Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has reported that the Trade Commissioner of the European Union (EU) has decided to recommend the launching of antidumping (AD) investigations against certain footwear originating from China. HKTDC reports that if approved, the investigations would open at the end of June 2005. Products subject to complaints by European industries include leather footwear and safety shoes, imports of which from China increased by almost 700% during the period of January - April 2005. (HKTDC Pub 06/16/05, available at http://www.tdctrade.com/sme/newsflash/smeflash050616.htm)
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1. EU Likely to Launch AD Investigations on Certain Shoes from China
2. VWP Countries Required to Produce Passports With Digital Photographs by 10/26/05, Etc.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release announcing that Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to produce passports with digital photographs by October 26, 2005. On that date, all VWP countries must also present an acceptable plan to begin issuing integrated circuit chips, or e-passports within one year. According to the press release, these requirements coincide to the requirement that any VWP passport issued after October 26, 2005 contain a biometric identifier. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/17/05 news, 05051725, for BP summary of DHS' intent to fully enforce the requirement that VWP travelers have machine-readable passports beginning June 26, 2005.) (DHS Press Release dated 06/15/05, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4542)
3. U.S. and Russia Sign Agreement on Meat
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that the U.S. has signed an agreement with the Russian Federation confirming a previous understanding allowing for specified access for U.S. poultry, beef, and pork in the Russian market. The agreement confirms a special mechanism by which the U.S. may export a specific quantity of poultry, beef, and pork products at a mutually agreed tariff level and quantities above these special measures would be subject to a higher tariff, operating in a similar manner to tariff-rate quotas. (USTR press release, dated 06/15/05, available at
4. FDA Final Rule on Allowable Arsenic Levels in Bottled Water
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule, effective January 23, 2006, which amends its bottled water quality standard regulations by revising the existing allowable level for the contaminant arsenic. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/07/04 news, 04120799 2, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (D/N 2004N-0416, FR Pub 06/09/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-11406.pdf)
5. EPA Seeks Applications for Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemption, Etc.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice seeking applications for the Critical Use Exemption from the phaseout of methyl bromide for 2007 and beyond. Applications must be postmarked on/before August 8, 2005. In addition, the EPA's notice invites interested parties to provide information on the technical and economic feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives. (FR Pub 05/23/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-10195.pdf)
6. No Textile TPL for Dominican Republic under CAFTA
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) sources have confirmed that the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA, CAFTA-DR, or DR-CAFTA) does not provide a tariff preference level (TPL) for the Dominican Republic. (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/16/05 news, 05061620, for BP summary of USTR's fact sheet on CAFTA's textile provisions, which stated that CAFTA provides a TPL for Nicaragua but not for El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, or Guatemala. However, USTR's fact sheet did not state whether CAFTA provides a TPL for Dominican Republic.) (USTR fact sheet, dated May 2005, available at http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Trade_Agreements/Bilateral/CAFTA/Briefing_Book/asset_upload_file583_7185.pdf)
7. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Actions
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board (FTZB) has issued the following notices of recent actions:
| FTZ applicant/grantee | Company or action |
|---|---|
| Rialto, California (FTZ 243) | Grant of authority to establish a special subzone at the tools, home and hardware products, and fastening systems warehousing/distribution facility of Black & Decker Corporation (Rialto, CA; Order No. 1394) |
| Detroit, Michigan (FTZ 70) | Approval of application to expand FTZ 70 to include a site near Temperance (Monroe County, MI; Order No. 1395) |
| Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (FTZ 7) | Withdrawal of application for special subzone status for API, Inc. pharmaceutical chemical plant. Case closed without prejudice. |
| Houston, Texas (FTZ 84) | Grant of application to establish special-purpose subzone at the tire and tire accessory warehousing/distribution facility of Michelin North America, Inc. (Houston, TX; Order No. 1393) |
(FTZB notices, FR Pub 06/03/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-11126.pdf)
8. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Receives Applications for Special Subzone
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board (FTZB) has issued a notice announcing receipt of the following application:
| FTZ applicant/grantee | Company or action |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California (FTZ 18) | Application requesting special purpose subzone status for the manufacturing facilities of Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (SS/L) (Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Mountain View, CA) |
(FTZB notice, FR Pub 06/01/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-10887.pdf)