Customs & Logistics News
Recent Editions
U.S.
July 03, 2017
Softwood Lumber from Canada
The Department of Commerce recently announced preliminary anti-dumping duty on imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber from Canada. This is in addition to the previously implemented countervailing duties. Critical circumstance applies to all companies except Canfor, Resolute, Tolko and West Fraser. The Federal Register notice was published on June 30, and is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/30/2017-13794/certain-softwood-lumber-products-from-canada-preliminary-affirmative-determination-of-sales-at-less
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Improvements Announced
While speaking at the recent American Association of Exporters and Importers annual conference on June 22, Liz Schmelzinger, Director of C-TPAT with U.S. Customs (CBP), said their agency is working to fix problems with its cost-benefit data on C-TPAT membership, and deploy several improvements to the program, including clearer questions on C-TPAT questionnaires and return to a relationship-based approach between CBP C-TPAT specialists and the companies they validate.
Push to Increase Canadian and Mexican de Minimis Levels in NAFTA Negotiation
The Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will push for raising Canada’s and Mexico’s de minimis levels during NAFTA negotiations. The U.S. De minimis level is at $800, while Canada has a threshold of $15.00 and Mexico at $50.00. (Goods over the threshold amount require a formal Customs entry). Negotiations are to start on August 16, with the USTR hoping to have completed by the end of the year.
GCT Bayonne Appointments
This week GCT Bayonne terminal began requiring appointments from 6 a.m to 11 a.m, this is one hour more than the previous requirement of 10 a.m. The Bayonne Bridge opened on June 8 which allows larger ships to call more terminals in New York and New Jersey. This increases the competition for GCT Bayone as previously they were the only terminal that the mega ships could get to. The reason the terminal has extended the appointment window is because of the success in reducing turn times for drivers. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/port-news/us-ports/port-authority-new-york-new-jersey/ny-nj%E2%80%99s-gct-bayonne-boosts-appointment-slots_20170623.html
Maersk Cyber Attack
Maersk Line was forced to shut down its IT and communications infrastructure due to the Petya ransomware cyber attack. Maersk did continue to operate vessels throughout the attack but all communication with customers and terminals was disrupted. Currently the ocean carrier is operating normal at almost all ports and they are accepting bookings via INTTRA, maerskline.com and through EDI. Maersk had confirmed that all bookings made prior to the incident on the 27th are secured and all the data is saved in their system. Additional details: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/container-lines/maersk-line/maersk-puts-bookings-hold-it-deals-cyberattack_20170628.html
Canada
July 03, 2017
Memorandum D19-1-1, Food, Plant, Animals and Related Products
Memorandum D19-1-1, containing guidelines that apply to commercial and non-commercial importations of food, plants, animals (FPA) and related products as regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection (CFIA) has recently been updated. June 21, 2017 D19-1-1 revised Memorandum is available at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-1-1-eng.html
