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June, 6, 2010


Canada Announces Changes Concerning Use of EDI in Preparation for eManifest

In a Customs Notice the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced several steps it is taking to increase the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for customs release purposes in order to prepare for its upcoming eManifest requirement.

In April 2008 the CBSA began requiring EDI transmissions for release of shipments containing 100 or less invoice line items, unless they were specifically exempted. The announced measures will increase the invoice line threshold from 100 to 999 between September 1, 2011 and June 1, 2012.

This increased use of EDI is in preparation for the implementation of eManifest. Per the notice, "eManifest will require various members of the trade community to electronically submit trade information to the CBSA in advance of their shipment's arrival in Canada and within prescribed time frames."

Once all eManifest transmission options, including EDI, become publicly available, implementation of the program will begin.


The Customs Notice can be accessed online at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn11-004-eng.html

 

Update to Rules of Origin for Certain Products Under Singapore, Peru and North America FTA's

On May 25, 2011 Presidential Proclamation 8682 was published in the Federal Register, detailing changes to the rules of origin for several products in the Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SFTA), Peru Trade Preference Agreement (PTPA), and North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Per the Proclamation, U.S. Note 2 to subchapter XXII of chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) was modified by adding subdivision (c) which expands the goods eligible for entry under HTS 9822.01.25. The change allows additional articles of apparel to be entered duty-free if sewn or assembled in Singapore, regardless of the origin of the specified yarn/ fabric. The update is effective for goods entered on or after May 24, 2011.

In addition, under the terms of General Note 25 (SFTA), the Tariff Classification Rules for Chapter 90, 64A through 64D, were modified by inserting another rule concerning HTS 9030.31.

Under the terms of General Note 32 (PTPA), chapter 99 was modified such that HTS headings 9901.00.50 and 9901.00.52 are eligible for duty-free treatment provided they meet the origin requirements specified in the amendment. The update is effective for goods entered on or after January 1, 2011.

Lastly, Under the Terms of General Note 12 (NAFTA), several Tariff Classification Rules for Chapters 29 and 87 were modified or deleted. The update is effective for goods entered on or after October 2, 2009.

The Federal Register notice, with changes detailed in Annex I and II, can be accessed online at:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-25/pdf/2011-13171.pdf

 

CBP Testifies on Strengthening Enforcement of ADD-CVD


On May 25, 2011 Assistant Commissioner Allen Gina of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the enforcement of antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD), including new approaches to preventing their circumvention.

Per Assistant Commissioner Gina's testimony, "CBP focuses its trade enforcement actions and resources around priority trade issues (PTI) that pose a significant risk to the U.S. economy, consumers, and stakeholders." In 2003 AD/CVD was granted priority status, meaning CBP, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is aggressively pursuing attempts at AD/CVD circumvention.

In addition to describing many of the current methods of enforcement, such as information sharing with the private sector and foreign governments, risk assessments, and audits, several new approaches were also discussed. These included:
- Requiring Single Transaction Bonds for high risk importers, such as nonresident importers of record.
- Expanding the use of CBP and ICE experts to determine the realistic production capacity of manufacturers.
- Working with the Justice Department to concentrate resources on the most complex cases.

- Cooperating with the Department of Commerce to verify the legitimacy of goods suspected of transshipment.
- Increased transparency regarding investigations and prosecutions.

In addition, the testimony also touched on some of the methods of AD/CVD evasion, CBP's overall approach to enforcement, recent enforcement activities, and the Jones Act.


A text version of Assistant Commissioner Allen Gina's testimony is available at:
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/testimony/testimony_1306261038778.shtm

 

 


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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.