Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
In remarks to the Business Roundtable on February 24, 2010, the President discussed his Administration's National Export Initiative and the goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years. The President also stated that his Administration has launched the Trans-Pacific Partnership to strengthen U.S. trade relations with Asia. For the same reason, the Administration will work to resolve outstanding issues and move forward on trade agreements with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia and conclude a Doha trade agreement that creates real access to key global markets. (Remarks, dated 02/24/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-business-roundtable
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
1. President Discusses FTAs, NEI, Etc. in Business Roundtable Speech
2. WTO's Lamy Says 2009 Saw Sharpest Decline in Trade Since WWII
World Trade Organization Director-General Lamy stated in a recent speech to the European Policy Center that world trade in 2009 contracted 2.2%, the sharpest decline since World War II, and global unemployment reached its highest level ever. He added that international trade is a vital part of the recovery as it produces jobs, growth, and a buffer for economies facing low domestic demand. (Speech, dated 02/24/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/sppl_e/sppl148_e.htm)
3. China Calls on U.S. to Improve Bilateral Relations after Arms Sales, Etc
According to China's embassy in the U.S., a Foreign Ministry spokesman has called on the U.S. to improve bilateral relations as U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in January 2010 and President Obama's February meeting with the Dalai Lama have seriously damaged U.S.-China relations. He said the U.S. should abide by the principles laid out by three joint communiques and a joint statement. (Notice, dated 02/23/10, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t659773.htm)
4. CBP Chicago Pipeline on Entry Correction Procedures
CBP's Port of Chicago has issued a Pipeline updating the entry correction procedures. It supersedes Pipeline 93-02 and any entry correction information contained in Pipeline 06-01. Pipeline 10-07 available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com.
5. CBP Chicago Pipeline on Email Boxes for Bonds & Licensing, Protest Units
CBP's Port of Chicago has issued a Pipeline announcing that it has established email addresses for protests and bonds and licensing. Pipeline 10-06 available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com.
6. EPA Submits Proposed Rule on Energy Standards for Small Electric Motors to OMB for Approval
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a proposed rule to determine whether it is appropriate to establish energy conservation standards for small electric motors where doing so would be technologically feasible and economically justified. (Rule, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/)
7. EPA Clarifies Certain Activated Phosphors Not on TSCA Inventory Will be Subject to Notification
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final clarification, effective August 24, 2011, that certain activated phosphors that are not on the Toxic Substances Control Act section 8(b) Chemical Substance Inventory will be considered to be new chemical substances under TSCA section 5, and thus will be subject to applicable notification requirements. This clarification is necessary because EPA's statements in this area have not been consistent. (FR Pub 02/24/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3675.pdf)
8. State Dept Reschedules Int'l Postal & Delivery Services Advisory Committee Meeting
The State Department is rescheduling the Feb 11, 2010 open meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services to March 11, 2010 in Washington, DC. The agenda includes a review of the results of the October-November 2009 session of the Universal Postal Union Council of Administration and other subjects related to international postal and delivery services. (Public Notice 6881, FR Pub 02/24/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3712.pdf)
9. OMB Approves DOD Final Rule on Articles Containing Foreign Para-Aramid Fibers and Yarns
The Office of Management and Budget has approved a Defense Department final rule to authorize DoD to acquire articles containing para-aramid fibers and yarns manufactured in foreign countries that have entered into a defense memorandum of understanding with the United States. (Rule, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/)
10. OMB Approves DoD Interim Final Rule to Amend FAR for Taiwan
The Office of Management and Budget has approved a Defense Department interim final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add Taiwan as a designated country, due to the accession of Taiwan to membership in the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement. (Rule, completed 02/22/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=9000-AL34)
11. CPSC Announces Feb 24th Closed Compliance Meeting
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a closed Sunshine Act meeting on February 24, 2010, in which the staff will brief the Commissioners on various compliance matters. (FR Pub 02/24/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3515.pdf)
12. EU Members of Parliament Call for "Place of Farming" Labeling for Primary Food Products
Members of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee have called for rules to introduce "place of farming" labeling for "primary products" such as vegetables and flowers, decided on a case by case basis, in order to promote and defend high European Union food quality standards. (Press release, dated 02/23/10, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/032-69374-054-02-09-904-20100223IPR69373-23-02-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm)
13. European Data Protection Supervisor Raises Privacy & Data Concerns about ACTA
The European Data Protection Supervisor has warned that the current negotiations aimed at adopting a new multilateral agreement to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property rights and to combat counterfeiting and piracy (ACTA) raise significant issues regarding individual rights to privacy and data protection. (Press release, dated 02/22/10, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=EDPS/10/3&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)
14. WCO Announces 2010 IT Conference
The World Customs Organization announced that its 2010 WCO IT Conference & Exhibition will be held on April 28-30, 2010, in Dublin, Ireland. (Notice, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/files/2.%20Event%20files/PDFs/IT2010/Dublin_brochure_v5.pdf)
15. First U.S. Research Center on ASEAN Launched in Washington, DC
The ASEAN Studies Center, the first U.S. academic research center on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was recently launched in Washington, DC. The center will work with the ASEAN Secretariat and others to organize conferences, training workshops and other events and develop relationships with partner institutions in Southeast Asia, the U.S. and other countries. (Notice, posted 02/24/10, available at http://www.aseansec.org/24276.htmArticle-9)
16. China and Australia Continue FTA Negotiations
China's People's Daily Online reports that China and Australia will continue free trade negotiations this week in their 14th round of discussions. According to Australian Trade Minister Crean, the main stumbling blocks remain differences over agriculture. (Notice, dated 02/24/10, available at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6901010.html)
17. China's AQSIQ Outlines Special Equipment Strategy Affecting Industrial Boilers, Etc
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine issued an outline of its Special Equipment Safety Development Strategy, which will guide the quality and safety of "special equipment" over the next ten years (2010-2020). Among other things, the strategy calls for increasing the energy efficiency and safety of coal-fired industrial boilers. (News release, dated 02/24/10, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/201002/t20100224_137296.htm)
18. CBSA Concludes Reinvestigation of Certain Waterproof Footwear from China
The Canada Border Services Agency has concluded its re-investigation of the normal values and export prices of certain waterproof footwear and bottoms made of plastic or rubber from China. The new normal values (49%) will be applicable to subject goods released from CBSA on or after February 23, 2010. (Notice, dated 02/23/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/ri-re/ad1241/ad1241-ri09-nc-eng.html)
19. Canada's DFAIT Posts 2010 Dairy-Related Quota Holder Lists
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) has posted the following dairy-related 2010 quota holder lists:
20. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:
| Product: Reason | Company | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Cat Snowmobiles: Fire Hazard | Arctic Cat Inc. (MN) | 10-721 |
(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelfeb10.html)
21. APHIS Animal Product PPQ Manual Updated
On February 23, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. (Manual, updated 02/23/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)
22. Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated
On February 19, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo. (Manual, updated 02/19/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)
23. APHIS Nursery Stock Restrictions PPQ Manual Updated
On February 19, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 02/19/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
24. FSIS Updates Lists of Canada Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated (February 23, 2010) version of its list of Canada establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.
25. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
80-04: Surgeon's and Patient Examination Gloves
20-06: Apple Juice Products Due to Patulin
20-05: Fruit Juices and Fruit Juice Concentrates Due to Heavy Metal Contamination
20-02: Apple Juice and Apple Juice Concentration Containing an Undeclared Sweetener
17-03: Amniotic Fluid
17-02: Venison
16-95: Canned Tuna Due to Decomposition
16-81: Seafood Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella
16-74: Salt-Cured Air-Dried Uneviscerated Fish
26. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries
FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:
Australia (Revised February 19, 2010)
St. Lucia (Revised February 19, 2010)
Korea (Revised February 22, 2010)
Uzbekistan (Revised February 22, 2010)
Jordan (Revised February 23, 2010)
Mexico Plant List (Revised February 23, 2010)
27. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
India - Grain and Feed Annual: 2010
Germany - German Barley Finds No Export Market: Grain and Feed
Philippines - Grain and Feed Annual: Philippine grain situation and outlook
Turkey - TMO Grain export tender: Grain and Feed
Venezuela - Low Sugar Prices Could Reduce Output and Increase Imports: Sugar, Agricultural Situation
Canada - This Week in Canadian Agriculture Issue 4: Agriculture in the News
China - 2010 Agriculture Policy Directive: Agricultural Situation
China - National Plan for Expansion of Grain Production Capacity: Agricultural Situation
Australia - Government Announces Sustainable Agricultural Research Program: Climate Change
Denmark - Dane Launches Low-cost 2nd Gen Ethanol Enzyme: Bio-Fuels
Spain - Spain's Dehydrated Fodder Sector: Grain and Feed
Denmark - Biorefinery and Biogas Tour: Bio-Fuels, Climate Change, Agriculture in the Economy
India - Weekly Highlights and Hot Bits No. 7: Agriculture in the News
New Zealand - New Zealand Wood Products and Forestry Report (MY2009): Wood Products
Czech Republic - Wine Market Brief - Opportunities and Regulations: Wine, FAIRS Subject Report
Malaysia - Grain and Feed Annual: Annual
Italy - Italy's Ministry of Agriculture and the McItaly Controversy: Agriculture in the News
Belgium EU-27 - Dacian Ciolos confirmed as EU Commissioner for Agriculture: Agriculture in the News
Mexico - Mexico to Allow Additional Sugar to Enter: Agriculture in the Economy, Sugar, Policy and Program Announcements
EU-27 - The Treaty of Lisbon - EU Decision Making Procedures: Agricultural Situation
Mexico - Mexico Extends Citrus Greening NOM: Agriculture in the Economy, Citrus, Policy and Program Announcements