Sri Lanka Updates Customs Procedures – The Sri Lanka Customs Department has announced that it will replace its physical documentation process with a new system that allows shippers to submit and receive approvals online for export cargo. The fully automated documentation system will launch in May of 2013.
Read more from News.LK
Hong Kong Government Attempts to End Port Strike – The Hong Kong government has invited the Union of Hong Kong Dockers to discuss their labor issues for a second time and resolve a 5 week port strike. The first round of talks failed when the dock workers rejected a 7 percent pay raise. Workers are demanding 23 percent.
Read more from Bloomberg Businessweek
Affordable Footwear Act Reintroduced to Congress – The United States House of Representatives has reintroduced the Affordable Footwear Act. If passed, the act will eliminate a hidden tax on about 75 percent of footwear.
Read more from Journal of Commerce
Florida Ports Join Forces – Members of Florida’s congressional delegation have come together to form a “port caucus” to voice the seaports’ interests. The Florida Ports Caucus has four co-chairs and 17 members representing all 15 ports.
Read more from Sun Sentinel
