The European Commission on Jan. 7 updated a document authorizing certain dual-use export control authorities to European Union member states. The document lists national authorities “empowered in the member states” that can grant export licenses, block the transit of “non-community dual-use items” and grant authorizations for “the provision of brokering services.”
The United Kingdom’s Export Control Joint Unit on Dec. 24 published a general license authorizing the provision of certain “technical assistance, financial services and funds, and brokering services” for energy-related goods. The general license, which will be available 11 p.m. U.K. time Dec. 31, applies only to energy-related goods not for use in Russia. Activities related to goods for use in Russia require an individual license, the U.K. said.
The U.S. and Ecuador signed a phase one trade agreement that goes beyond the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement with requirements for online publication of customs information and customs brokers requirements; duties and fees; electronic submission of customs declaration and phytosanitary certificates; a single window for import and export; and advanced rulings that cover classification, valuation, origin, and application of quotas. Ecuador also agreed to no penalties on minor errors, unless they're part of a consistent pattern, and a procedure to correct errors without penalties.
The Census Bureau received a mixed bag of feedback as it considers whether to eliminate certain filing requirements for exports to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (see 2009160033). Many of the U.S. industry groups that submitted comments, released by Census Dec. 2, said the Automated Export System filings are a burden for their members and their elimination is long overdue. But government officials from both the U.S. and Puerto Rico cautioned Census about removing the requirements, saying it could lead to an absence of a vital source of data collection and damage the islands’ economies.
House Ways and Means Committee member Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., said that although “the politics of trade are fairly tricky,” she feels confident in saying “things can't get any worse” for free trade during the Biden administration. Murphy, one of two members of the House speaking on a Cato Institute webinar about what to expect in trade with a new president, said she's encouraged by President-elect Joe Biden's choices for the secretaries of the treasury and state, and the head of the National Security Council, because all of the individuals recognize that trade is an important tool in foreign policy.
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America hired Chris Gillis, previously a reporter with American Shipper, as communications director, the NCBFAA said in a news release.
Canada stopped issuing new permits for exports and brokering of controlled goods and technology to Belarus due to concerns about the country’s fraudulent presidential election and reports of human rights violations under the new regime, Canada said in a Nov. 9 notice. Canada issued sanctions on Belarusian officials Sept. 29 (see 2009300011). Canadian exporters that were issued permits before Nov. 9 may continue to export during their “period of validity,” the notice said. The country said it will “continue to monitor the evolving situation and may reassess” the decision.
The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) for CBP will next meet remotely on Dec. 16, CBP said in a notice. Comments are due in writing by Dec. 15.
CBP and industry had very little time to react to an executive order earlier this year that authorized export restrictions on certain medical equipment (see 2004080018) and had to scramble to adjust to new protocols, said Paulette Kolba, an export compliance consultant. Kolba, speaking during an Oct. 23 session of the Western Cargo Conference, said the abrupt restrictions were representative of a challenging year for export compliance professionals, who have had to deal with a range of regulatory changes and new compliance requirements.
The State Department is close to publishing the first in a series of rules to reorganize the International Traffic in Arms Regulations after months of legal reviews (see 1907120011) and a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (see 2005080038), an agency official said. The first rule, part of a larger reorganization effort led by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, will tackle the organization of definitions in the ITAR. Other rules will consolidate exemptions and streamline licensing requirements and policies.