Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. DHS Announces Contract to Initiate Implementation of Homeland Secure Data Network

2. TPSC Environmental Reviews of Proposed Thailand & Andean FTAs

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued two notices announcing that, through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), it is initiating environmental impact reviews of the proposed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Thailand and certain Andean countries (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia). Comments regarding the proposed Thailand FTA are due by June 1, 2004 and comments for the proposed Andean FTA are due by May 14, 2004. (FR Pub 04/12/04 available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8240.pdf (Thailand) http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8238.pdf (Andean))

3. Money Laundering Measures Imposed Against Burma and Two Banks

The Treasury Department (Treasury) has issued a final rule, effective May 12, 2004, to require certain U.S. financial institutions to take special measures regarding Burma due to its designation as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/05/03 news, 03120599 5, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (FR Pub 04/12/04, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8027.pdf)

Treasury has also issued a final rule, effective May 12, 2004, to require certain U.S. financial institutions to take special measures with respect to two Burmese banks, Myanmar Mayflower Bank and Asia Wealth Bank, due to their designation as financial institutions of primary money laundering concern. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/03/03 news, 03120399 4, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (FR Pub 04/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8026.pdf)

4. APHIS Exempts Cattle Imported from Australia and New Zealand from Brucellosis Testing Prior to Export to U.S.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective April 20, 2004, which amends 9 CFR Part 93 regarding the importation of cattle to exempt cattle imported from Australia and New Zealand from testing for brucellosis prior to their export to the U.S. (FR Pub 04/20/04, D/N 99-071-3, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8894.pdf.)

5.Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls

The CPSC has issued separate press releases (dated 04/02/04-04/15/04) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling the products listed below: (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar04.html)