Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. CBP Cleveland Announces Reorganization of its Import Specialist Branch

2. Low Dollar Stimulates U.S. Trade to Europe, Weak U.S. Demand Slows European Exports

The Journal of Commerce reports that the usually weak eastbound trade from the U.S. to Europe is increasing rapidly this summer as the low value of the dollar stimulates Europe's demand for U.S. exports. In contrast, westbound trade, which has traditionally supported carrier profits, is barely growing as the slowing U.S. economy and weak dollar put a damper on demand. (JoC, dated 08/20/07, www.joc.com)

3. APHIS Announces Costa Rica Will Allow Importation of U.S. Cattle

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a press release announcing that consistent with international standards, Costa Rica will allow the importation of U.S. cattle of all ages born after implementation of the U.S.' 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban. APHIS adds that it, along with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), will continue to ensure that countries take steps to align their requirements with international standards. (Press release, dated 09/04/07, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/09/costa_rica.shtml)

4. Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law to Take Effect August 1, 2008

China Economic Net reports that China recently adopted an anti-monopoly law to ensure fair competition and regulate market order. The law, which began to be drafted 13 years ago, will come into effect August 1, 2008. Among other things, the law will ban monopolistic agreements such as cartels and other forms of collusion, provide for investigation and prosecution of monopolistic practices, and require foreign purchasers of Chinese companies to go through national security checks. (China Economic Net, 08/30/07, available at http://en.ce.cn/Business/Macro-economic/200708/31/t20070831_12744568.shtml)

5. DHS Graduates First Advanced Radiation Detection Course

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release stating that its Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) announced the recent graduation of the first class of the Advanced Radiation Detection course that focuses on the preventive radiological and nuclear detection mission and provides participants from state, local, and municipal jurisdictions with the skills needed to detect and investigate the potential malicious use of radioactive or nuclear material. (DHS press release, dated 08/24/07, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1187992420985.shtm)

6. Senate Homeland Security Committee Investigates Safeguards for Children's Toys and Clothing

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has issued a press release announcing that it has begun an investigation into the effectiveness of federal safety standards for children's toys and clothing, whether manufactured at home or abroad. (Press release, dated 08/28/07, available at http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&Affiliation=R&PressRelease_id=1542&Month=8&Year=2007)

7. US/Canada/Mexico Coordinate Efforts on Safety of Industrial Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a press release announcing that the U.S., Canada and Mexico are strengthening their efforts to ensure the safe manufacture and use of industrial chemicals by developing a regional partnership for assessing and managing potential risks. The agreement establishes goals to be met by 2020, which includes creating and updating chemical inventories in all three countries, as well as coordinating the management of chemicals in North America as outlined in other international agreements. (EPA press release, dated 08/21/07, available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/e87e8bc7fd0c11f1852572a000650c05/77660c0da9fe643e8525733e0065d48b!OpenDocument)

8. Five People Arrested for Roles in Illegal International Trade of Exotic Skins

The Department of Justice has issued a press release announcing that a three-year undercover operation conducted by federal agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service led to the recent arrests of five individuals for their roles in illegal international trade of exotic skins and parts manufactured from sea turtles and other protected species of wildlife. (Press Release, dated 09/06/07, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2007/September/07_enrd_691.html)

9. DHS Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee to Meet September 19

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice announcing a public meeting of its Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee on September 19, 2007 in Arlington, VA to provide an update on the activities of the DHS Privacy Office; discuss privacy protections and concerns within the Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative; hear a presentation on the US-VISIT program privacy compliance; etc. (DHS-2007-0065, FR Pub 09/04/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-17402.pdf)

10. State Department is Accepting DTAG Membership Applications

The State Department has issued a notice announcing that its Bureau of Political-Military Affairs' Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) is accepting membership applications. All applications must be postmarked by September 24, 2007. (Public Notice 5921, FR Pub 08/31/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-17330.pdf)

11. FMC Lists OTI Revocations

The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice that revokes ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses, as follows:

FMC notice (FR Pub 08/29/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-17139.pdf