Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
On June 18, 2004, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4567, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005. In addition, on June 17, 2004, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its own version of a fiscal year (FY) 2005 DHS appropriations bill (S. 2537), which as been placed on the Senate's legislative calendar. See future issues of ITT for additional details on congressional action on FY 2005 DHS appropriations legislation.)
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1. House Passes FY 2005 DHS Appropriations Bill, Senate Version Approved by Committee
2. Trade Support Network to Hold Next Meeting on June 28 - July 1, 2004
The Trade Support Network (TSN) will be holding its next meeting on June 28, 2004 through July 1, 2004 in Reston, VA. (The TSN has been meeting with CBP since May 2001 regarding the development of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and is comprised of various members of the trade community, including trade associations, importers, brokers, carriers, sureties, and others.)
3. President Determines Not to Impose Sanctions Over Iceland's Whaling Program
On June 23, 2004, President Bush issued a message to Congress stating that he has determined not to impose trade sanctions against Iceland in retaliation for its lethal scientific research whaling activities. The President did note that he is directing U.S. officials attending bilateral meetings to continue urging Iceland to cease killing whales for questionable scientific purposes. (Message dated 06/22/04, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/06/20040622-8.html)
4. U.S. Requests WTO Dispute Settlement Panel Over Mexican Beverage Taxes
The U.S Trade Representative (USTR) has announced that the U.S. has formally requested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) establish a dispute settlement panel regarding Mexico's 20% tax on beverages and syrups made with sweeteners other than cane sugar. The U.S. believes this beverage tax violates Mexico's WTO obligations because it discriminates against U.S. products such as high-fructose corn syrup. (Press Release 2004-54, dated 06/22/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/06/04-54.pdf)
5. BIS Posts Comments Received in Response to Copper Short Supply Investigation
The Bureau of Industry and Security has posted to its Web site comments received in response to a May 19, 2004 hearing and other initial comments received in connection with its short supply investigation for cooper and copper alloy scrap. On April 7, 2004, BIS received a petition requesting that DOC impose monitoring and controls on exports of recycled metallic materials containing copper. (BIS Web page containing documents and comments relating to this investigation can be accessed at http://www.bis.doc.gov/defenseindustrialbaseprograms/osies/shortsupply/index.htm)
6. Tuvalu Becomes Member of the International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that Tuvalu has become a member of the IMO, following its deposit on May 19, 2004 of an instrument of acceptance of the Convention on the IMO, as amended, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Tuvalu joins 163 IMO members and three associate members. (IMO press briefing, dated 06/10/04, available at http://www.imo.org/home.asp)
7. TTB Final Rule Removes Requirement for Saccharin Warning Label on Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has issued a final rule, effective June 16, 2004, which removes the requirement for bottlers of wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages to show a warning on products containing saccharin, due to the National Toxicology Program's revised findings about saccharin and the removal of the statutory requirement for the warning. (FR Pub 06/16/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-13404.pdf)