New York - Miami - Los Angeles Thursday, March 28, 2024
C-TPAT
  You are here:  Newsletter
 
Newsletters Minimize
 

23
Thanksgiving Schedules:

PierPass: Terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have announced schedules for the Thanksgiving holiday period of Thursday Nov. 24 through Sunday Nov. 27, 2022. The schedule is posted below, and a PDF of the schedule can be downloaded by clicking here
The PierPASS/PortCheck Service Center will be CLOSED on Thursday, 11/24 for Thanksgiving and will have limited hours on Friday, 11/25 from 6 AM to 3 PM PST.
PierPASS & PortCheck customers who plan to move containers over the holiday weekend should ensure that containers are properly claimed during business hours on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd to avoid any delays. If you have questions regarding claiming, please contact the Customer Service Center at 877-863-3310.
Please continue to monitor the websites of individual terminals for updates.

PNCT: PNCT will be CLOSED 11/24 for Thanksgiving Day and will commence with normal Gate Hours on Friday 11/25
Maher Terminals: Please be advised that Maher Terminals and our Empty Depot operated by Columbia will be closed for gate activity on Saturday 11/26/22.
Please be sure to take full advantage of our terminal gate hours Monday thru Friday for your import deliveries.
________________________________________________________________________________
Unbox Real Happiness: Give the Gift of Authenticity this Holiday Season - US Customs & Border Protection
WASHINGTON — While counterfeit goods pose a threat all year round, consumers should be on especially high alert during the holiday season. The surge in consumer spending and the desire to find great deals on holiday gifts means that shoppers may be at heightened risk for purchasing counterfeit goods. The good news is, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are here to help.
CBP, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is taking to the airwaves to raise awareness this holiday shopping season about the dangers of counterfeit goods, and how to avoid falling for scams. The two organizations are encouraging shoppers to “unbox real happiness” this holiday season by purchasing genuine goods.
Shoppers are continuing to purchase their holiday gifts online in record numbers. However, with the ease and convenience of direct-to-consumer purchasing, consumers must remain vigilant to ensure they receive authentic products.
“Counterfeit goods may seem harmless, but they support criminal activity, contain materials and ingredients that can pose serious health and safety risks, and hurt legitimate American businesses,” said John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade. “During Fiscal Year 2022, CBP seized nearly 25 million counterfeit products worth $3 billion, had they been genuine. Counterfeiters only care about profits – not your health or safety, or the United States economy.”
CBP knows businesses can’t do it alone. That’s why the Agency is partnering with industry to educate Americans about the dangers of counterfeits.
“Consumer awareness is paramount in the fight against fakes,” said Patrick Kilbride, Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center. “This holiday season, business and law enforcement are partnering to help consumers shop smart and get what they pay for. Follow our top ten tips for safe online shopping to give the gift of authenticity,” Kilbride said.
For more information about what you can do you can do to can do to “unbox real happiness” this holiday season, visit www.USChamber.com/shopsmart. 
Consumers can report suspected counterfeits via CBP’s e-Allegations Online Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. 
________________________________________________________________________________
Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Oil Country Tubular Goods From the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation: Countervailing Duty Orders
• Oil Country Tubular Goods From Argentina, Mexico, and the Russian Federation: Antidumping Duty Orders and Amended Final Affirmative Antidumping Duty Determination for the Russian Federation
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
• Certain Chocolate Milk Powder and Packaging Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination To Issue a General Exclusion Order; Termination of Investigation
• Ferrovanadium From South Korea
• Finished Carbon Steel Flanges From India, Italy, and Spain
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Wooden Bedroom Furniture From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
• Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020; Correction
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Corrosion Inhibitors From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Initiation and Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
• Large Diameter Welded Pipe From Canada: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2020-2021
• Certain Cased Pencils From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Fifth Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Smart Thermostats, Load Control Switches, and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
________________________________________________________________________________
Cincinnati CBP Saves Lives by Stopping Dangerous and Unapproved Cosmetic Items from Reaching Consumers - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
CINCINNATI — On November 5, Cincinnati U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 6 shipments of unapproved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drugs. The drugs included Phenibut Hydrochloride, Botulinum Toxin, and fillers containing Lidocaine. Each one of these drugs to include Injectable cosmetic treatments, are regulated by FDA.
The six illegal shipments originated in China, South Korea, and Hong Kong with ultimate destinations in many states including Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Virginia. One shipment contained Phenibut Hydrochloride, also known as Fenibut, which has never been an approved drug product in the U.S. Phenibut Hydrochloride is a psychoactive drug originating in Russia, used both under prescription and recreationally, and has the potential for a variety of serious adverse effects for users. Phenibut Hydrochloride is also not permitted as a dietary ingredient, therefore when a dietary supplement includes Phenibut as an ingredient, it is misbranded and considered an unapproved new drug by FDA.
The remaining five shipments of prescription drugs included injectable cosmetic treatments, also restricted by the FDA. The 100- and 200-Unit vials of Botulinum Toxin, Juvederm and Restylane fillers contain ingredients that are unknown, and consumers risk serious adverse health concerns and negative side effects. Had the products been genuine and FDA-approved, the combined value for all the prohibited injectables and unapproved Phenibut Hydrochloride would have been $542,928.
“The FDA is especially concerned about the illegal importation of injectable prescription medications as these drugs may pose a significant risk to patients. Like the drugs seized by our partners at CBP, there is no way to know whether these drugs were made under good manufacturing practice conditions, and sterility of these products are not always assured,” said Assistant Commissioner for Import Operations, Dan Solis. “Injectable prescription drugs should only be used under the supervision of medical professionals able to assess product and package quality and monitor patients for potential adverse effects. Additionally, recreational drugs purported to be dietary supplements expose our communities to serious public health risks. Our strong relationship with CBP enables this kind of collaborative work necessary to best apply each agency’s authority and enforcement tools and prevent potentially dangerous medical products from entering the U.S.”
CBP works jointly with the FDA to detect and prevent harmful products entering the U.S. through International mail facilities. Sharing information and knowledge between agencies help with the detection of unapproved drugs. CBP recommends consumers purchase regulated cosmetic products from reputable sources, and ensure they are administered by properly trained and licensed medical professionals.
“Our mission is to protect America’s borders from dangerous people and materials,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations-Chicago. “Officers in Cincinnati work diligently to keep illegal shipments off the street’s day in and day out. CBP continues to value our working relationships with partner agencies like FDA, as they assist us in our mission in protecting the American people.”
Consumers may believe they are getting a fair product from purchasing medications from online sources, but that is far from truth. It is impossible to determine the products safety, and legitimacy. E-commerce rapid growth has made it easy to purchase unapproved drugs and cosmetics online at a cheaper cost, but the gain does not outweigh the risk. The revenue from drugs likes these fund transnational criminals, who put our country at risk.
CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with any state and federal import regulations.
________________________________________________________________________________
When Shopping for New TVs or Furniture This Holiday Season, Don’t Forget the Gift of Safety; Anti Tip-Over Kits Save Lives - Consumer Product Safety Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Whether Black Friday or Cyber Monday, consumers are looking for ways to save money on big ticket items like furniture and TVs this holiday season. But the BEST deal includes the gift of safety: anchoring heavy items to the wall to prevent tip-over incidents can save a life.
“With the holiday shopping season upon us, it is critical to anchor your new TV or furniture to the wall to help prevent tip-over incidents,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric, “Even if a TV or piece of furniture comes without an anti-tip-over kit, you can order them online or purchase them at your local hardware store for $20 or less.”
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s most recent report on furniture, TV, and appliance tip-over injuries and fatalities, since 2000, there have been 581 tip-over fatalities involving furniture, TVs, or appliances; 472 of these incidents have involved children.
Future holidays may be safer for American families. In October, CPSC approved a new mandatory furniture safety standard for dressers, chests, and other clothing storage units, ensuring they meet new minimum stability requirements designed to prevent furniture from tipping over onto children. Until more stable furniture is available, consumers should anchor their furniture with anti-tip-over kits and follow these additional safety tips:
• Place TVs on a sturdy, low base, and push the TV back as far as possible, particularly if anchoring is not possible.
• Avoid displaying or storing items, such as toys and remotes, in places where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach for them.
• If purchasing a new TV, consider recycling older ones not currently in use.
• For those who may be moving, renting, or redecorating, CPSC also recommends tips for repairing a wall after removing a furniture anchor. This is a crucial resource for the one-third of Americans who rent their homes.
For more information about how to anchor TVs and furniture, or about CPSC’s Anchor It! public awareness campaign, please visit www.anchorit.gov. Consumers also can view the campaign’s safety video, “Even When You’re Watching.” Find out more about how to keep the holiday season safer for everyone by visiting the CPSC Holiday Safety Education Center.
________________________________________________________________________________
CPSC Is Working to Keep Families Safe this Holiday Season - Consumer Product Safety Commission
Top tips for Holiday cooking, decorating and toy shopping
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the holidays right around the corner, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds consumers to keep safety at the top of your mind this holiday season. Many injuries and deaths associated with celebrating the holidays can be prevented, so consumers are urged to put safety in practice while purchasing toys for children, cooking that holiday feast or decorating your home.
A new report released today by CPSC found that in 2021 there were more than 152,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries to children younger than 15 years of age, including two deaths. The fatalities involved choking on a small part of a toy and suffocating on a soft toy in an unsafe sleep environment. Frequently, these injuries involved lacerations and contusions, and abrasions to the child’s face and head. Importantly, many of the incidents were associated with, but not necessarily caused by, a toy. For children younger than 15 years old, non-motorized scooters continued to be the category of toys associated with the most injuries. Males accounted for 58 percent of all of the injuries.
“Protecting children from hazardous toys and other products is core to CPSC’s mission,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “We are committed to doing our part to ensure, through vigorous inspections and enforcement, that hazardous products don’t make it to store shelves or consumers’ homes; but we also want to arm families with important safety information so they can shop safely for toys and gifts and avoid trips to the emergency department during the holidays.”
CPSC, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has seized nearly 2 million dangerous or illegal toys and children’s products this year. Of those, nearly 300,000 toy seizures were lead related.Over the past five years, CPSC and CBP have prevented or stopped more than 6 million units of toys and children’s products from entering the United States due to safety concerns or the failure to meet federal safety standards.
CPSC urges families to stay safe this holiday season by following these tips for toys, cooking and decorating:
Toys:
• Follow age guidance and other safety information on toy packaging and choose toys that match each child's interests and abilities.
• Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys–and make sure that children use them every time.
• Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
• Once the gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous playthings.
As consumers prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and other holidays throughout the month of December, CPSC is reminding the public of these cooking and decorating safety tips:
Cooking:
Preparing and cooking turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner to share with family and friends is an annual tradition. Unfortunately, distractions can pose a risk and result in residential fires. Remember that a cooking fire is more likely to occur during the holidays. In fact, Thanksgiving Day is when most of the home cooking fires occur in the U.S.
• Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven.
• Only fry a turkey outside and away from your home. Never use turkey fryers in the garage or on the porch.
Cooking fires remain the #1 cause of residential fires. CPSC data show that there are about 360,300 home fires per year, leading to nearly 2,400 deaths and about 10,900 injuries each year. Of these, an estimated 165,600 are cooking fires, leading to an estimated 200 deaths and 3,200 injuries annually.
An average of 1,600 cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day each year, more than three times the average number of daily cooking fires throughout the year.
Turkey fryers create particular risks. Since 2000, CPSC is aware of 217 fire or scald/burn incidents involving turkey fryers, resulting in 83 injuries and $9.5 million in property loss.
Holiday Decorating:
Putting up holiday lights and decorations around the home and fireplace are common customs for many families. However, dry Christmas trees, burning candles, and busted holiday lights can lead to dangerous and even deadly fires.
• Make sure your live Christmas tree has plenty of water, and look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree.
• Place burning candles in sight, away from flammable items, and blow them out before leaving the room.
• Never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights, and never overload electrical outlets.
Visit CPSC’s Holiday Safety Information Center for more holiday safety tips.
________________________________________________________________________________
FDA Warns Firms for Selling Illegal E-cigarettes That Look Like Toys, Food, and Cartoon Characters - Food & Drug Administration
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to five firms for the unauthorized marketing of 15 different e-cigarette products. Each e-cigarette product is packaged to look like toys, food, or cartoon characters and is likely to promote use by youth. None of the manufacturers submitted a premarket application for any of the unauthorized products.
The unauthorized products described in the warning letters include e-cigarettes that:
• Are designed to look like toys and youth-appealing electronics like glow sticks, Nintendo Game Boy, and walkie-talkies;
• Feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video game characters, including “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Squid Game,” “Rick and Morty,” “Minions,” and “Baby Bus;” or
• Imitate foods like popsicles.
"The designs of these products are an utterly flagrant attempt to target kids,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “It’s a hard sell to suggest that adults using e-cigarettes with the goal of quitting smoking need a cartoon character emblazoned across the front of the product in order to do so successfully.”
The FDA issued warning letters to:
Wizman Limited doing business as Wizvapor
Shenzhen Fumot Technology Co., Ltd. doing business as R and M Vapes
Shenzhen Quawins Technology Co., Ltd.
Ruthless Vapor
Moti Global
The warning letters notify the recipients that e-cigarettes without a marketing authorization order are adulterated and misbranded, and that selling or distributing these products to consumers in the U.S. is prohibited under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure and/or civil money penalties. In addition, products that appear to be misbranded or adulterated that are offered for import into the U.S. are at risk of being detained or refused admission. Retailers and distributors should communicate with their suppliers to discuss possible options for the unauthorized products in their inventory.
“The FDA is committed to keeping tobacco products out of the hands of our nation’s youth,” said Dr. King. “The agency will continue to hold companies accountable for illegally selling e-cigarettes, particularly those that shamelessly target youth.”
Today’s warning letters mark another step in the FDA’s continued efforts to remove illegally marketed tobacco products from the market. Through Oct. 28, the FDA has issued more than 440 warning letters to firms marketing illegal e-cigarettes containing tobacco-derived nicotine, and more than 60 warning letters to firms marketing illegal products containing non-tobacco nicotine. On Oct. 18, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the FDA, filed complaints for permanent injunctions in federal district courts against six e-cigarette manufacturers who failed to submit premarket applications for their e-cigarette products and continued to illegally manufacture, sell, and distribute their products, despite previous warnings from the FDA that they were in violation of the law.
 
  Copyright © 1997-2023 C-Air Privacy Statement | Terms Of Use