Customs & Logistics News
Recent Editions
U.S.
April 20, 2017
U.S. Import Forecast
Retailers are predicting an increase is US consumer spending for the next 6 months due to income growth and low debt. This demand is good news for ocean carriers who are looking to maintain profitable ocean rates this year. February imports were down 7 percent compared to last year due to the later than usual Chinese New Year but March numbers, once finalized, are expected to be much stronger than last year. Carriers are currently wrapping up yearly contract negotiations, rates are expected to settle much higher than the record low rates from last year. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/container-lines/strong-us-import-forecast-could-reverse-trans-pac-spot-rate-slip_20170410.html
Supply Chain Collaboration
As supply chains become increasingly complex, beneficial cargo owners are looking at trucking providers as strategic partners. The view of trucking as transactional is being replaced with an overall view of the value a trucking company can provide. Shippers that are purely focused on the lowest rates are finding service suffers when capacity is at a crunch. As the US economy improves, the relationships with trucking companies will become more important for cargo owners. As consumers evolve, retailers are in search of creative solutions to supply chain issues and having a transportation provider as a partner is only becoming increasingly valuable. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/truckload-freight/us-shippers-turn-collaborative-logistics-gets-more-complex_20170418.html
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Sanitary Transportation Regulation of Human and Animal Food
The FDA’s Sanitary Transportation Regulation as part of their Food Safety Modernization Act went into effect on April 6, 2017. FDA recently posted three waivers to the new requirements. Exemptions exist, and a phased in approach for compliance was taken with small businesses allowed an additional year to comply. The waiver list (and link to Final Rule) is available at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm548729.htm
Department of Commerce Inquiry on Regulations Hampering Domestic Manufacturing
The Department of Commerce recently had requested comments as to what regulations hamper domestic manufacturing. Comments back include that the U.S. government should work to repeal restrictions on NAFTA drawback and duty deferral, and to expand ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). Comments from the Duty Drawback Coalition available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOC-2017-0001-0162 Comments on expansion of ACE available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOC-2017-0001-0146
South Florida Container Terminal (SFCT) Implementation of Terminal Landing Surcharges
SFCT is implementing a Terminal Landing Surcharge for import containers of $29.50 on vessels arriving at Miami on or after March 15. SFCT will collect the charge from the Importers. Notice from SFCT is available at: http://www.southfloridacontainer.com/
Canada
April 20, 2017
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Safe Food for Canadians Regulations Act (SFCR) FAQ
The CFIA has made available a FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) on the proposed SFCR. The proposed Act would generally apply to food for human consumption (including ingredients) that is imported, exported, or inter-provincially traded (food that crosses a provincial border). It would also apply to food animals from which meat products to be exported or inter-provincially traded may be derived. The FAQ is available at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-initiatives/sfca/consultation/frequently-asked-questions/eng/1492029195746/1492029286734
