Customs & Logistics News
Recent Editions
U.S.
January 16, 2017
Reminder – Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Tariff Number) Update
It is a Customs requirement that the tariff number(s) of the good(s) imported be provided to Customs. The 2017 Tariff Schedules for U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are available. Please ensure that the tariff number(s) you provide on the customs invoice is accurate and complete. The updated U.S. Tariff Schedule is available at: https://hts.usitc.gov/current The Canada Customs tariff schedule is available at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2017/menu-eng.html
Ocean Carrier Alliances
In April 2017 the major vessel-sharing alliances will transition from four groups to three. Beneficial cargo owners should expect to have fewer choices for port callings. As carriers consolidate their routings, certain US ports will experience an increase in volume while other less popular ports will notice a decline. Terminal operators will have the biggest impact as they will need to prepare for bigger ships and shifts in volume. It is still uncertain how the new alliances will affect rates since the capacity each will deploy is not confirmed. The goal of the alliances is for the carriers to cut down operating costs but terminal operators warn that there is a need to improve service and data sharing in order to meet the needs of the beneficial cargo owners. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/container-lines/new-alliances-challenge-global-supply-chains_20170107.html
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance Documents
The FDA has issued two guidance documents on the nutrition facts label and the servicing size final rules to help industry comply with the rules. The FDA is accepting comments on the draft guidance to be provided within 60 days. Guidance documents: http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm535373.htm
Detention Rulemaking
Plans for official rulemaking regarding driver detention times have been postponed, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is expected to create a report this year on how excessive detention times affect truck driver safety. The delay of an official rulemaking gives shippers and carriers the chance to fix the issues at hand without force from regulations. The concern is that having drivers wait extensive hours for loading and unloading causes them to have to work beyond legal limits impacting safety. A study running since 2001 has found a positive relationship between long waiting times and accidents on the road. Additional details are available at: http://www.joc.com/regulation-policy/transportation-regulations/us-transportation-regulations/us-truck-safety-agency-parks-plans-driver-detention-rule_20170111.html
Department of Commerce Extends Steel Import Permits
The Department of Commerce is extending the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system until March 21, 2022. SIMA steel permits allow public statistical data on steel imports roughly five weeks earlier than otherwise available. Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/05/2016-31667/steel-import-monitoring-and-analysis-system
Canada
January 16, 2017
Trade Compliance Verifications
Canada Customs manages trade compliance with the Tariff Classification, Valuation, and Origin programs using the post-release verification processes of random verifications and verification priorities. Targeted verification priorities are determined through a risk-based, evergreen process, meaning that new targets are added throughout the year. Verification priorities may also be carried over from previous years. Canada Customs updated verification priority list: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/verification/menu-eng.html
