Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. President Signs the Conference Version of H.R. 1 into Law, Includes Deadlines for 100% Scanning, Etc.

2. DOT Asked to Push for Stay of Appeals Court Ruling Striking Down Trucking Hours of Service Regs

Shippers' NewsWire reports that the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has asked the Transportation Secretary to push for a stay of the Court of Appeals' ruling on "hours of service regulations," stating that there is no compelling reason for the court decision to vacate the 11-hour driving time provision and 34-hour restart provision of the regulations. (SNW, dated 08/03/07, www.americanshipper.com)

3. Korea Suspends U.S. Beef Imports, U.S./Japan Discussing Banned Beef

MSNBC reports that South Korea has effectively suspended U.S. beef imports after a recent shipment was found to have contained a banned vertebral column, which is considered a "specified risk material" that could carry mad cow disease. Korea had shut its doors to American beef in December 2003 after mad cow disease (aka, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE) was found in cattle in the U.S.; partially reopened its market last year to accept boneless meat; but had only made U.S. meat available at regular supermarkets last month. Like Korea, Japan also banned U.S. beef imports in December 2003, eased and later tightened restrictions in 2005, and is currently in talks with the U.S. on the issue. (MSNBC, dated 08/02/07, available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20083459/)

4. U.S., China Investigating How Illegal Shipment Passed Through Their Ports

China Economic Net reports that Chinese and U.S. authorities are investigating whether a breakdown in security at their ports allowed an illegal shipment with false paperwork to reach Mexico. The shipment reportedly carried more than 19 tons of a chemical intended for methamphetamine cartels. (CEN, dated 07/27/07, available at http://en.ce.cn/National/Politics/200707/27/t20070727_12330269.shtml

5. CBP to Inform Drivers in Writing of Denied/Revoked FAST, SENTRI, NEXUS Status; Still No Appeals Process

Today's Trucking reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced it will now inform truck drivers in writing why they were denied or revoked from the FAST, SENTRI, or NEXUS programs, though there is still no formal appeals process. Drivers or carriers that think such action was based upon inaccurate information can speak with a supervisor at local trusted traveler Enrollment Centers, and drivers have the right to view records that CBP may have on them. (Today's Trucking, dated 07/24/07, available at http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=18229&CFID=2245771&CFTOKEN=98723404)

6. AES Export Seminar, AESPcLink Certification Workshops August 14-15

According to an Automated Export System broadcast message, the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Washington State is sponsoring an AES Export Seminar and AESPcLink Certification Workshop in Seattle, WA on August 14 and 15, 2007. (See message for additional details, registration information, discounts available, etc. Message available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

7. Industry Experts to Hold Audio-Conference on Compliance with New BIS China Export Rule on Sept 11

The Export Practitioner and Washington Tariff & Trade Letter are sponsoring a September 11, 2007 audio-conference featuring three experts on export enforcement and China trade to explain the steps needed to ensure exports to China aren't interrupted and firms don't face costly penalties for violating the new Bureau of Industry and Security final rule which revised export/reexport controls and policy for China. Interested parties may register by calling (202) 463-1250. (Conference announcement available by emailing BP at documents@brokerpower.com)

8. AMS Updates HTS Codes in CFR for Mushroom and Watermelon Imports

The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a notice that corrects, effective July 30, 2007, 7 CFR Parts 1209 and 1210 to reflect certain updated Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes for imported mushrooms and watermelons. (D/N AMS-FV-07-0070; FV-07-704, FR Pub 07/30/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-14615.pdf)

9. AMS Requests Comments on Amendment to Mango Board Terms of Office

AMS has issued an interim final rule, effective July 31, 2007, with a request for comments on its interim amendment to the term of office provision of the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order so that the two wholesaler and/or retailer positions of the National Mango Board are the same of that of other members for the term of office (from one year to three years) and term limit (from three terms to two terms). Comments must be submitted by August 29, 2007. (D/N AMS-FV-07-0042; FV-07-702 IFR, FR Pub 07/30/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-14612.pdf)

10. EPA Seeks Comment on NAFTA Method for Calculating Pesticide Residue

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a notice seeking comment by August 31, 2007 on the document, Statistical Basis of the NAFTA Method for Calculating Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits from Field Trial Data. The document is intended for use by residue chemistry reviewers in the U.S. and Canada to ensure that the same or similar residue chemistry data sets will result in the same or similar recommendation for maximum residue limit (MRL) levels for pesticide residues on food and feed commodities. (EPA notice, D/N EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0632, FR Pub 08/01/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-14889.pdf)