Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. DHS Announces Guidance on Recovery Act-Funded Port Grants, Etc.

2. FDA Announces Bottled Water Guidance for Industry

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing the availability of a guidance for industry entitled ''Bottled Water: Residual Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts-Small Entity Compliance Guide'' for a direct final rule published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2001. (D/N FDA-2009-D-0224, FR Pub 06/01/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12671.pdf)

3. State Dept Issues Favorable Cooperation Certification for Serbia

The State Department has published its determination that Serbia is cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, taking steps that are consistent with the Dayton Accords, etc. (FR Pub 06/01/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12663.pdf)

4. USTR Website Updated

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has updated its website. Key features of the new USTR website include a blog, an interactive travel map, an 'Ask the Ambassador' tool, etc. (Press Release, dated 06/01/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/may/united-states-trade-representative-ron-kirk-unveils-ne)

5. Updated FDA Website

The Food and Drug Administration has updated its website. (Website, available at http://www.fda.gov/)

6. BIS Explains Amendment of Thermal Imaging Camera EAR

In a release dated May 27, 2009, on the aims and rationale of the recent amendment for thermal imaging cameras, Matthew S. Borman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Administration, said "(t)his revision of the EAR will allow U.S. camera companies to more effectively compete in their major markets with foreign manufacturers while ensuring appropriate U.S. government review and oversight over commercial cameras used for military purposes." (Notice, dated 05/27/09, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2009/bis_press05272009.htm)

7. OFAC Adds Individuals, Entity to SDN List

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has added three individuals and one entity to its Specially Designated Nationals List pursuant to the Kingpin Act. (List, dated 05/29/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20090529.shtml)

8. Massachusetts Man Indicted for Trafficking in Imported Whale Teeth

A Massachusetts man has been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston with multiple counts of conspiracy and Lacey Act violations for buying and illegally importing sperm whale teeth into the U.S., as well as selling the teeth after their illegal importation, the Justice Department announced. David L. Place of Nantucket, Mass, was also indicted for conspiring with persons located in Ukraine to illegally import the protected whale teeth for re-sale in the U.S. (Notice, dated 05/29/09, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/May/09-enrd-529.html)

9. Commerce Department Offers Webinars on Canada, NAFTA Rules

On June 9, 2009, a Trade Specialist will present a webinar on NAFTA Documentation rules and procedures for export sales to Mexico and Canada. On June 17, 2009, another webinar will cover the U.S. Canada Non-Resident Importer Program and the specific benefits it offers small and medium sized U.S. exporters in pricing and shipping costs. Both webinars are from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. E.D.T. and cost $35. (Notice, available at http://www.export.gov/webinars/eg_main_018855.asp)

10. Treasury Secretary Gives Speech in China on Economic Growth, Trade

On June 1, 2009, Treasury Secretary Geithner gave a speech in China regarding the U.S. and China cooperating for recovery and growth. In his speech, Geithner stated that in China, sustainable economic growth will require a very substantial shift from external to domestic demand, from an investment and export intensive driven growth, to growth led by consumption. (Notice, dated 05/31/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg152.htm)

11. CBSA Concludes Re-Investigation of Certain Laminate Flooring from China and France

On May 29, 2009, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) concluded its re-investigation of the normal values and export prices of certain laminate flooring originating in or exported from China and France and concluded its review of subsidizing in China, pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). (Notice, dated 05/29/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/ri-re/ad1332/ad1332-ri08-nc-eng.html)

12. Canada's Dept. of Environment Intends to Implement Certain Regulations for Ozone-Depleting Substances

In the May 30, 2009 edition of the Canada Gazette, Canada's Department of the Environment published a notice of intent to develop and implement Extended Producer Responsibility regulations to manage the end-of-life of ozone-depleting substances and their halocarbon alternatives. (Notice, dated 05/30/09, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-05-30/html/notice-avis-eng.htmld101)

13. Canada's DFAIT Posts Notice to Importers on Specialty Creams TRQ

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) has posted Notice to Importers No. 747 in order to inform importers of the Minister's policies and practices respecting the administration of the 394,000 kilogram tariff rate quota (TRQ) for specialty creams. (Notice, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/dairy-laitiers/notices-avis/747.aspx?lang=eng)

14. ASEAN to Develop Online Directory of Intellectual Property Resources for Businesses, Etc.

Heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN's) Intellectual Property Offices have agreed to launch IP DIRECT, an on-line directory of IP-related resources and services for businesses and other interested parties. Initially, IP DIRECT will provide information pertaining to ASEAN Member States' IP legislation, sources for grants/loans and government incentives for investment in technology and R&D, technology transfer/licensing offices, rights management organizations, etc. (Press Release, dated 06/01/09, available at http://www.aseansec.org/PR-Launch-IPDirect.pdf)

15. ASEAN Starts Project on Patent Cooperation

Heads of ASEAN Intellectual Property Offices also announced the launching of the first regional patent cooperation project that will make it easier for entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs and inventors to obtain patents on their innovations in the region. (Press Release, dated 06/01/09, available at http://www.aseansec.org/PR-Project-Patent-Cooperation.pdf)

16. Japan's METI Publishes Status of Law on Export/Import of Hazardous Waste

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has published the status of the enforcement of the Law for the Control of Export, Import and Others of Specified Hazardous Wastes and Other Wastes (domestic law to the Basel Convention) for the period between January and December of 2008. (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20090528_02.html)

17. Agency Seeks 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):

(Information collection notices are hyperlinked to agency name.)