Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued press statements announcing that the House of Representatives and Senate have passed legislation to implement the free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman. According to Congressional and Washington sources, the next step is for the Senate to pass the U.S.-Oman FTA implementing legislation under a House bill number. Please correct ITT's 07/24/06 news, 06072499 1, which incorrectly stated that the next step was for the President to issue a proclamation.
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1. House and Senate Pass Implementing Legislation for U.S.-Oman FTA; Senate Must Still Pass Legislation Under House Bill Number
2. Ways and Means Committee Informally Approves Draft Legislation to Implement the U.S.-Peru FTA
The House Ways and Means Committee has issued a press release announcing that on July 20, 2006, the Committee informally approved draft legislation to implement the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, without amendment. The press release states that the Committee conducted the informal markup in order to provide advice to the Administration on the implementing bill and the Statement of Administrative Action. Once the Administration formally transmits these documents, they may not be amended under Trade Promotion Authority procedures. Ways and Means press release (FC-20A, dated 07/21/06) available at
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/legis.asp?formmode=read&id=5158.
3. U.S., Russia Close to Bilateral Agreement on Russia's WTO Accession
The Washington File reports that the U.S. and Russia are very close to a key bilateral agreement on Russian's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to State Department sources, it is expected that the U.S. and Russia may sign a bilateral agreement in October 2006. (Washington File Pub 07/19/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=July&x=20060719170405btruevecer0.3884394)
4. OFAC Posts Final Penalty Information for Certain Entities, Individuals
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a notice containing enforcement information through June 30, 2006. In this notice, OFAC provides instructions on obtaining information on the civil penalty process for enforcement actions. In addition, OFAC details final agency penalty notices for two entities for violations concerning dealings with Iran and Sudan, as well as final agency penalty notices for certain individuals with travel-related transactions to Cuba. (OFAC notice, dated 07/07/06 available at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/civpen/penalties/07072006.pdf)
5. DHS Secretary Appoints New Leadership to Homeland Security Advisory Council
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release announcing the appointments of Judge William Webster as the Chair, and Secretary James Schlesinger as the Vice Chair, of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). According to the press release, both Webster and Schlesinger have previously served on HSAC. The DHS press release also announced new appointees to HSAC and its various committees. (DHS Press Release, dated 06/27/06, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5705)
6. CPSC Announces Provisional Settlement Agreement with Tiffany and Company
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice announcing that it has provisionally accepted a settlement agreement with Tiffany and Company, which contains a $262,500 civil penalty. This penalty is in connection to alleged defective baby rattles and teethers that were sold by Tiffany and Company. (CPSC D/N 06-C0005, FR Pub 07/21/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-6402.pdf)
8. AMS Proposes Rule to Amend Organic Program's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a proposed rule that would amend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to reflect the recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on August 17, 2005. Consistent with the recommendations from the NOSB, this proposed rule would add two substances, sucrose octanoate esters (CAS s 42922-74-7 and 58064-47-4), to the National List. Comments must be received by August 2, 2006. (D/N TM-06-04, FR Pub 07/03/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-10393.pdf.)