Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA): ANNOUNCEMENT
04/24/2014 – The Determination to Approve KORUS FTA Commercial Availability Request: Certain Cashmere Yarn - 2.2014.03.18.Yarn.HeritageCashmereKoreaCo,Ltd
Informed Compliance Publication (ICP), Classification of Tires
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/document/publications/informed-compliance-publication-icp-classification-tires
In April 2014, CBP published an Informed Compliance Publication (ICP) on the Classification of Tires. The ICP will provide necessary guidance to the public on the classification of tires of Chapter 40 of the HTSUS, a significant and growing area of trade. Statistics from the Office of International Trade show that nearly 121,700,000 tires for use on cars and trucks at a value exceeding 6.5 billion dollars were imported into the US in 2009. These figures do not include tires for other modes of transportation or heavy equipment.
Despite the high trade volume in these products, however, very little information or guidance is offered in the HTSUS or the Explanatory Notes (ENs) that can assist with the proper classification of tires. Additionally, Presidential Proclamation 8414, and Investigations 701-TA-448 and 731-TA-1117 by the United States International Trade Commission have resulted in additional payments being due upon the importation of certain tires. An understanding of the proper classification of tires is necessary to determine whether these additional payments are due. The Classification of Tires ICP will provide the clarification of the principles of classification for tires necessary to determine their proper classification and whether they are subject to the additional duties imposed by Presidential Proclamation 8414.
The material in this publication is provided for general information purposes only. Because many complicated factors can be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under Regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 19 C.F.R. Part 177, or to obtain advice from an expert who specializes in customs matters, for example, a licensed customs broker, attorney or consultant.
U.S. Removes the Philippines from the Special 301 Watch List
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative / http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/April/US-Removes-the-Philippines-from-the-Special-301-Watch-List
Washington, D.C. – The Office of the United States Trade Representative announces today that it has removed the Philippines from the Special 301 Watch List.
USTR has determined to remove the Philippines from the Special 301 Watch List. The Philippines has appeared on the Watch List or Priority Watch List continuously since 1994, and was first listed in 1989. In recent years, the government has enacted a series of significant legislative and regulatory reforms to enhance the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have also made laudable civil and administrative enforcement gains. Although significant challenges remain, the commitment of Philippine authorities and the results achieved merit this change in status. The United States will continue to engage with the Philippines to address unresolved and future challenges.
Background: Pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (1994), under the Special 301 provisions, USTR must identify those countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection.
USTR has created a "Priority Watch List" and "Watch List" under the Special 301 provisions. A trading partner’s placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country or economy with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Trading partners on the Priority Watch List become the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas.
USTR Removes Italy from the Special 301 Watch List
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative / http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/April/USTR-Removes-Italy-From-The-Special-301-Watch-List
Washington, DC. – The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced today that it removes Italy from the Special 301 Watch List.
Today, the United States removed Italy from the Watch List in the 2014 Special 301 Report in recognition of the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority’s (AGCOM) adoption, on December 12, 2013, of long-awaited regulations to combat copyright piracy over the Internet, as well as the overall improvement of the climate for IP-intensive industries in Italy. This decision is reflected in the Special 301 Report, published today, which is the result of an annual review of the state of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement in trading partners around world.
Italy’s removal from the Special 301 List reflects the significant steps the Government of Italy has taken to address the problem of online piracy, and the continued U.S. commitment to meaningful and sustained engagement with our critical partner Italy.
The AGCOM regulations, which entered into force on March 31, 2014, will benefit Italian as well as foreign copyright holders by providing notice and takedown procedures that incorporate due process safeguards and establish a mechanism for addressing large-scale piracy. The adoption and entry into force of these regulations is an important achievement, resulting from intensive efforts over many years.
The United States encourages Italy to continue this positive momentum. We look forward to continuing to work with Italy on our shared commitment to IPR protection and enforcement.
Background
Pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (1994), under the Special 301 provisions, USTR must identify those countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. USTR has created a "Priority Watch List" and "Watch List" under the Special 301 provisions. A trading partner’s placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country or economy with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Trading partners on the Priority Watch List become the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas.
PRESS RELEASE: International Trade Administration
http://www.trade.gov/press/press-releases/
04/29/2014 Commerce Finds Dumping of Imports of Prestressed Concrete Steel Rail Tie Wire from the People’s Republic of China and Mexico, and No Dumping of Prestressed Concrete Steel Rail Tie Wire from Thailand
CBP Among those Cited for Successes in Fighting Counterfeits
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/spotlights/2014-04-25-000000/cbp-among-those-cited-successes-fighting-counterfeits
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on April 23 honored recent efforts to counteract counterfeit products as part of its Intellectual Property Champions awards.
The business organization presented 12 awards to individuals, businesses and law enforcement organizations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection was honored for contributions in three separate cases where fake products were identified and prevented from entering U.S. commerce.
“Intellectual property rights are the cornerstone of our innovative economy and are critical to dozens of industries and millions of consumers across the globe,” said David Hirschmann, president of the Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center.
As the federal agency responsible for the safety and lawfulness of all individuals and items that enter the U.S., CBP has long considered the protection of intellectual property rights a priority issue.
CBP was cited for participation in a collaborative effort to target the sale of counterfeit sports products and tickets. The results of the yearlong Operation Team Player were announced at this year’s Super Bowl where it was reported that more than $37 million in fake sports merchandise was seized, 70 individuals were arrested and 163 websites were seized for criminal violations. CBP joined other entities within the Department of Homeland Security and with Mexican Customs on this operation.
Investigators from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP also were cited for a complex operation that led to a conviction for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, including military grade circuits and other defense items. The convicted man forfeited more than $59,000 and a 2010 Acura and now faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
CBP and ICE investigators were recognized for digging deeper into a seizure and discovering much broader violations. In March 2011, CBP officers seized 10 copies of counterfeit Microsoft software. Further investigation found the individual involved sold counterfeit versions of other popular software worth more that $750,000. The individual was convicted, sentenced to prison and required to pay restitution.
Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia spoke at the awards event and thanked all those honored. “Encouraging innovation by ensuring it will be rewarded and protected builds our economy today and sets the stage for a brighter tomorrow,” Collins said.
What is TSA Pre✓™?
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/what-tsa-precheck
TSA Pre✓™ allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints.
What does TSA Pre✓™ mean for travelers?
TSA Pre✓™ Experience:
Quicker transit through airport security screening
Faster moving lines
Improved travel experience
No Removal of:
Belt
Shoes
Light outerwear/jacket
3-1-1 compliant bag and laptop from carry-on
How does TSA Pre✓™ work?
TSA Pre✓™ includes certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA Pre✓™ application program or participants of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI).
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed TSA Pre✓™ screening.
Travelers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓™ should follow these steps at the airport to experience TSA Pre✓™:
- If you have a TSA Pre✓™ indicator on your boarding pass, proceed to the TSA Pre✓™ lane;
- Present your boarding pass and Government-issued ID to the Travel Document Checker;
- Have the TSA Travel Document Checker scan your boarding pass barcode;
- Remember that your children age 12 and under may go with you; and
- Keep on your shoes and belt, your laptop in its case, and your 3-1-1 compliant bag in your carry-on.
Learn more about the four Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler programs that include TSA Pre✓™ eligibility at www.DHS.gov. These programs are customized based on travel needs and many of them have reciprocal benefits.
Here’s What People Are Saying About TSA Pre✓™
U.S. Department of Homeland Security / http://www.dhs.gov/blog/2014/04/16/here%E2%80%99s-what-people-are-saying-about-tsa-pre%E2%9C%93%E2%84%A2
Posted by the TSA Blog Team
Travelers around the country are moving through airports with greater ease as a result of TSA Pre✓™, the expedited screening program that allows pre-approved travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and keep laptops in their case. TSA Pre✓™ is now at more than 115 U.S. airports and with nine air carriers (Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America). But we have no intention of stopping there—we are looking for more opportunities to expand the TSA Pre✓™ population every day.
To date, tens of millions of passengers have enjoyed shorter screening times as a result of TSA Pre✓™.
Travelers interested in applying for TSA Pre✓™ should go here to begin the pre-enrollment process. All TSA Pre✓™ program applicants must then visit an application center— like the new center at Washington Dulles International Airport— in person to verify their identity and citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide biographical information, (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.) and fingerprints. You can find a full listing of the more than 200TSA Pre✓™ applications centers here. TSA Pre✓™ is just one way we are moving away from the one-size fits all security. But don’t just take our word for it.
Below is a sampling of what people across the country have been saying recently about TSA Pre✓™:
NJ Star Ledger: A less frustrating way to fly: Editorial