France’s Eco Tax is coming into the news again in France, and is proposed to be replaced by the new Heavy Vehicle Transit Tax (also known as the SEGOtax or toll tax), which the French government hopes will reduce negative environmental impacts of transporting road freight. The trucks affected will be those that weight more than 3.5 metric tons. The new tax, if it passes legislation, could go into effect as soon as January 1, 2015, but the trial period for the tax began October 1, 2014.
Many of you have heard about the new requirements for low sulfur fuel, and we have seen some small surcharges implemented in the last year. In 2015, however, all sources are indicating more significant increases are coming. Beginning January 1, 2015, a new low-sulfur fuel mandate implemented by the International Maritime Organization will go into effect. This mandate is in an effort to reduce sulfur emissions in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Mandatory Biennial Registration Renewal for Food Facilities is now required between October 1, 2014, until December 31, 2014. If your facility is not re-registered with the FDA by December 31, 2014, the FDA will cancel your Bioterrorism Act registration, and your importations will be delayed.
The mountain pass connecting Chile and Argentina that was closed last week and over the weekend was re-opened today! Good weather conditions are expected to last for the duration of this week, which will hopefully enable the pass to stay open.
Cargo is flowing unhindered today as the mountain pass connecting Chile and Argentina was very recently re-opened.
Additionally, the Argentinean Customs strike that was to begin today and conclude Sunday was suspended until next week. If the workers do not receive a response to their requirements within the week, the strike will take place from Wednesday, October 1st, to Sunday, October 5th.
Again, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have about these developments.
