E-Flash No. 41 - 1 March 2012 

2012 FIATA E-learning Pilot Project

FIATA has embarked on a Pilot Project that aims to develop an E-learning platform for our Association Members to create and implement their online training programs. The platform is currently under development and we aim to start testing the platform with the help of our Association Members in the summer.

We encourage all Association Members, even those with already established E-learning Programs, interested in testing the E-learning platform to contact eid@fiata.com.

New product conformity program in Tanzania

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has implemented a new product conformity assessment program, known as PVoC, for the control of certain categories of imported consumer goods. The program comes into effect 1 February 2012 with the objective to ensure that all imports of regulated products comply with the approved Tanzanian technical regulations prior to shipment.

Key Features of the program

• Every consignment of imported goods, which contain regulated products, shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the PVoC Country Offices (offices operated and managed by authorized PVoC Contractors).
• The PVoC certificate is required to ensure smooth customs clearance of shipments in Tanzania.
• The PVoC certificate confirms that the products comply with relevant Tanzanian technical regulations and/or approved standards.
  Regulated product shipments can be exported through three routes depending upon the type of exporter and frequency of shipments.
• The PVoC incorporates elements of conformity assessment; consignment inspection based on product risk assessment and product registration schemes to provide exporters and importers with maximum flexibility in demonstrating compliance with the approved technical regulations.
   
  Please note that it is still unclear from whom or how the PVoC is secured and at this stage it is best to have exporters request such information from the Tanzanian buyer. For information regarding the PVoC please visit: http://www.tbs.go.tz/images/uploads/PVoC_Certification_Procedure.pdf

The ICC 2012 Program of Action

The International Chamber of Commerce has released their 2012 program that outlines their overall view of the priorities and projects for the year. For a detailed look inside the ICC’s initiatives please visit:  http://www.iccwbo.org/uploadedFiles/2012_ICC_Programme_Action.pdf

The 12th term COAC meeting in Washington February 21st, 2011

Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of Customs & Border Protection (COAC) held their 12th term meeting in Washington on February 21st to allow their subcommittees the opportunity to provide updates, reviews and further steps on their current projects.

Among the topics discussed was the One U.S. Government at the Border initiative. The initiative aims to build a more efficient import process reducing paperwork, courier packages, and different data from different agencies.

Other topics highlighted included air cargo security, more specifically the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Pilot Program. The pilot program’s objective is to receive pre-departure cargo data globally to allow CBP and TSA to conduct joint security risk analysis to identify potential threats to aviation. For more detailed information regarding the topics discussed at the COAC meeting, please visit: http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/25695?c=border_security

Be aware of country regulation - The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

FIATA encourages members to be aware of regulation within and outside their regions in order not to fall victim to breeching the laws set forth by governments. There have been numerous cases in the past, which involved forwarders over stepping regulation in order to generate business growth that has only resulted in court battles and bad press.

A set of regulations that are strongly enforced are the International Traffic in Arms Regulations set for by the United States. We strongly encourage members to ensure that they stay within the boundaries of these regulations. 

New X-Ray Screening Technology in the UK

New x-ray screening technology in the UK is drastically speeding up the time it takes airfreight to be cleared as safe for flying. The PX 10.10-MV, manufactured by L3 Security, uses two power x-ray generators to provide a multiple view of items being screened, offering a greater penetration.

The dual view means small or medium-sized freight items do not need to be repeatedly checked, avoiding delays in dispatching freight. In addition, cargo can be screened that would otherwise be too dense for conventional x-ray screening, including metal objects. For more information on this new x-ray technology, please visit: http://www.sds.l-3com.com/xray/px-10-10-mv.htm

Mutual recognition signed between France and Italy

L'Établissement public de sécurité ferroviaire (EPSF) and l'Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza delle Ferrovie (ANSF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 1 February 2012, which mutually recognizes authorized locomotives, passenger vehicles and conventional high-speed vehicles travelling between France and Italy.

This agreement supersedes the earlier agreement between the two national safety authorities signed on July 7, 2010. The MoU will facilitate authorization procedures for applicants and improve market access for industry in both countries. To download the MoU please visit:
http://www.securite-ferroviaire.fr/fr/index.php?mod=1&id=156