Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Senate Appropriations Committee Ordered Reported FY 2009 DOT Appropriations Bill

2. Senate Finance Concludes Hearing on Transportation Infrastructure

On July 10, 2008, the Senate Finance Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues and options for the transportation infrastructure, focusing on current surface transportation policies and programs, after receiving testimony from the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office. (Hearing statements available at http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/hearing071008.htm.)

3. G8 Declaration on Environment, Climate Change

The White House has posted the Group of Eight's (G8's) declaration on environment and climate change. The countries seek to achieve at least a 50% reduction of global emissions by 2050, among other things. (Press release, dated 07/08/08, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080708-3.html.)

4. USTR Posts Comments on Proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted comments in response to the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement announced by USTR Schwab on October 23, 2007. (Comments, various dates, available at http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Federal_Register_Notices/2008/July/asset_upload_file904_14998.pdf; http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Federal_Register_Notices/2008/July/asset_upload_file525_14997.pdf; and http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Federal_Register_Notices/2008/July/asset_upload_file476_14996.pdf.)

5. U.S., Japan to Launch Megaports Initiative

The State Department reports that the U.S. and Japan plan to launch a pilot project under the Energy Department's Megaports Initiative to monitor cargo containers for nuclear and other radioactive material at the Minami Honmoku Terminal of the Port of Yokohama by installing radioactive materials detection equipment. (State Dept. media note, dated 07/03/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/07/106501.htm)

6. U.S., Japan Investment Initiative 2008 Report

The State Department reports that the U.S. and Japan have concluded a seventh year of consultations through the Investment Working Group (IWG) on measures to improve the climate for foreign direct investment (FDI). The report details the work of the IWG, which has led to greater understanding by the U.S. and Japan of the critical contribution of FDI to economic growth, as well as the most effective ways to promote cross-border investment. (State Dept. media note, dated 07/03/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/07/106493.htm)

7. Assessments Begin under the Sorghum Checkoff Program

According to the Agricultural Marketing Service on July 1, 2008, the Sorghum Checkoff Program began collecting assessments from sorghum producers and importers. (AMS press release, AMS No. 133-08, dated 07/03/08, available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateU&navID=Newsroom&page=Newsroom&resultType=Details&dDocName=STELPRDC5070552&dID=95910&wf=false&description=AssessmentsBeginUnderTheSorghumCheckoffProgram&topNav=Newsroom&leftNa)

8. Treasury Testimony on Pending Income Tax Treaties

On July 10, 2008, Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Tax Affairs Mundaca testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on three pending income tax treaties. (Testimony, dated 07/10/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1076.htm.)

9. House Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Aiding U.S. Firms and Investors

The House Foreign Affairs Committee's Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee will be holding a hearing on July 17, 2008 on aiding American businesses abroad: government action to help beleaguered American firms and investors. Scheduled panelists include representatives from the Commerce and State Departments. (Hearing announcement available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com.)

10. CBP's Port of Miami Cargo Control Phone Numbers

CBP's Port of Miami issued an Information Bulletin providing current contact numbers to access the various sections in Cargo Control at the Miami Service Port, Miami International Airport. (Bulletin available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

11. BIS' Information Systems Committee to Hold Partially Open Meeting

The Bureau of Industry and Security's Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee will hold a partially open meeting on July 23-24, 2008 in Washington, DC. (BIS notice, FR Pub 07/07/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-15308.pdf)

12. Manufacturing Council to Meet on July 23, 2008

The Manufacturing Council will hold a meeting on July 23, 2008 to discuss the Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and the Manufacturing 2040 project. (ITA notice, FR Pub 07/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-1421.pdf.)

13. EPA Develops New Import/Export Web Page

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a Web page entitled, "International Import and Export," which provides information on legal requirements and other information on imports and exports of certain materials, vehicles, fuel, and products which may pose a risk to human health and the environment. (Web page located at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/international/importexport.html.)

14. U.S. Designates Iranian Entities, Individuals for Proliferation Activities

The State Department reports that the U.S. Government is taking actions to further U.S. efforts to counter Iran's pursuit of technology that could enable it to develop nuclear weapons and the missiles capable of delivering them. The Departments of State and Treasury designated under Executive Order 13382 six Iranian individuals and five entities of proliferation concern. The State Department issued a separate notice stating that the U.S. is also designating two key Iranian individuals and one entity of proliferation concern under EO 13382. (State Dept fact sheet, dated 07/08/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/07/106608.htm; State Dept notice on designations under EO 13382, dated 07/08/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/07/106607.htm.)

15. DOT Announces New Upgrades to Five Star Safety Rating Program

Department of Transportation Secretary Peters announced that consumers will have better, more complete safety information about the vehicles they want to purchase under a new plan to improve the federal government's automobile crash tests and strengthen its five-star vehicle safety rating system. (DOT press release 95-08, dated 07/08/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot9508.htm.)

16. FSIS Updates Export Requirements, Plant Lists, Eligible Foreign Establishments

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted updated export requirements for the following countries Japan (red meat) and Hong Kong(red meat). In addition, FSIS updated its list of eligible foreign establishments in Mexico,New Zealand, Germany, and Chile certified to export meat and/or poultry (sometimes ratities only) to the U.S.

17. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

FAS issued the following GAIN reports:

Brazil Agricultural Situation: Brazil Announces Credit Package for 2008/09 Crop Year

China Agricultural Situation: Weekly Hongbao

EU-27 Grain and Feed: Crop update - things are looking up

EU-27 Oilseeds and Products: Oilseeds Update June 2008

India Agricultural Situation: Weekly Highlights & Hot Bites, 27

New Zealand Wine: Annual Report on Wine Industry

New Zealand Bio-Fuels: New Zealand Bio-Fuels Bill Update

Ukraine Grain and Feed: Grains Monthly Overview

18. China President Proposes Priorities to Further Cooperation Among 5 Developing Countries

Chinese President Hu Jintao on July 8th put forward four priority areas for cooperation and coordination among the five major developing countries of China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico. Hu made the proposal at a meeting of leaders of five developing countries on the eve of an outreach session of the G8 summit. (Embassy of China press release, dated 07/08/08, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t454892.htm.)

19. CBSA Revises Memo on Importing Cargo Containers

The Canada Border Services Agency posted a revised version of Memorandum D3-7-1, CBSA Marine Operations - Cargo Containers Used in International Service, which outlines and explains the conditions under which cargo containers may be temporarily imported into Canada while in international service. (CBSA Memorandum D3-7-1, updated 07/04/08, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-7-1-eng.html)

20. CBSA Revises Memo on Tariff Item No. 9805.00.00

The CBSA posted a revised version of Memorandum D2-3-2, Former Residents of Canada Tariff Item No. 9805.00.00, which outlines and explains the conditions under which former residents of Canada, residents of Canada, Canadian government employees and Canadian Forces personnel may import goods for personal and household use after a minimum residency or absence abroad of one year. Among other things, the revised version deletes mention of age limitations for the importation of tobacco products. (CBSA Memorandum D2-3-2, updated 07/04/08, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-3-2-eng.html)

21. U.S., Europe Sign Aviation Agreement to Improve Safety, Cut Costs

The European Community and the U.S. signed an agreement which is meant to result in better harmonized aviation safety systems on both sides of the Atlantic and less cumbersome technical and administrative procedures for the recognition of certificates. It should also further improve safety levels and reduce costs for both European and U.S. manufacturers. (EU notice no. 65/08, dated 06/30/08, available at http://www.eurunion.org/eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2002&Itemid=58.)

22. EC Welcomes Vote on Decision to Include Aviation in Emissions Trading System

The European Commission welcomes the European Parliament's second reading vote in favor of including aviation in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The vote confirms the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council last month. Under the new directive greenhouse gas emissions from flights to, from and within the EU will be included in the EU ETS from 2012. All airlines will be covered whatever their nationality. (EC press release IP/08/1114, dated 07/08/08, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1114&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.)

23. Intelligent Transportation Systems Advisory Committee Meeting

The Department of Transportation has announced an open meeting of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Program Advisory Committee on July 31, 2008 and August 1, 2008 in Washington, DC. (DOT notice, FR Pub 07/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-15602.pdf.)

24. PLI Offers Seminar on Intellectual Property Law

The Practising Law Institute has announced the 14th Annual Institute on Intellectual Property Law, taking place in New York, NY September 18-19, 2008, and in San Francisco, CA and via live webcast October 2-3, 2008, which, among other things, offers comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret law. (Information and registration available at (New York) http://www.pli.edu/product/seminar_detail.asp?id=39874 and (San Francisco) http://www.pli.edu/product/seminar_detail.asp?id=39875)