U.S., Mexico Sign Mutual Recognition Arrangement
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/2014-10-17-000000/us-mexico-sign-mutual-recognition-arrangement
U.S. WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske and Mexico's Tax Administration Service (SAT) Chief Aristóteles Núñez Sánchez today signed a mutual recognition arrangement that allows stronger collaboration between CBP's Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and SAT's New Certified Companies Scheme (NEEC). The signing was held at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico Executive Steering Committee Meeting in San Diego.
"I am pleased to be here to join Chief Núñez in the signing of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement,” said CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “This is a significant milestone for both the United States and Mexico and the facilitation of secure trade between the two countries.”
The goal of the mutual recognition arrangement is to link the two industry partnership programs, so that together they create a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitating global cargo trade.
The arrangement provides tangible and intangible benefits to program members to include: fewer exams when shipping cargo, a faster validation process, common standards, efficiency for Customs and business, transparency between Customs administrations, business resumption, front-of-the-line processing, and marketability.
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognized that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. The C-TPAT program is one layer in CBP's multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy.
In addition to Mexico, the United States also has mutual recognition arrangements with New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Israel, Jordan, the European Union and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.
OTEXA: ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office of Textile and Apparel / http://otexa.ita.doc.gov/
U.S. International Trade Commission received a complaint from Converse, Inc. alleging that certain footwear imports infringe upon the company's registered and common law trademarks in violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The Commission is soliciting comments and written submissions must be filed by the close of business eight days after publication of the Federal Register notice, or by Oct. 28.
CBP Publishes Federal Register Notice – Proposing Revisions to CBP Form 5106
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade_community/cbp-publishes-federal-register-notice-proposing-revisions-cbp-form-5106
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to revise CBP Form 5106 (Importer ID Input Record). The attached notice is published in the Federal Register to notify and to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
CBP also proposes to rename the CBP form 5106; it is suggested that the CBP Form 5106 no longer be named, “Importer ID Input Record” and recommends that it be renamed “Create/Update Importer Identity Form.” The purpose of the name change is to make the form’s purpose clearer to respondents.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Importer ID Input Record (CBP Form 5106).
Written comments should be received on or before December 8, 2014 to be assured of consideration.
Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: Tracey Denning, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, 90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20229-1177.
Requests for additional information should be directed to Tracey Denning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, 90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20229-1177, at 202-325-0265.
USITC: News Releases
U.S. International Trade Commssion / http://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2014/er0930mm1.htm
Commission Vote -- Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel from China, Czech Republic, Korea, and Russia [10/23/2014]
Commission Vote -- Monosodium Glutamate from China and Indonesia [10/23/2014]
Commission Vote -- Frozen Fish Fillets from Vietnam [10/22/2014]
News Release: Sec. 337 Inv. -- Dental Implants [10/21/2014]
Cargo Climbs in September
Port of Long Beach / http://www.polb.com/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1374&TargetID=1
Long Beach sees third-busiest import month ever
Cargo container traffic rose 7.3 percent in September at the Port of Long Beach compared to the same month last year, making for the Southern California seaport’s busiest September since 2007, the Port’s peak year.
A total of 629,771 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) was moved through the Long Beach Harbor in September. Of those, 339,343 TEUs were imports, up 10.2 percent compared to September last year. Exports declined 12.1 percent to 118,412 TEUs. Empty container moves increased 19.1 percent to 172,016 TEUs. Empties are typically repositioned overseas to be refilled with goods.
Cargo numbers climbed in September largely due to the importation of products for the upcoming holiday shopping season. The jump in imports made this September the third-busiest import month in Long Beach’s history. For the year to date, Port of Long Beach containerized cargo is up 1.7 percent.
With an ongoing $4 billion program to modernize its facilities, the Port of Long Beach continues to invest in long-term, environmentally sustainable growth.
For all the latest monthly cargo numbers, click here.
Fighting the Odds to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / http://www.fws.gov/
Darryl Fears of The Washington Post details the struggles of the Service's wildlife Inspectors and special agents as they work to stop illegal wildlife trade. His story points out that the number of Service employees on the ground intercepting illegal trafficking is almost unchanged from 30 years ago, but the job is much harder.
Full Story
Federal Agencies Warn Against Counterfeit Decorative Contact Lenses
Department of Homeland Security - ICE / http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/federal-agencies-warn-against-counterfeit-decorative-contact-lenses-1
‘Operation Double Vision’ is underway to seize illegal, harmful products from store shelves
WASHINGTON — With Halloween rapidly approaching, federal officials are warning the public about the dangers associated with counterfeit decorative contact lenses. Decorative and colored lenses are becoming increasing popular, especially around this time of year.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working to seize counterfeit contact lenses, illegally imported decorative lenses, and lenses unapproved by the FDA. This ongoing effort, which is being coordinated with the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in Washington, is being called “Operation Double Vision.” As a result of the operation, this year alone there have been 74 seizures with a total of more than 20,000 pairs of counterfeit and decorative contact lenses being seized.
“Make no mistake, contact lenses are medical devices that should be prescribed by trained professionals. Unregulated and poorly constructed lenses sold without a prescription pose serious health risks to consumers,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Peter Edge. ”Halloween is a fun and festive holiday, and nobody wants to see those celebrations end with a trip to the ER.”
Officials are warning consumers not to buy contact lenses from such places as Halloween or novelty shops, salons, beauty supply stores, or online if the site doesn’t require a prescription. Although many places illegally sell decorative contact lenses to consumers without valid prescriptions for as little as $20, these vendors are not authorized distributors of contact lenses, which by law require a prescription.
Because of the inherent medical risks, it is illegal to purchase or sell contact lenses of any kind without a prescription from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or a specially licensed optician under the supervision of an eye doctor. Decorative contact lenses can typically be ordered from the office that conducts the eye exam and contact lens fitting. The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act gives the consumers the right to obtain a copy of their contact lens prescription, allowing them to fill that prescription at the business of their choice, including online discount sites. Various legitimate stores and websites sell decorative lenses but consumers should avoid buying these lenses from anywhere that does not require a valid prescription.
“Our concern is that consumers who buy and use decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription can run significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness,” said Philip J. Walsky, acting director of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “It is always better to involve a qualified eye care professional and protect your vision.”
According to a recent national study conducted for optometrists, 11 percent of consumers have worn decorative lenses, and of those, 53 percent purchased them without a prescription. In some states, contact lenses are available at gas stations, flea markets, beauty supply shops and pawn shops.
"You'd never buy a heart valve at a gas station and you should never buy a medical device like contact lenses at one either," said Dr. Jeffrey Hackleman, president of the Georgia Optometric Association. "You only get one pair of eyes and risking a lifetime of vision for a quick thrill is quite frankly not being vision smart. Contact lenses are like sponges that can absorb bacteria and cause an infection if not handled properly. A lifetime of good vision is so much more important than a cheap Halloween accessory.”
Medical experts advise consumers interested in buying decorative lenses to get an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor, even if you think your vision is perfect; to get a valid prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements and an expiration date; to buy the lenses from a seller that requires you to provide a prescription, regardless of whether you shop online or in person; and to follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses. Also, consumers should not expect their eye doctor to prescribe anime, or circle lenses, which give the wearer a wide-eyed, doll-like look, as these have not been approved by the FDA. Finally, an eye doctor should be seen right away if there are signs of eye infection, including redness, lasting eye pain or decrease in vision.
The HSI-led IPR Center is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the IPR Center uses the expertise of its 21-member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety and the U.S. economy.
CBP Officers Seize Cocaine and Heroin at Otay Mesa Cargo Crossing
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/2014-10-22-000000/cbp-officers-seize-cocaine-and-heroin-otay-mesa-cargo
SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa cargo port of entry stopped two trucks within ten minutes of each other Tuesday, one with packages of cocaine and one with packages of heroin.
“When officers in the cargo environment find narcotics, we generally uncover larger quantities of marijuana hidden in the shipment itself or in the cargo trailer,” said Rosa Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa Cargo Port of Entry. “This just shows the importance of my officers’ inspections of every shipment, driver, tractor, and trailer.”
Just before 4:30 p.m. on October 21, a 23-year-old Mexican truck driver arrived at the Otay Mesa cargo port of entry in a “bobtail” commercial truck with no trailer or shipment. A CBP officer roving the lanes of trucks waiting for inspection referred the truck and the driver to the dock for a more intensive inspection.
At the dock, CBP officers inspected the truck, and noted signs of tampering. A CBP officer with a human narcotic detector dog screened the vehicle, and the canine alerted to the rear differential.
CBP officers found 18 packages containing almost 47 pounds of cocaine hidden in the differential of the tractor. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $528,750.
A few minutes later, a 30-year-old Mexican truck driver arrived at the same border crossing driving a tractor-trailer with a shipment manifested as televisions. A CBP officer inspecting the driver, truck, and cargo decided to refer the truck and shipment for a non-intrusive inspection using x-ray equipment.
A CBP officer scanned the truck and shipment, and noticed an anomaly underneath the sleeper area of the tractor.
CBP officers found two metal boxes hidden under the sleeper area of the tractor. A CBP officer with a human narcotic detector dog screened the cab, and the canine alerted.
CBP officers opened the metal boxes, and inside, found six packages containing almost 44 pounds of heroin, with an estimated street value of $855,700.In both incidents, CBP officers seized the vehicles and the narcotics. Both drivers were arrested, turned over the agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and booked into the Metropolitan Correctional Center.