determining Which Value to Declare for U.S. Customs Duty Purposes U.S. Customs and Border Protection Country of Origin Marking Requirements 2012 Federal Budget Items of Interest Impact of the Lacey Act on Canadian Companies 2012 Federal Budget Items of Interest Reminder: Special Invoicing and Mill Test Requirement for Metals U.S. Tariff Preference Level Alert - Apparel is at 70% and Knitted Fabric is at 65% Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) for Canada Consumer Product Safety Regulation Proposed Checklist for Commercial Exporting Available on CBSA Website EPA Proposes to Require Advance Notice of Use of Two Chemicals in Consumer Textiles China Solar Cells: Preliminary Countervailing Duty Cash Deposit/Bond Rates Take Effect List of 156 Country/Tariff Number Pairs that May Lose/Gain GSP on July 1, 2012 CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) to Improve Efficiency of Processing Payments and Reporting on Revenues Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Plate Expiry of Order Canada-India Free Trade Agreement Negotiations U.S. IMPORT DIVISION EASTER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CITA Issues Interim Procedures on Safeguard Action Requests against U.S.-Korea FTA Textiles and Apparel Reminder: Changes to Energy Efficiency Regulations coming into force April 12, 2012 Requirement for Individual Import Permit for Steel to be Eliminated IMPORTANT - US CBP Enforces Wood Packaging Regulations 2012 QUEBEC SPRING THAW USITC Posts KOREA-US FTA Proclamation and Annexes Effective March 15, 2012 Mexico Modifies Official Standard on Labeling of Textiles, Apparel U.S. - Korea FTA to Take Effect on March 15, 2012 CPSC Approves ASTM Standard for Portable Bed Rails U.S. Tariff Preference Level Alert - Apparel is at 50% and Knitted Fabric is at 50% Canada Implements Phase 8 of Food Import Notification Initiative Canada Says EU Free Trade Talks May Drag On Rates out of China soar as iPads take off CBP Announces New Risk-Based Exams for Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, & Apparel, also IP and AD/CV Priorities ITA/ITC to Consider Revoking Gift Boxes, Seamless Pipe AD Orders Next Month Canadian International Trade Tribunal Notice of Expiry of Anti-Dumping Duty Order for Bicycles from Chinese Taipei and China Canada Border Services Agency Issues Updated List of Goods Subject to AD/CV Orders Ongoing Free Trade Negotiations and Agreements Strike Cripples Operations at India's Port Nehru Customs Memorandum Regarding “Direct Shipment of Goods” Proof of Value for Duty Adjustments (e.g. Freight) Must Be Kept on File Importers Must Ensure That the Value of Goods Includes No Charge ‘Assists’ Valuation of Imported Goods – How to Withstand Customs Audits & Avoid Assessments Update: Delayed Implementation of New Mechanical Seal Standard for Cargo Containers USTR to Consider GSP for Certain Cotton, Bags, Etc. in 2011 Review FDA Posts Updated Import Alerts TRANSPACIFIC CARRIERS ANNOUNCE GRI FOR March 15, 2012 Important Reminder to Bonded Warehouse Operators: Preparing for an Audit -Compliance and Customs Penalties New Mechanical Seal Standard for Cargo Containers Takes Effect March 1 CPSC to Take Enforcement Action on Kid's Loungewear and Comfort Wear Duty Deferral Diversions Must Reflect Updated Original Transaction Numbers CBSA Publishes Guidelines and General Information on “Assists” U.S Import Division ‘President’s Day’ Schedule Amendment to Energy Efficiency Regulations Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCOFTA) Rules of Origin CBSA's "20 HS Code" Requirement for PARS/RMD Imports Began Feb 1 Passover Products Remission Order CBP Textile and Quota Newsletter New and Revised FDA Import Alerts on Feb 3 Possibility of Negotiating FTA with Georgia Pro-activity at the Ports: CPSC and CBP Stop Unsafe Products Reminder: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program Helps to Ensure Integrity of Security of Supply Chain Practices Possible Changes to Wool Labelling Rules Subject of FTC Inquiry The European Union (EU) is in Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada Goods subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties U.S. and Canada Extend Softwood Lumber Agreement to October 2015 CPSC Proposes to Require Child-Resistant Packaging for OTC Drugs Importation of Non-Manufactured and Non-Propagative Wood Products from U.S. States Marine Spark-Ignition Engine, Vessel and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations Chinese New Year Celebration Begins January 23, 2012 CBP Posts Overview of IPR Enforcement as a Priority Trade Issue Reminder: Information Required To Appear On Commercial/Proforma Invoices Mandatory Electronic Reporting Policy for Exporters REMINDER: Proper Classification of Upper Body Garments for Customs Purposes OMNIFREIGHT OFFERS EXPEDITED SHIPPING TO LAS VEGAS MAGIC SHOW CBSA Posts List of Compliance Verification Priorities Duty Drawback Opportunities Should Not Be Missed Phytosanitary Requirement for Commercial Shipments of Soybeans, safflowers Seeds, and Chickpeas from Countries with Khapra Beetle CBP Issues Updated List of HTS Numbers Potentially Subject to SLA 2008 New and Revised FDA Import Alerts on Dec 27 CBP Bulletin Proposes Broader Use of Transaction Value for "Related Party" Sales and Post-Import Adjustments 2012 Morocco FTA Textile and Apparel TPLs Announced Reminder: Stays Of Enforcement Will End December 31, 2011 January 1, 2012 Version of the Departmental Consolidation of the Customs Tariff now available Important Reminder to Bonded Warehouse Operators: Compliance and Customs Penalties TRANSPACIFIC CARRIERS ANNOUNCE GRI FOR JANUARY 1, 2012 Changes to Commodity Codes for Textiles and Clothing Changes to Commodity Codes for Agricultural Product Reminder: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) Revisions to Certain Contraventions January 1, 2012 Changes to the Harmonized System May Affect Existing Binding Rulings Classification Numbers under tariff item 39219099 WCO-Recommended HTS Changes Expected To Take Effect in Late January 2012 CBP Expects All SPI "A" GSP Refunds To Be Issued By End Feb 2012 Pending Court Cases on Women’s Shelf Bra Garments May Present Duty Refund Opportunities Reminder: CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Phthalates in Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Children’s Toys CPSC Extends Stay of Enforcement for Testing and Certification of Lead Content in Children’s Productsuntil December 31, 2011 FWS to Increase fees as of January 1, 2012 Fees Affect Commercial and Noncommercial Importers/Exporters, Etc. Increases to Take Effect January 1, 2012 Quebec Sales Tax (QST) Increase January 1, 2012 U.S Import Division Christmas and New Year Holiday Schedule Tariff Preference Level (TPL) of Woven Fabric Exports to USA is 100% Utilized Designer Remission Order Letters of Intent and Usage Reports Are Due Tips: GST/HST Filers: You Can Now Get Your Web Access Code Online U.S. Customs and Border Protection Starting GSP Duty Refund Process Delay of effective date of Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products WCO-Recommended HTS Changes to Miss Jan 1, 2012 Start Date Reminder: Harmonized Tariff Schedule Subheading 9811.00.60 Requirements Compliance Measurement Program Developed To Improve Drawback Processing The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has posted its Customs Tariff 2012 CFIA Food Import Notification Customs and Border Protection Information Notice: ACE U.S. Customs and Border Protection Posts Notice Regarding 2012 NAFTA TPL Limits Reminder: Children’s Sleepwear must be Certified and Labeled under CPSC Rules Duty-Free Treatment of Designer Samples Duty (MFN Tariffs) on Additional Manufacturing Inputs Have Been Removed Reminder: HTS Changes for "Textile-Bottomed Footwear" Take Effect Dec 3, 2011 WCO-Recommended HTS Changes Scheduled For January 1, 2012 Listed Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) Appeal: I Pod Armband Case Ruled Under 8522.90.90 As Other Accessories The CBSA Wants To Make Your Return To Canada Easier This Holiday Season YEAR END TPL PROCEDURES 2011-2012 2012 Authorizations under the Textile and Apparel Remission Orders Customs Tariff Concordance Tables Russia May Be Invited To Join World Trade Organization Update: AMS Final Rule on Order & Fee for Imported Xmas Trees Starts November 9 – implementation delayed Ensuring That You Are Prepared for CBSA Periodic Verification Audits U.S Import Division - US Thanksgiving Schedule NAFTA Textile/Apparel TPL Utilization Consultations on Negotiations to Expand the Existing Free Trade Agreement with the State of Israel CPSC Issues 4 Major Testing, Certification, Labeling Notices AMS Final Rule on Order & Fee for Imported Xmas Trees Starts Nov 9 New Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) to Commence November 5, 2011 CBP Issues Memo on Filing ATPA/ATPDEA Entries Starting Nov 5, Refund Requests Federal Trade Commission Advises “Environmentally Friendly” Claims Must Be Substantiated Merchandise Processing Fee Update Bill Introduced to Reduce Lacey Declaration Rules for Wood CBP Issues Memo on Filing GSP Entries Starting Nov 5, Refund Requests Phase 7 of Food Import Notification to Begin October 31, 2011 Record-Keeping Obligations & Penalty-Avoidance Measures President to Sign FTA, GSP/MPF/TAA Bills on Oct 21 Reminder: Softwood Lumber Fee on Imports into U.S. Begins Jan 1 Emanifest Highway Carrier Webinars Notice to Importers: Chicken and Chicken Products First Round of FTA Talks Held with Morocco Courier Low Value Shipment Program Changes Special Notice: Congress Passes FTAs, GSP, Andean Preferences Today eManifest Requirements For Highway Carriers Decision Rendered Concerning Costumes versus Textile Clothing Articles Decision Rendered Concerning Self-Gripping Fasteners Update: FDA Re-Inspection Fees Did Not Take Effect October 1, 2011 GSP Trade Preference Program Reinstated, Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) Increased Product Duty Rates for Korea, Colombia, & Panama FTAs Available Goods Subject to Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Listed FTA Implementing Legislation Submitted to Congress Reminder: AMS Cotton Import Tax Adjusted Sept 30, Affected HTS Numbers Triple CPSC Renews Memorandum of Understanding with Brazilian Government to Improve Product Safety U.S., Canada and Mexico Join Forces to Strengthen Consumer Product Safety across North America U.S Import Division Canadian Thanksgiving Schedule / US Columbus Day Nafta Textile/Apparel Tariff Preference Level (TPL) Utilization to Date Steel Import Monitoring Program Extended to August 31, 2014 Increased FDA Fees Begin Oct 1 for Imported Food Re-inspections Senate Approves GSP Renewal with TAA Extension CROSS-BORDER DISCUSSIONS WITH OMNITRANS CONSULTANTS DUTY DRAWBACK OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD NOT BE MISSED Textile and Apparel Enforcement Focuses on China Undervaluation FDA Detaining all Papaya from Mexico, Lab Testing Needed FDA Announces End of Discretionary Enforcement Period of Interim Final Rule on Information Required in Prior Notice of Imported Food Cotton Import Fee to be Increased Good Subject to Antidumping and Countervailing Duties: Measures in Force Papayas from Mexico U.S. Import Alert Action Required Upon Receipt of Correspondence from Customs APHIS Revises Lacey Declaration Form and Adds New Supplemental Form CITA Removes Certain Ring Spun Cotton Yarns from DR-CAFTA Short Supply List CBP Information Notice: e-Manifest: Rail and Sea NAFTA Agreement Tariff Preference Level Utilization 2011 Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) – Presentation Transpacific Ocean Carriers mitigate PSS on Canadian Import Freight. U.S Import Division ‘Labour Day’ Schedule Canada Strikes Free Trade Deal With Honduras Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin (Spanish) CBP Tip Sheet for New Importers & Exporters CBP Expects to Discontinue Paper Courtesy Liquidation Notices for ABI Summaries on September 30, 2011 CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Phthalates in Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Children’s Toys CBP Seizes Shipment of Imported Toy Jewelry for High Levels of Lead Potential CPSIA Reform Bill to be Considered Canadian International Trade Tribunal Accepts Appeal Regarding Festive Articles CBSA Regulatory Amendments To Implement Canada-Colombia FTA FDA Announces $224-$335/Hour Fees For Import & Facility Re-inspections August 5 TPL and TRQ Report on Textiles & Apparel, Sugar, Etc Revocation Of Anti-dumping Duties On Ball Bearings From Japan And Great Britain CPSC votes to Implement 100 PPM Lead Standard for Children’s Products CBP Seizes 261,000 Cigarette Lighters CBP To Enforce APHIS Rice Import Restrictions On 26 Countries July 30 CFIA Updates List Of Approved Fresh Fruit Imports CBSA Announces Highway Carrier E-manifest Webinars U.S. To Again Assess Economic Impact Of Providing Duty-Free/Quota-Free Treatment To Imports From LDCs Global Entry Now Available at Two Canadian Pre-Clearance Airports FTC Proposes 'Lighting Facts' Labels For Additional Types Of Light Bulbs To Help Consumers Updated Info On 2011 NAFTA Textile/Apparel Trade Health Canada Proposes Guideline to Restrict Cadmium in Children's Jewelry Transpacific Ocean Carriers Delay implementation of PSS on Canadian Import Freight SAVE Act Would Grant Duty-Free Access To Certain Philippine Apparel REFUNDS UNDER THE DUTY DRAWBACK PROGRAM GOING UNCLAIMED Details Of House Summary Of KORUS FTA Draft Implementing Bill REMINDER: HARMONIZED SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION CHANGES IN 2012 CBSA Advises CSA Importers On Hand-Carried Goods Release Canada Moving Toward FTA with European Union U.S Import Division ‘Civic Holiday’ Schedule (excluding Quebec) Implementation of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Certain Details of Canadian Consumer Product Act Clarified More Canadian Food Import Notification Changes to Take Effect August 15, 2011 CBSA concludes Anti-dumping Re-investigation on China bicycles Committees Approve Draft FTA Bills with MPF Increase, GSP, ATPDEA FTC Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) Seeks Input on Care Labeling Rule for Apparel Transpacific Ocean Carriers Delay implementation of PSS on Canadian Import Freight. Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Effective August 15th, 2011. Reminder: Duty Drawback Opportunities Should not be Missed CPSC Issues New Drawstring Safety Rule for Children’s Outerwear Reminder: New Dairy Product Import Tax is Effective August 1 FDA Steps Up Scrutiny of Contact Lens Imports, Amends Labelling and Testing for Sunscreens CPSC Issues "15(J)" Substantial Product Hazard List CPSC Issues Draft Rule to Require Compliance with 100 ppm Lead Content Requirement effective August 14, 2011 Duty-Free Apparel Imports from the Philippines Goal of New Senate Bill White House and Lawmakers Reach Deal on FTAs, GSP and Andean AMS Announces Approval of Softwood Lumber Order and Tax CEH Sues Mfrs for Mislabeling Personal Care Products as Organic Consumer Product Safety Commission Recent News Updates Transpacific Ocean Carriers Announce PSS on Canadian Import Freight effective July 15, 2011 TRANSPACIFIC CARRIERS ANNOUNCE INCREASE IN BAF SURCHARGES CBP Looking to Increase Enforcement on Imports of Textile Products Due to Fraudulent NAFTA Claims US Labelling Requirements for Textiles Containing Organic Ingredients Under the US National Organic Program CBP to Use "CKG" Weight Per Kilogram for All Dairy Items Subject to August 1 Fee Canada Consumer Product Safety Act – Mandatory Reporting Designer Remission Order Reminder – Usage Reports are Due Upcoming Holiday Schedule PierPass Truck Access Fee to LA-LB Box Docks to Rise 20 Percent CBP Revises Its Penalty & Mitigation Guidelines For Advance Cargo Info Reminder: FDA Detention of Food Likely On July 3 AMS Proposes To Triple Cotton Import Tax HTS Codes, Raise Rate 16% Food and Drug Administration Issues Message to Medical Device Industry Omnitrans Online Baggage Shipment Invoice Form - Updated Budget 2011 Tariff Measures Request for Tariff Relief on Chlorinated Polyethylene Canada Consumer Product Safety Act – Additional Information from Health Canada Proposed Levies on Removable Media Storage Failure of Importers and Exporters to Produce Records May Result in Assessments and Fines Congressmen Want Yarn Forward & Other Textile Rules For Trans Pacific Partnership Updated List of Products Needing Certification due to Forced Child Labour Concerns CANADA POST STRIKE ALERT!