Monday, 9/02, PNCT and Maher Terminal will be CLOSED for Labor Day
PierPass - Revised Port Truck Gate Schedule for Labor Day Weekend 2024
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**Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Pea Protein From the People's Republic of China: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Certain Glass Wine Bottles From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duy Determination and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Narrow Woven Ribbons With Woven Selvedge From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Alloy and Certain Carbon Steel Threaded Rod From the People's Republic of China; Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Large Power Transformers From South Korea
• Certain Memory Devices and Electronic Devices Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation as to One Respondent and To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From France: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People's Republic of China: Final Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Ferrosilicon From the Russian Federation: Preliminary Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determinations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From China
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Truck and Bus Tires From People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
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Modernizing Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control - Department of Treasury
Economic and trade sanctions continue to be an important tool to support the United States’ foreign policy goals and to address pressing national security concerns. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers and enforces sanctions, and the private sector acts as a critical partner in ensuring the success of our mission.
OFAC is committed to modernizing its infrastructure and approaches to engaging with stakeholders to ensure sanctions are easily understood and enforceable — a key recommendation highlighted in Treasury’s 2021 Sanctions Review that OFAC is working to implement.
For example, we regularly meet with companies, organizations, and civil society groups impacted by our sanctions to better understand the implementation issues they face and their best practices for sanctions compliance. This valuable feedback from the public has informed several recent OFAC initiatives aimed at making our sanctions easier to implement.
You may already be aware of some of these efforts, such as the launch of OFAC’s new website and the introduction of OFAC’s video series. I want to highlight some other important initiatives this year.
General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Update: To ensure our guidance remains up to date and relevant for the public, OFAC is updating many of its FAQs on general sanctions questions and issues. These FAQs are often our most viewed guidance, as they deal with basic principles of sanctions implementation. The first installment of updated FAQs is available now (FAQs 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 91, 126, 468, and 469) and includes guidance on key topics such as what OFAC means by “blocked property” and how to verify the authenticity of an OFAC document.
OFAC will continue reviewing FAQs through an ongoing process focused on providing up-to-date and useful information to the public. OFAC will announce subsequent FAQ updates via its Recent Actions Notices.
OFAC Website Updates and FAQs Search Function: OFAC recently made changes to our website to make it more user-friendly, including updating the home page to make finding FAQs easier. Our website now has a new and improved FAQ search function that allows you to search by keyword or phrase and to filter results by specific topics or relevant sanctions programs.
FAQ Archive: In addition to updating certain FAQs and enhancing the search function, OFAC is working to make it easier for the public to see when FAQs have been updated and what has changed. Specifically, we will soon begin preserving certain older versions of amended FAQs in an FAQ archive on our website. We are continuing to assess how to make this feature as user-friendly as possible and look forward to launching it soon.
Compliance Hotline: Last year, OFAC’s Compliance Hotline received approximately 57,000 submissions — an all-time high. To keep up with the increased demand for sanctions guidance, OFAC launched a new online platform to streamline the way the public submits queries to OFAC. This platform enhances how OFAC receives and responds to hotline inquiries; specifically, it allows for improved tracking of requests and will help us analyze which questions are most frequent and where additional public guidance may be helpful.
OFAC Reporting System: To enhance processing speed and reduce reporting burden, OFAC introduced the OFAC Reporting System (ORS). ORS is a secure electronic platform for submitting reports related to blocked property and rejected transactions. It offers features such as secure messaging, bulk filing, and unique report forms. Although ORS has been available as an optional filing method since 2019, most filers now prefer using it.
Recently, OFAC amended the Reporting, Procedures, and Penalties Regulations to clarify reporting requirements and make the use of ORS mandatory for filing block and reject reports. This rule took effect on August 8, 2024.
Sanctions List Service: On May 6, 2024, OFAC formally launched the Sanctions List Service (SLS). SLS is a cloud-based platform that provides users with easy access to the most up-to-date and complete sanctions lists and sanctions list data ready for immediate download. SLS introduced a custom sanctions dataset tool to allow users to create custom datasets based upon their selection of certain sanctions lists or programs. SLS also provides easy access to an archive of OFAC’s sanctions lists in XML format (dating back to 2022). Human-readable versions of sanctions lists (dating back to 1994) remain available on OFAC’s website.
Production Submission Standards and Enforcement Information: To reflect current technological standards, on July 5, 2024, OFAC published an update to its data delivery standards, which provides general and technical guidance for submitting information to OFAC electronically. The guidance, available here, provides best practices for :organizing submissions, general conventions for electronic submissions of various file types, and standards for submitting large productions. Additionally, on April 8, 2024, we updated OFAC’s table of Civil Penalties and Enforcement Information on our website to include the dates, party names, penalty or settlement amounts, and relevant documentation for enforcement actions dating back to 2003.
Licensing Portal: OFAC recently updated the online Licensing Portal to provide greater transparency about the license application process. Specifically, applicants using the Licensing Portal to check the status of their applications will now receive one of ten case statuses that specify where their application is in the processing timeline. Concurrently, OFAC updated the License Hotline by revising menus and transitioning to a callback-only system. These updates are designed to help the public access the information they need faster, reduce call wait times, and improve the overall customer experience.
Conclusion: OFAC is committed to modernizing its operations and enhancing access to information to help the public understand and implement our sanctions. We welcome feedback on these updates, including recommendations on additional FAQs or public guidance topics that would be helpful for OFAC to address, via its Compliance Hotline or, if you are a subscriber to OFAC's Recent Actions Notices, through a website satisfaction survey which we will release in the coming weeks.
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CBP to Host Virtual Forced Labor Seminar for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands Importers - CBP
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan Field Office extended today an invitation to importers and the business community to a virtual seminar regarding its enforcement of forced labor authorities. Forced labor established in Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1307), prohibits the importation of merchandise mined, produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in any foreign country by forced or indentured labor – including forced child labor.
"Importers and the business community in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands must be vigilant in their supply chains as CBP's stringent forced labor enforcement continues to evolve,” indicated Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations in San Juan. “Compliance isn't just a legal requirement—it's a moral imperative that safeguards human rights.”
CBP’s forced labor enforcement mission supports ethical and humane trade while leveling the playing field for U.S. companies that respect fair labor standards. CBP is the only U.S. government agency, and one of the few in the world, with the legal authority to take enforcement action against goods produced with forced labor to prevent entry into domestic commerce.
For many years, enforcement of Section 307 was inhibited by the Consumptive Demand Clause, which stated that if certain goods were not domestically produced in sufficient quantities to meet U.S. consumer demand, such goods could be imported into the United States even if they were produced wholly or in part by forced labor. Congress repealed the Consumptive Demand Clause when it passed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTEA).
As of 2021, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that 27.6 million people around the globe were in forced labor situations. It is not unique to one country or commodity; it is a global problem. The ILO developed the 11 indicators to assist “front-line” officials, inspectors, trade union officers, non-governmental organization workers, and others to identify persons who are possibly trapped in a forced labor situation, and who may require urgent assistance. CBP looks to these 11 indicators as a guide when determining whether forced labor exists in the production of a particular good.
CBP implements its forced labor authorities through issuance of Withhold Release Orders (WRO) and Findings, and enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), to prevent merchandise produced in whole or in part in a foreign country using forced labor from being imported into the United States.
The seminar will be held on Thursday August 29, at 9:30am, and is open to importers and businesses, free of charge, by entering here. Attendees can also call in at (332)249-0605 (Meeting ID 57767975 #).
CBP is responsible for preventing the entry of products made with forced labor into the U.S. market by investigating and acting upon allegations of forced labor in supply chains. To submit information to CBP alleging merchandise was produced with forced labor, please use CBP’s e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System.
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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Magnetic Chess Games Due to Ingestion Hazard; Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Magnet Toys; Sold by JOMO - Consumer Product Safety Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of Magnetic Chess Games sold by JOMO because the loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested by children.
CPSC testing determined the magnets do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal regulation for magnet toys.
CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the seller, JOMO, of China, but the firm has not agreed to recall the Magnetic Chess Games or offer a remedy to consumers.
When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death.
CPSC estimates 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments annually from 2017 through 2021. CPSC is aware of eight deaths since 2005 through 2021 involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside of the United States.
The games were sold in a blue box with the word “Magnetic” on the front and back of the box. The game includes about 20 loose black magnets, a yellow string, and instructions for play. Although marketed as a chess game, it does not contain chess pieces. The magnetic games were sold online at www.walmart.com for about $15.
CPSC urges consumers to stop using the magnetic chess games immediately, take them away from children, and dispose of them or take them to your local recycling facility. Do not sell or give away these hazardous magnetic games.
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
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Telemarketer Fees to Access the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry to Increase in 2025 - Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission announced today an update to the fees telemarketers must pay to access phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry in FY 2025, which starts on October 1, 2024.
All telemarketers calling consumers in the United States are required to download the numbers on the National DNC Registry to ensure they do not call consumers who have registered their phone numbers. The first five area codes are free to download, and organizations that are exempt, such as some charities and political callers, may obtain the entire list for free. Telemarketers must subscribe each year for access to the Registry numbers.
The cost of accessing a single area code in the Registry will be $80 in FY 2025, which is an increase of $2 from FY 2024. The maximum charge to any single entity for accessing all area codes nationwide is now $22,038 (up from 21,402 in FY 2024). The fee for accessing an additional area code for a half year will increase $1 from FY 2024, to $40.
The Commission vote authorizing publication of the Federal Register notice announcing the new fees was 5-0.
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FDA Clears First Device to Enable Automated Insulin Dosing for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes - Food & Drug Administration
Today (8/26/24), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the indications of the Insulet SmartAdjust technology, an interoperable automated glycemic controller previously indicated for the management of type 1 diabetes in individuals two years and older, to also include management of type 2 diabetes in individuals 18 years and older. An interoperable automated glycemic controller is software that automatically adjusts insulin delivery to a person with diabetes by connecting to an alternate controller-enabled insulin pump (ACE pump) and integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM).
“The FDA has long worked with the diabetes community to ensure access to additional options and flexibilities for diabetes management,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Automated insulin dosing technology has previously been available only for people with type 1 diabetes. Today’s action helps expand access to this important diabetes management tool to millions of adults living in the U.S. with type 2 diabetes. The FDA is committed to advancing new device innovation that can improve the health and quality of life for people living with chronic diseases that require day-to-day maintenance like diabetes.”
More than 11% of Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, a condition in which the body does not make enough or properly use the blood glucose-regulating hormone insulin. In people with type 2 diabetes, patients may take medications that can help increase insulin secretion or improve insulin sensitivity, in addition to following a healthy eating plan and physical activity. Many patients also need to use insulin therapy to keep their blood sugar in a safe range.
Previously, insulin therapy options for people with type 2 diabetes were limited to methods such as injection with a syringe, an insulin pen or an insulin pump, all of which require patients to self-administer insulin one or more times a day and check blood glucose frequently to achieve the best results. Today’s clearance provides a new option that can automate many of these manual tasks, potentially reducing the burden of living with this chronic disease.
The FDA reviewed data from a clinical study in which 289 individuals 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes on insulin used the Insulet SmartAdjust technology for 13 weeks. This study enrolled a diverse group of subjects from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, with a wide range of ages, education and income levels. Study participants had varying amounts of experience with diabetes and insulin use, and many subjects were also using common non-insulin diabetes medications like GLP1 agonists. Overall, the study showed that subjects’ blood sugar control improved compared to before the study and these improvements were seen across all demographic groups. There were no complications or serious adverse events related to the use of the SmartAdjust technology. Adverse events reported during the study were generally mild to moderate, and included hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and skin irritation.
The FDA reviewed the SmartAdjust technology software through the 510(k) premarket clearance pathway. A 510(k) is a premarket submission made to the FDA to demonstrate that a new device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device.
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Grants Help Fast Track Travelers with Their Luggage - Federal Aviation Administration
WASHINGTON – To date the FAA has awarded over 25 airports with more than $465 million in grant funding for the replacement or upgrading of baggage handling systems.
This unique funding program was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and gives airports the opportunity to make improvements and modernize facilities for a more efficient passenger experience at a moment when some systems are 30 years old and nearing the end of their usefulness.
For example, the Denver International Airport in Colorado was recently awarded $124 million to replace the baggage handling system with a more energy efficient system to accommodate additional passengers.
With record air travel this month and passenger growth predicted for years to come, the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus remains on investments that can directly improve the passenger experience.
“We’re helping travelers reunite with loved ones quicker, start vacations sooner, and make crucial appointments,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E., on the importance of maintaining and modernizing baggage handling systems. “The last thing anybody wants is the stress of a luggage delay.”
Other examples of airports receiving grants include:
$639,000 to La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin: This grant funds rehabilitating the existing terminal building baggage handling equipment to allow for the efficient movement of baggage.
$7.4 million to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado: This grant funds replacing the existing terminal building baggage handling system that has reached the end of its useful life to provide for more efficient and reliable movement of baggage.
$4.4 million to Lawton-Fort Still Regional Airport in Oklahoma: This grant funds completing the final phase of the terminal modernization and expansion project which includes a new baggage claim area. The terminal modernization and expansion project includes a building expansion with a new baggage claim and meeter-greeter areas, a new and expanded security checkpoint and hold room expansion that accommodates two airline gates. This award will provide funding to complete the final phase, which includes an expanded airline counter, office spaces, conveyor systems for departures, a passenger boarding bridge, and curbside area updates.
$6.4 million to Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds replacing the baggage handling system with energy efficient components. Additionally, it includes the replacement of drive motors, automatic tag readers, and photo-sensors, with more energy efficient technology.
Funding for this grant comes from the Airport Terminal Program or Airport Infrastructure Grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $12 billion of funding has been made available to airports across the country though both programs. Learn more about the full $25 billion in the infrastructure law for airport improvements by visiting faa.gov/bil.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced over $461 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 60,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $898 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States.