Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Business Week reports that inflation has hit China in recent months, hurting margins, forcing price increases on some products, and putting pressure on companies to find new ways to cut costs. This will in turn affect U.S. manufacturers that have come to rely on inexpensive Chinese labor to help keep costs low, an advantage they passed along to U.S. consumers in the costs of finished products. (Business Week, dated 03/02/08, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
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1. Recent Inflation in China Will Affect U.S. Manufacturers, Consumers
2. LB Mayor Urges LA to Adopt Clean Trucks Program without Employee- Driver Mandate
The Journal of Commerce reports that Long Beach mayor Bob Foster has urged Los Angeles to approve a Clean Trucks Program without the controversial employee-driver mandate, saying that LA should approve a plan that does not invite litigation or further delays and that focuses on clean air. (JoC, dated 03/03/08, www.joc.com)
3. China's New Labor Law Likely to Affect Clothing Manufacturers
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council reports that China's new labor contract law that came into force in January is going to affect Hong Kong's clothing manufacturers as they revise their strategies to overcome higher expected operating costs under the new law. (Hong Kong TDC, dated 02/29/08, available at http://china.tdctrade.com/content.aspx?data=china_content_en&contentid=1011715&w_sid=194&w_pid=632&w_nid=9938&w_cid=1011715&w_idt=1900-01-01&w_oid=207&w_jid=)
5. EU-China Maritime Transport Agreement Enters into Force on March 1
The European Commission (EC) has issued a press release announcing that the 2002 agreement on maritime transport between China and the European Community and its Member States will enter into force on March 1, 2008. The agreement contains provisions on market access, provides for cooperation on maritime affairs, and has become the key component of the existing relations in the maritime field between China and the European Union, etc. (EC press release, dated 02/28/08, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/349&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)
6. EU to Require "Magnetic Toys" to Carry a Warning Label
European Commission (EC) Member States in the General Product Safety Directive Committee approved a EC proposal to require mandatory warning labels for toys containing magnets that will be marketed in the European Union. The warning label will be carried on the packaging or be otherwise attached to the toy. (Q&A on this requirement is available athttp://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/128&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en) (EC press release, dated 02/28/08, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/345&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)
3. FDA Revises Import Alert on Detention of Certain Dried Fruits Due to Lead
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a revised version of Import Alert (IA) 20-03 regarding the detention without physical examination of dried fruits due to lead. According to the FDA, the revision changes the title, text, attachment format, and scope of Import Alert 20-03 to include dried fruits from other countries in addition to raisins from Turkey. Updated guidance is also included for lead found in dried fruits. (Revised IA 20-03, dated 02/29/08, available at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia2003.html)
7. Various Agencies Seek Comments on Information Collections
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
| Agency | Information Collection | Comments Due/Status |
|---|---|---|
| CBP | Air Transport Program | 04/28/08 |
| TSA | Security Threat Assessment for Individuals Applying for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement for a Commercial Drivers License | 03/27/08 |
CBP Information Collection (FR Pub 02/27/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-3658.pdf
TSA Information Collection (FR Pub 02/26/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-3631.pdf