Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Japan to Host APEC Symposium Dec. 9-10 on Trade Facilitation, Asia-Pacific FTA Concept

2. WCO Sec. General Advocates Int'l Convergence of Rules of Origin

During the World Trade Organization's recent Ministerial Conference, World Customs Organization Secretary General Mikuriya discussed the challenge for Customs in applying rules of origin and the work of the WCO to help its Members understand the issue, as this would be the basis for ensuring consistency in approach and moving towards convergence. The WCO noted that many trade ministers expressed similar interest during the Ministerial Conference. (Report, posted 12/03/09, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/default.aspx?lid=1&id=188)

3. President Discusses Importance of Exports at Recent Job Forum

The White House has posted the President's remarks at the Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth held on December 3, 2009. The President noted that expanding U.S. exports has to be a priority, and that the Administration is going to be scouring federal regulations, restrictions, etc. that are inhibiting export growth. The Administration is going to be trying to see if it can use the federal government to link up small business and medium-sized businesses to exports more effectively. (Remarks, dated 12/03/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-and-qa-closing-session-forum-jobs-and-economic-growth.)

4. OTEXA Launches New Tariff Database for 150 Markets

The Office of Textiles and Apparel has launched its new Tariff Database, which provides tariffs for textile products in more than 150 markets. The database also contains links to full tariff schedules. (Database, posted 12/01/09, available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/tacgi/eamain.nsf/6e1600e39721316c852570ab0056f719/c48f5d44703634f88525765700507303?OpenDocument&TableRow=1.1.01.1.)

5. FDA Announces Draft Guidance on Distinguishing Dietary Supplements from Beverages

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing the availability of a draft guidance entitled ''Guidance for Industry: Factors that Distinguish Liquid Dietary Supplements from Beverages, Considerations Regarding Novel Ingredients, and Labeling for Beverages and Other Conventional Foods.'' (D/N FDA-2009-D-0542, FR Pub 12/04/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-28926.pdf)

6. U.S. and Mexico Sign Border Spectrum Accord on Radio Interference

On December 4, 2009, at the Tenth Meeting of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Consultative Commission on Telecommunications (HLCC) in Washington, senior level telecommunications officials of the two governments signed a new protocol to reduce the possibility of cross border radio interference between public safety organizations in both countries as they begin employing a new radio frequency band (4940-4990 MHz) for broadband fixed and mobile use in the common border area. (Press release, dated 12/04/09, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/dec/133202.htm.)

7. Council Reaches Agreement on Possible Unified EU Patent System

The European Council has reached agreement that could end in a unified patent system across Europe which would allow for creation of a unified court in which parties would not have to litigate in parallel in different countries and in which cases would be heard before judges with the highest level of legal and technical expertise in patents. (Press release, dated 12/04/09, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1880&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)

8. China Approves New Standards for Organic Products

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine states that a committee has approved revised and new national standards on organic products. The standards would regulate the manufacture, processing and certification of organic products in China, and the Committee suggested the standards be implemented as soon as possible. (News release, dated 12/04/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200912/t20091204_132255.htm)

9. Iranian Arms Procurement Agent Indicted

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has issued a news release announcing the unsealing of indictments and other documentation related to the prosecution of Iranian arms procurement agent Amir Hossein Ardebili. In the indictments, Ardebili was charged with multiple violations of the Arms Export Control Act, International Emergency Economic Powers Act, smuggling, conspiracy and money laundering. (News release, dated 12/02/09, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0912/091202wilmington.htm)

10. DDTC Updates License Processing Times for November 2009

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has updated its table of license processing times to include November 2009. The table includes cases received, cases closed, cases open at the end of the month, and average processing time (in calendar days). (Table, updated 12/01/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/metrics/index.html)

11. OFAC Adds Individuals, Entities to its SDN List

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has added 22 individuals and 10 entities to its Specially Designated Nationals list. (List, updated 12/03/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/bulletin.txt)

12. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

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

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereldec09.html)

13. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions

FTZ 2. Site Renumbering: New Orleans, LA Area

14. Canada Message on Availability of Non-NAFTA Milk Protein TRQ

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has posted a message to on-line brokers to inform industry stakeholders that quantities of milk protein substances with a milk protein content of 85% or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel tariff rate quota (TRQ) for the period of April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 have become available. (Message, posted 12/02/09, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/dairy-laitiers/messages-1202.aspx)

15. FDA Posts Enforcement Report for December 2nd

The Food and Drug Administration has posted its Enforcement Report for the week of December 2, 2009. The report contains information on actions taken in connection with agency regulatory activities. (Report, posted 12/02/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm192785.htm)

16. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Report

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN report:

Senegal Agricultural Biotechnology Annual: Francophone West Africa Biotechnology Report