Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Port of Los Angeles Launches Rail Cargo Initiative

2. CBP Finance Center to Process Refunds of Per Arrival User Fees

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Miami has issued an Information Bulletin informing the trade that CBP's National Finance Center has been designated to process the refund of per arrival user fees charged to conveyances during the decal and transponder contingency plan. Per arrival user fee refund requests apply to any conveyance with a valid transponder or decal that was subject to a per arrival user fee charge during the effective dates of the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) contingency plan (from January 1, 2009 through February 28, 2009). The National Finance Center will accept requests for refund via electronic transmission or U.S. Mail through May 1, 2009. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/30/09 news, 09013005, for BP summary of CBP extending the contingency plan.) (Miami Bulletin 09-019, dated 03/19/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

3. USTR Reprints List of Countries/Products Subject to 100% Duties Due to U.S.-EU Hormone Dispute

The U.S. Trade Representative has reprinted its revised list of European Union countries and products that are subject to a 100% duty rate due to the U.S.-EU beef hormone dispute, effective for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after March 23, 2009 or April 23, 2009 (depending on the product). The reprint simply represents a reformatting of the annexes in an easier to read style; there are no substantive changes. (USTR list, FR Pub 03/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/Z9-5933.pdf)

4. USDA Appoints Michener as Administrator of Foreign Ag. Service

On March 23, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack named Michael Michener as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. In addition to its efforts to expand economic opportunities for U.S. agriculture in the international marketplace, Vilsack states FAS also plays a vital role in international food aid and development programs. (USDA news release, dated 03/23/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0040-09)

5. TTB Releases FY 2008 Performance and Accountability Report

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has released its fiscal year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report, which defines the TTB's mission, strategic goals, and major programs, and summarizes its progress in meeting our objectives, as stated in the five-year strategic plan. (TTB report, dated FY 2008, available at http://www.ttb.treas.gov/foia/ttbpar2008.pdf)

6. ITA Quarterly Update on Foreign Government Cheese Subsidies

The International Trade Administration has issued its quarterly update to annual listing of foreign government subsidies on articles of cheese subject to an in quota rate of duty. (ITA update, FR Pub 03/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-6340.pdf)

7. BIS Partially Open Meeting on Emerging Technology, Deemed Exports, Etc.

The Bureau of Industry and Security's Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee (ETRAC) will hold a partially open meeting on April 6, 2009 in Washington, D.C. regarding emerging technology and research activities, including those related to deemed exports. (BIS notice, FR Pub 03/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-6345.pdf)

8. DTAG Open Meeting on Defense Trade Issues

The State Department's Defense Trade Advisory Group will hold an open meeting on April 7, 2009 in Washington D.C. in order to discuss current defense trade issues as well as topics for further study. (DTAC notice, FR Pub 03/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-6423.pdf)

9. ITDS Product Information Committee Meeting Minutes

The International Trade Data System's Product Information Committee (PIC) has made available the minutes of its March 11, 2009 meeting. (ITDS minutes, dated 03/11/09, available at http://www.itds.gov/linkhandler/itds/tsn/product_info_comm/meeting_minutes/pic_meeting_0311.ctt/pic_meeting_0311.pdf)

10. President Welcomes Frances Reintegration into NATO

The President has issued a statement welcoming the decision made by French President Sarkozy to fully reintegrate France into the NATO Alliance. The President stated that during his upcoming visit to France and Germany for the 60th Anniversary NATO Summit, he will be discussing the strengthened NATO alliance with France. (White House press release, dated 03/21/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Statement-from-President-Obama-welcoming-Frances-return-to-NATOs-military-structure/)

11. Executive Trade Mission to Chile and Peru

Export.gov is providing information on a trade mission that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere will lead to Santiago, Chile, and Lima, Peru, June 1-5, 2009. This trade mission will include face-to-face business appointments, meetings with government officials, and Embassy market briefings, including an overview of what our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with these countries mean for U.S. exporters. (Trade mission information available at http://www.export.gov/andeamission/andeamission_index.asp)

12. Canadian Trade Tribunal Begins Investigation on Removing Duty on Polyester Fabric

On March 10, 2009, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal began an investigation on whether, for an indeterminate period of time, the customs duty should be removed on importations from all countries of warp pile fabric, cut, solely of polyester, including the ground fabric, and brushed, for use in the manufacture of coffin interiors, which is classified under tariff item No. 6001.92.90. (CITT notice, dated 03/21/09, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-03-21/html/commis-eng.htmlf121)

13. Canada Announces Plan to Upgrade "Blue Water" Cross Border Bridge to U.S.

Canada's Government has announced it is investing in upgrading one of Canada's most heavily used cross-border bridge crossings to the U.S., Sarnia's Blue Water Bridge. Bridge improvement plans include the construction of additional lanes on the approach to the plaza, a truck return road to the U.S., new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspection booths, additional signage and improved lighting/electrical systems. (Notice, dated 03/20/09, available at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=2478)

14. European Parliament Approves Update of EU Cosmetics Legislation

The European Parliament (EP) has approved an update of European Union legislation on cosmetics, which aims to remove legal uncertainties and inconsistencies, while increasing the safety of cosmetics. The amendments add further improvements, especially regarding the claims companies make for their products and the safety of nanomaterials used in cosmetics. The regulation - which is directly applicable in all Member States - will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. It will apply 42 month later - except for certain parts on carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substances and nanomaterials, which will apply from an earlier stage. (EP press release, dated 03/24/09, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/066-52333-082-03-13-911-20090323IPR52331-23-03-2009-2009-true/default_en.htm)

15. WTO Predicts 9% Global Decline in Exports in 2009

The World Trade Organization reports that the collapse in global demand brought on by the biggest economic downturn in decades will drive exports down by roughly 9% in volume terms in 2009, the biggest such contraction since the Second World War. (WTO press release, dated 03/23/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres09_e/pr554_e.htm)

16. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Mexico Agricultural Situation: Mexico Announces Tariff Modifications on 36 U.S. Agricultural Products

Russian Federation Dairy and Products: Import Duties Raised on Infant Formula

17. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:

(CPSC recall information, dated 03/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar09.html)