Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a public hearing on the use of advisory labeling of allergens in foods on September 16, 2008 in College Park, MD. FDA is developing a long-term strategy to assist manufacturers in using allergen advisory labeling that is truthful and not misleading, conveys a clear and uniform message, and adequately informs food-allergic consumers and their caregivers. To that end, FDA is soliciting comments and information to assist in determining how manufacturers currently use advisory labeling, etc. (FDA notice, D/N FDA--2008--N--0429, FR Pub 08/08/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-18280.pdf)

2. Two Indicted for Smuggling Leopard Hides into U.S.

The Justice Department reports that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned an indictment charging two individuals with smuggling the hides and a skull of two leopards into the U.S. in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The leopards allegedly were hunted and killed in South Africa illegally and then smuggled into Zimbabwe to obtain false CITES permits. (Justice Dept. press release, dated 08/06/08, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2008/August/08-enrd-694.html)

3. ATL Sentenced for Efforts to Trade with Iran

The Bureau of Industry and Security and the Justice Department report that on July 28, 2008, Allied Telesis Labs, Inc. (ATL) was sentenced to a $500,000 criminal fine and was placed on probation for two years for violating U.S. law regarding conducting business with Iran. (BIS press release, dated 07/31/08, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2008/doj07312008.htm)

4. 2008 Americas Competitiveness Forum Participants Announced

Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez announced that Presidents Uribe of Colombia, Colom of Guatemala, and Saca of El Salvador will attend the second annual Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF), co-hosted with Atlanta Mayor Franklin on August 17-19 in Atlanta, Ga. More than 20 nations from the Western Hemisphere will be represented at the Forum by high-ranking government officials. (Commerce Dept. press release, dated 08/06/08, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_006899)

5. Lockheed Martin Enters Into Consent Agreement to Settle Export Violations

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls reports that Lockheed Martin Corporation has entered in a consent agreement to settle 8 violations of the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations in connection with export of classified technical data. (DDTC posting, updated 08/06/08, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ca_LockheedMartinCorporation.htm)

6. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

FAS issued the following GAIN reports:

· Argentina Oilseeds and Products: Lock-Up Report

· India Agricultural Situation: Monsoon Update (5)

7. Port of LA Offers Financial Assistance for Clean Trucks

The Port of Los Angeles and neighboring Port of Long Beach are now taking applications for financial assistance from truck owners seeking to upgrade their older trucks utilizing State-funded California Air Resources Board (CARB) grants from Proposition 1B funds. The funds were granted in support of the ports’ Clean Truck programs. (Port of LA press release, dated 08/07/08, available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2008_releases/news_080708ctpgrnt.pdf)

8. WCO Conference on Customs Capacity Building

The World Customs Organization announced that it, in conjunction with HM Revenue and Customs, will stage the "Global Dialogue on Customs Capacity Building" conference in London on October 2, 2008. The conference aims to marshal the experiences of Customs leaders, global enterprises and small and medium sized enterprises. (WCO conference information available at http://www.wcoomd.org/home_wco_topics_cboverviewboxes_cbglobal_dialogue_2008.htm)

9. Canada Completes Expiry Review of Certain Structural Tubing

The Canada Border Services Agency has completed its investigation of the expiry review of its finding made in December 2003 concerning certain structural tubing originating in or exported from the South Korea, South Africa, and Turkey. On August 7, 2008, the CBSA determined that the expiry of the finding is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping of the goods from South Korea, South Africa and Turkey. (CBSA posting, dated 08/07/08, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/er-rre/rr2008-001/rr2008-001-e08-nd-eng.html)

10. EPA Seeks Comment on NAFTA Pesticides Five-Year Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency is releasing for public comment the proposed Five-Year Strategy, 2008--2013, of the North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group on Pesticides. Comments must be received on or before August 18, 2008. (D/N EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0522, FR Pub 07/23/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-16381.pdf)